The Commission has moved forward with measures to limit microplastics that are deliberately added to products under the EU chemicals legislation REACH. The new rules will prevent around half a million tonnes of microplastics from being released into the environment.

They will ban the sale of microplastics as such, as well as products to which microplastics have been added and which release microplastics during use. Where duly justified, derogations and transitional periods are applied for affected parties to adapt to the new rules.

The approved restriction uses a broad definition of microplastics — it covers all synthetic polymer particles under five millimeters that are organic, insoluble and resistant to degradation. The aim is to reduce microplastic emissions from as many products as possible.

Some examples of common products that fall within the scope of the restriction are as follows:

*the granular infill material used in synthetic sports surfaces — the largest source of intentional microplastics in the environment

*cosmetics, where microplastics are used for multiple purposes, such as exfoliation (microbeads) or producing a specific texture, fragrance or color

*detergents, fabric softeners, glitter, fertilizers, plant protection products, toys, medicines and medical devices, among others.

Products used in industrial facilities or products that do not release microplastics during use are exempt from the sales ban, but their manufacturers will have to provide instructions on how to use and dispose of the product to prevent microplastic emissions.

“EU citizens will have access to safer and more sustainable products and EU industry that has invested and developed such innovative products will become more competitive and resilient,” said Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton.

For his part, the Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginius Sinkevičius, noted that “by banning the intentional addition of microplastics, a serious problem for the environment and human health is being addressed. Microplastics are found in seas, rivers and land, as well as in food and drinking water. The restriction introduced today concerns very small particles, but it is a big step towards reducing man-made pollution.”

The first measures, for example the ban on free glitter dust and free microbeads, will be implemented when the restriction comes into force within 20 days. In other cases, the sales ban will be implemented after a longer period of time to give affected stakeholders time to develop and adopt alternatives.