REACH – REGULATION ON SYNTHETIC POLYMER MICROPARTICLES
This regulation prohibits the intentional addition of synthetic polymer microparticles (microplastics) in consumer products at a concentration >0.01% (by mass).
What are synthetic polymer microparticles?
They are solid polymers which meet the following two conditions :
- Are contained in particles and constitute at least 1% by mass of those particles, or form a continuous surface coating on the particles
- At least 1% by mass of these particles mentioned in point (a) meet one of the following conditions:
– All particle sizes are equal to or less than 5 mm ;
– The length of the particles is equal to or less than 15 mm and their length/diameter ratio is greater than 3 .
Polymers meeting one of the 4 exclusion criteria are not affected by this restriction:
- Polymers that are the result of a polymerization process that has taken place in nature, independently of the extraction process, and that are not chemically modified substances
- Polymers that are degradable
- Polymers that do not contain carbon atoms in their chemical structure
- Polymers with solubility greater than 2 g/L
Deadlines for entry into force :
- October 17, 2027 for rinse-off cosmetic products
- October 17, 2029 for leave-on cosmetic products.
- October 17, 2035 for lipsticks, nail polishes, and makeup
With a labeling requirement from October 17, 2031, of the statement "This product contains microplastics." Products placed on the market before this date may be sold without labeling until December 17, 2031. After this date, they will have to be relabeled.
Exemption criteria:
Certain exemption criteria are defined in the case where releases into the environment are controlled. These Polymers are concerned by this restriction, but they can be used at a concentration >0.01%:
→ Criterion 4a:
The polymer has lost its microplastic appearance in the formula. The formula as marketed no longer contains microplastics as defined.
There is no labeling requirement at the finished product level, only a reporting requirement.
→ Criterion 5b:
The polymer loses its microplastic appearance upon use.
There is indeed a reporting and labeling labeling.
REPORTING (criteria 4a and 5b):
From 2027, submit to ECHA, annually: A description of the end uses of synthetic polymer microparticles. Generic information on the identity of the polymers placed on the market. An estimate of the quantities of these microparticles released into the environment, including transport.
LABELING (criterion 5b):
From October 17, 2025, mention of instructions for use and disposal explaining to professionals and the general public how to avoid the release of microparticles into the environment.
Information to be provided in a clear, visible, legible, indelible manner, possibly in the form of
pictogram, on the packaging or instructions + in electronic form in addition if desired.
Sources:
COSMED Document: EU_REACH – Regulation on synthetic polymer microparticles (microplastics)_September 2023