REACH committee vote on microplastics
This edition of our newsletter reports on the decision taken by REACH to restrict the use of microplastics. We also answer three questions closely related to what this decision will mean.
CONTENTS
- Update vote EU parliament
- What else is on the horizon?
- Biodegradability testing: what's the status right now?
- What about certification?
Update vote EU parliament
On April 27, 2023, a significant milestone was reached when the REACH Committee voted in favour of restricting intentional microplastics. This decision was prompted by the European Chemical Agency's (ECHA) findings, which emphasized the uncontrolled environmental risks associated with microplastics. Before it can be officially adopted by the Commission, the proposal will undergo a thorough 3-month scrutiny process by the European Parliament and the Council. While the final date has yet to be determined, it is certain that it will not occur prior to July 27, 2023.
What else is on the horizon?
The ban on intentionally added microplastics is only one step among the European Commission’s 2030 targets (as set out in the Zero Pollution Action Plan) to reduce the amount of microplastics released into the environment by 30%. Also expected is the European Commission’s legislative initiative aiming to reduce the environmental presence of unintentionally released microplastics from tyres, textiles, and plastic pellets. This is anticipated to include labelling, standardisation, certification, and regulatory measures to limit the release of these microplastics at all relevant stages of a product lifecycle.
Biodegradability testing: what is the status right now?
In the Annex of the restriction of the use of intentionally added microplastic particles there is mention of labelling requirements as well as reporting requirements after the restriction has come into effect.
However, these requirements have all been specified for products which are exempt from the regulation. In the case of film coat liquids (and Plant Protection Products), these products will be microplastic free and there are no labelling requirements expected.
What about certification?
There is no clarity yet if and how certification will be organized after the legislation has come into force. Please bear in mind that, assuming that the restriction proposal will be adopted in the fall of 2023, the actual implementation will be no earlier than 2028. The Member States are responsible for enforcement of the legislation, and it is not likely that there will be clarity around how certification will be organized any time soon. If there even will be any certification.
