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REACH: 6-month ban on intentional microplastics
- Daniel Jiménez
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 added entry 78 to Annex XVII of REACH to prohibit or restrict synthetic polymer particles ≤ 5 mm intentionally added to mixtures (“microplastics”). The regulation came into effect on 17 October 2023 and establishes phased phase-out schedules extending to 2035 for certain cosmetics and detergents.
In March-April 2025, the Commission published an Explanatory Guide (Parts I-III) clarifying the scope, degradability/solubility criteria and borderline cases, including the placing on the market of plastic glitter.
Table of contents
1. Legal framework and supporting documentation
Official document | Key content | State |
Reg. (EU) 2023/2055 (OJ L 238, 27-Sep-2023) | Enter entry 78 and appendices 15-16 (degradability and solubility tests) | Effective from 17-Oct-2023 |
Explanatory guide (Part I) | Narrative text and decision trees; translation into 22 languages planned for Q3-2025 | Published March 26, 2025 |
Q&A (Part II) + annexes (Part III) | Responses to authorities and sector, examples of borderline cases, labeling dates | English only; continuously updated by ECHA |
2. Scope and operational definitions
In scope : insoluble, non-biodegradable synthetic polymer particles ≤ 5 mm, either alone or added to mixtures (e.g. exfoliating microspheres, loose glitter).
Out of scope : degradable polymers (criteria section 15), soluble polymers (section 16), inorganic variants (glass, metal), natural polymers or products classified as articles (e.g. sewing sequins).
Glitter : Plastic glitter sold in bulk is considered a mixture and is prohibited unless it is biodegradable/soluble or exempt for professional use with technical containment.
3. Schedule of main obligations (extract from entry 78)
Category / use | End of sale allowed | Additional conditions |
Loose plastic glitter for arts, toys, or other uses with no transition period | October 17, 2023 | No exceptions if placed on the market after that date |
Rinse-off cosmetics | October 16, 2027 | Total ban from 17-Oct-2027 |
Leave-on cosmetics | October 16, 2029 | Idem |
Makeup, lips and nails | October 16, 2035 | Between 17-Oct-2031 and 16-Oct-2035, the phrase "This product contains microplastics" must appear. |
Instructions for use and disposal ( IFUD ) for professional uses (e.g. granular detergents) | October 17, 2025/2026, depending on the category | Text or pictograms that prevent environmental release |
Products (including glitter) placed on the market before 17-Oct-2023 | No obligation to withdraw | They can be sold while supplies last (art. 78§16) |
4. Technical highlights of the 2025 Guide
Decision trees to verify whether a particle is microplastic (composition, degradability, size).
Borderline cases : thermoplastic polymer sands for 3D printing, polymer-coated fertilizer pellets, solid-matrix glitter inks.
Repeal due to “technical containment” : mixture admitted if the release is < 7 ppm, verification by mass balance and leaching test.
5. Implications for key sectors
Sector | Regulatory risk | Priority action |
Cosmetics (rinse-off, leave-on, color) | Term ≤ 4 years to reformulate | Replace microbeads with cellulose, silica, or polyhydroxyalkanoates; validate performance |
Detergents and cleaning agents | Mandatory IFUD 2025; annual volume report | Integrating disposal pictograms and IUCLID sheets for ECHA |
Paints, inks, glitter adhesives | Exempt if the polymer is trapped in a solid matrix | Document retention ≥ 99% in abrasion test |
B2B/B2C Distribution | “Contains microplastics” label 2031-2035 for makeup | Schedule packaging redesign and review of safety data sheets |
6. Belab Services Recommendations
Catalog audit : Identify mixtures that release microplastics and classify them according to entry 78.
Replacement plan : prioritize families with shorter rinse-off times and evaluate alternatives with biodegradability testing according to Appendix 15.
Stock management : Segment batches placed before 17-Oct-2023 to take advantage of stock repeal.
Training and communication : Update technical data sheets and provide training to distributors on new labeling and IFUD requirements.
Regulatory oversight : Incorporate updates to the Guidance (Part II‑III) and future clarifications from ECHA into your internal compliance system.
Conclusion
Regulation 2023/2055 constitutes the most extensive restriction approved to date under REACH, with direct repercussions for cosmetics, detergents, cleaning products, arts and crafts, and, in general, any mixture that releases polymer particles.
The 2025 Guide offers practical criteria to resolve any questions and confirms that compliance will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, supported by analytical data on degradability, solubility, and containment.
Companies have a limited window—four to twelve years, depending on usage—to transform their formulas, adapt their documentation, and redesign packaging before microplastics become a thing of the past.
Official sources
European Commission. Regulation (EU) 2023/2055: REACH entry 78 EUR-Lex
European Commission. Press release – Explanatory guide for the restriction of microplastics (1 April 2025) Internal Market and SMEs
European Commission. Explanatory Guide Part I & II (26 March 2025) Internal Market and SMEs Internal Market and SMEs
European Commission. FAQ on transition periods (glitter and cosmetics) Internal Market and SMEs
Official Journal, entry 78 §§ 7-10 (labeling and IFUD) EUR-Lex
