EU REACH Annex XVII revision adds restrictions on the use of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) (commonly known as microplastics)
On September 27 , 2023 , the European Commission approved and issued Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 , adding a new restriction item, item 78 , to Annex XVII of EU REACH Regulation ( EC) No 1907/2006 to restrict various The use of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM, commonly known as microplastics).
definition
Synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) are defined as solid polymers that meet both of the following conditions:
1. Contained in particles and accounting for at least 1% (by weight) of those particles; or forming a continuous surface coating on the particles;
2. Among the particles mentioned in point 1 , at least 1% of the particles (by weight) meet any of the following conditions:
a. All sizes of particles are ≤ 5 mm ;
b. The length of the particles is ≤ 15 mm , and its aspect ratio is > 3 .
However, the following polymers do not apply to the definition of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) :
( 1 ) Polymers produced by polymerization processes that occur in nature and have nothing to do with their extraction processes, nor are they chemically modified substances;
( 2 ) Polymers proven to be degradable according to Appendix 15 (Appendix 15) ;
( 3 ) According to Appendix 16 (Appendix 16) , polymers whose solubility is >2 g/L ;
( 4 ) Polymers that do not contain carbon atoms in their chemical structure.
Manufacturers, importers and downstream industrial users of products containing synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) must, upon request, provide to the competent authorities the characteristics of the polymers contained in these products, the content of these polymers in the products Function. If a product is claimed not to fall within the regulatory definition on the grounds of degradability or solubility, proof must also be provided to the competent authority upon request.
limit:
According to regulations, synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) may not be placed on the EU market as substances or in mixtures at a concentration ≥ 0.01% by weight.
implement:
This revision will be implemented from October 17 , 2023. Some products will be given a certain transition period. The implementation date is as follows :
Product Category | execution date |
Non-cosmetic toys | No transition period ( October 17 , 2023 ) |
Products containing plastic microbeads (i.e., synthetic polymer microparticles used as abrasives) | No transition period ( October 17 , 2023 ) |
Products that require rinsing | 4 years later ( October 17 , 2027 ) |
Detergents, waxes, polishes, air care products, certain fertilizer products, agricultural and gardening products | 5 years later ( October 17 , 2028 ) |
Flavor packaging, resident products, medical devices | 6 years later ( October 17 , 2029 ) |
Plant protection products, seeds treated with plant protection products, biocidal products, granular fillings for artificial sports surfaces | 8 years later ( October 17 , 2031 ) |
Lip products , nail products, cosmetics | After 12 years ( October 17 , 2035 ) ( Tagging required from year 9 onwards) ( October 17 , 2031 )
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