The World Trade Organization (WTO) was notified by the European Union (EU) on September 17, 2025, of a proposed regulation that would modify the REACH regulation’s ban on synthetic polymer microparticles.

Key Content

The changes target microplastics, which are microparticles of synthetic polymers. Because of their persistence and propensity to negatively impact ecosystems and human health, these microscopic plastic particles which are frequently purposefully put to a variety of products have grown to be a serious environmental concern.

By addressing the following derogations for polymer microparticles, the draft rule aims to improve and clarify current limits under Entry 78 of Annex XVII of REACH:

Medicinal Products: The change makes it clear that not all pharmaceuticals intended for human and veterinary use, including those undergoing clinical trials, are subject to the prohibition. This corrects a mistake in the original text of Entry 78’s paragraph 4, point (b).

Product and Process Orientated Research and Development (PPORD): For synthetic polymer microparticles used in PPORD in amounts of one tonne annually or less, a clear derogation is included.

Permanently Incorporated Microparticles: The rule makes clear that microplastics that are permanently integrated into a solid matrix are exempt. It states that this exception only applies in cases when the solid matrix is intended to be used for a period of one year or more.

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