On November 26, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that companies can now begin submitting their annual microplastic emission reports in accordance with the EU's microplastic restriction regulations. The first report must be submitted by May 31, 2026, and must contain estimated emission data for the year 2025.
Microplastic Emission Reporting
Annual reporting is required for all uses of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) not covered by the ban. This includes uses in veterinary medicines, human medicines, food additives, in-vitro diagnostic devices, and uses within industrial sites. Obligated entities include manufacturers, importers, downstream users, and suppliers who first place products containing SPMs on the market.
Reports must be prepared in the IUCLID format and submitted via the REACH-IT platform. Key deadlines are as follows:
- May 31, 2026: Applies only to industrial sites using SPMs in the form of pellets, flakes, or powders as raw materials for plastic production.
- May 31, 2027: Expands to cover all other industrial site uses, as well as exempted products (not falling under the ban) first placed on the market for professional users or the general public.
Subsequently, reports must be submitted annually, covering only data from the previous calendar year. REACH-IT currently only accepts "first-time submissions"; the update function is scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2026.
Further Information
