On November 26, 2025, the Official Journal of the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2025/2365, "Regulation on Preventing Plastic Pellet Losses to Reduce Microplastic Pollution," aimed at preventing the loss of plastic pellets at all stages of the supply chain, reducing microplastic pollution, and achieving the goal of "zero plastic pellet loss." The following are the key elements of the regulation:
I. Scope of Application
Applies to natural or legal persons handling or transporting plastic pellets within the EU, including:
- Economic operators with an annual handling volume of ≥5 tons;
- Facilities cleaning plastic pellet containers or storage tanks;
- EU and non-EU transporters;
- Shippers, ship operators, agents, and shipmasters involved in the maritime container transport of plastic pellets.
II. Key Definitions
- Plastic pellets: Various polymer materials used in plastic manufacturing, including pellets, powders, microbeads, etc.
- Loss: The escape of plastic pellets from facilities or transport vehicles into the environment.
- Spill: The escape of plastic pellets within facilities or transport vehicles without entering the environment.
III. Core Obligations
1. Economic Operator Obligations
- Develop and implement a risk management plan (including risk assessment, equipment, and procedures);
- Report facility information and pellet handling volumes to the competent authority;
- Large and medium-sized enterprises with an annual handling volume of ≥1,500 tons must obtain a compliance certificate from a certification body;
- Small enterprises may submit a self-declaration, updated every five years;
- Train employees and record annual estimates of pellet loss.
2. Transporter Obligations (EU and Non-EU)
- Implement loss prevention measures, such as inspecting packaging integrity, cleaning transport vehicles, and using sealed containers;
- Non-EU transporters must designate an authorized EU representative;
- Maritime transport must use high-quality packaging, and containers should be stored below deck or in sheltered areas whenever possible.
IV. Compliance Pathways
- Certification Compliance: Obtain a compliance certificate through an independent certification body;
- Permit Compliance: Facilities with existing environmental permits and regular inspections may be exempt from certification;
- Environmental Management System Compliance: Enterprises registered under EMAS or an equivalent EMS may be exempt from certain obligations.
V. Incident Response and Penalties
- In the event of a pellet loss incident, operators must immediately report it, take emergency measures, and submit an incident report;
- Administrative fines (up to 3% of annual turnover) or criminal penalties may be imposed for violations;
- Victims of health damage caused by violations may claim compensation in accordance with the law.
The regulation will take effect on 17 December 2027, and the EU will evaluate its implementation in 2033.
Further Information
