On 2 June 2026, the European Union issued Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 amending the restriction conditions for entry 78 (synthetic polymer microparticles) of Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation as follows:
(1) paragraph 4 is amended as follows:
- point (b) is replaced by the following: (b) ”medicinal products” as defined by Directive 2001/83/EC or ”veterinary medicinal products“ as defined by Regulation (EU) 2019/6;
- the following point (g) is added:(g) synthetic polymer microparticles, on their own or in mixtures, for use in product and process orientated research and development, in quantities of 1 tonne per year or less.
Note: The above amendments apply from 17 October 2023.
(2) in paragraph 5, point (c) is replaced by the following: (c) synthetic polymer microparticles which are permanently incorporated into a solid matrix during an intended end use of a duration of one year or longer.
Note: The above amendment applies from 22 June 2028.
