SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a SafeGuardS detailing new European Union (EU) legislation to regulate synthetic polymer microparticles (‘microplastics’) as substances on their own and in mixtures.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 was issued on September 27, 2023, to regulate microplastics under Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No.1907/2006 ‘Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals’ (REACH).

Microplastics are defined in the regulation as solid plastic particles composed of a mixture of polymers and functional additives. They must meet both of these conditions:
• Are contained in particles and constitute at least 1% of those particles; or build a continuous surface coating on particles, and
• At least 1% of the particles in the point above meet either of the following requirements:
- No more than 5 mm for all particle dimensions, or
- No more than 15 mm for particle length with a length to diameter ratio of more than three

SGS has published SafeGuardS 126.23 to help stakeholders understand the provisions in the new regulation. This includes exemptions and special requirements for a variety of operators, including suppliers of microplastics for industrial use, manufacturers and downstream users of microplastics as feedstock for plastic manufacturing, and suppliers of lip, nail and make-up products containing microplastics. The SafeGuardS also contains a table with regulation highlights, including effective dates.

Provisions will be implemented in phases starting on October 17, 2023.

Stakeholders should review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 126.23 for more information.

SGS REACH Services
SGS keeps interested parties informed about developments and changes to the REACH regulations. In addition, they offer comprehensive solutions to help business ensure their products remain in compliance with the latest requirements governing the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals in the EU. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s REACH Services. [www.sgs.com/en/service-groups/reach]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Regulates Microplastics under REACH SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2023/10/safeguards-12623-eu-regulates-microplastics-under-reach]

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
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