Does your company deal with microplastics? Beware of new regulations!
Publication date: January 20, 2026
Analysis of Commission Regulation (EU) No 2023/2055
EU Commission Regulation 2023/2055 expands Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH) by adding entry 78. Annex XVII consists of a list of organic substances to varying degrees. Regulation 2023/2055 was introduced to restrict the use of synthetic polymer microparticles, often referred to as microplastics. However, it should be noted that the definition in the Regulation is broader than the commonly understood definition of microplastics. This initiative aims to reduce their release into the environment, as it is estimated that currently 42,000 tons of intentionally added microplastics enter the environment each year. The Regulation entered into force in 2023, but many provisions will not enter into force until the coming years.
