On June 2, 2026, an amendment to entry 78 in Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation, concerning synthetic polymer microparticles, was published. The amendment introduces three changes to the conditions for which the provisions do not apply:
• Point 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.’
• 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.’
Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202601168
Ekotox website: https://ekotox.eu/microplastics-spm-reporting-obligation-by-may-31-2026/
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We offer comprehensive support for SPM reporting, covering the entire process – from analysis of obligations to successful submission of the report to ECHA, including:
• analysis of whether and to what extent reporting applies to your business,
• verification of input data and applicable exemptions,
• preparation of a reporting dossier in IUCLID,
• submission of the report in REACH-IT with confirmation of submission.
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