1. EU tightens limits for hazardous substances in recycled plastic
On 24 July 2025, the European Commission adopted an amendment setting limits for five polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) under the EU Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants (EU 2019/1021). The aim is to strengthen the protection of human health and the environment. In particular, the new regulation lowers the maximum permissible concentrations of PBDEs – namely TetraBDE, PentaBDE, HexaBDE, HeptaBDE and DecaBDE – in recycled materials, especially in products such as toys, children’s articles and household goods made from recycled plastic material.
Limits for mixtures and articles containing recycled materials:
– Upon entry into force: 500 mg/kg
– Three years after entry into force: 350 mg/kg
– Five years after entry into force: 200 mg/kg
Limits for toys and children’s articles made from recycled material:
– 18 months after the regulation comes into force, a stricter limit of 10 mg/kg applies.
For more information, visit:
https://www.chemradar.com/en/news/detail/etg7o98cqg3k
2. Information requirements for polymer microparticles (microplastics)
On 17 October 2023, the restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles (colloquially known as “microplastics”) according to Annex XVII, entry 78 of the REACH Regulation came into force. Special reporting requirements apply to certain uses exempted from the restriction (so-called “derogated applications”).
Manufacturers, importers and industrial users who place synthetic polymer microparticles on the market or use them in mixtures or articles are particularly subject to reporting requirements if these fall under the exemptions. They must submit comprehensive information to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on an annual basis. This includes information on polymer identity, particle size and shape, functional use, quantities placed on the market, types of use and emissions to the environment.
The report is submitted via the ECHA portal using IUCLID templates and submitted via REACH-IT. The data is made available in full to ECHA and the national authorities; non-sensitive, aggregated information is also published.
The reports must be submitted by 31 May of the following year. For data for the calendar year 2025, the deadline is 31 May 2026; for data from 2026, the deadline is 31 May 2027.
For further information, please visit:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32023R2055