SGS Highlights EU Changes to Microplastics Rules Under REACH
BAAR, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / June 17, 2026 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 081.26, summarizing several derogations for microplastics under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation.
Entry 78 on synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs, also known as microplastics) under Annex XVII has been amended to introduce several changes to derogations, including:
- Updating the exemption for medicinal products to include those used in clinical trials and preclinical safety testing
- Introducing an exception for SPMs on their own or in mixtures, for product and process-oriented research and development (PPORD), in quantities of no more than one tonne per year
- Clarifying that the derogation for SPMs permanently incorporated into a solid matrix applies only where the intended end use is expected to last for at least one year, and excluding applications where the matrix is designed to be frequently removed and replaced
Stakeholders across the consumer products supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in the EU market are affected by these changes.
SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 081.26 includes further information on the amendments, including comparisons with previous requirements and applicable dates.
Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 081.26 for more details.
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SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Updates Microplastics Rules Under REACH SafeGuardS.
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For further information, contact Media Inquiries or:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
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