Companies can now begin submitting their annual microplastics release reports to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the EU’s microplastics restriction. These reporting obligations apply to uses that are exempt from the EU-wide ban. The first submissions—covering estimated emissions from 2025—are due by 31 May 2026.
Reporting System Now Supported in Latest IUCLID and REACH-IT Updates
Helsinki, 26 November 2025 – ECHA has updated its IUCLID data software and the REACH-IT submission tool to support compliance with the microplastics restriction introduced in 2023. Developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the new reporting system standardises data collection, enhances transparency, and enables regulators to track emissions and evaluate the effectiveness of risk-management measures. The data may also inform future EU policy on microplastics.
Who Must Report?
Annual reporting applies to uses of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) that remain allowed under specific exemptions. These include uses in:
-
Human and veterinary medicines
-
Food additives
-
In vitro diagnostic devices
-
Industrial uses at controlled sites
Obligations apply to manufacturers, importers, and downstream users, as well as suppliers placing SPMs or SPM-containing products on the EU market under certain conditions.
Reports must be prepared in IUCLID format and submitted to ECHA via REACH-IT.
Key Deadlines
31 May 2026
-
Manufacturers and industrial downstream users handling SPMs as pellets, flakes, or powders used as raw materials in plastic production at industrial sites.
31 May 2027
-
All other manufacturers and industrial downstream users of SPMs at industrial sites
-
Suppliers placing SPM-containing products on the market for the first time for specific exempted uses by professionals or consumers
Reports must cover emissions from the preceding calendar year. REACH-IT currently accepts initial submissions only; dossier updates will be enabled from Q2 202
Support for Companies
ECHA has published:
-
Detailed guidelines
-
An IUCLID user manual
-
A step-by-step video tutorial
-
A pre-filled IUCLID dataset (.i6z) to simplify dossier preparation
Companies are advised to review the reporting requirements and support materials early to ensure timely compliance.
Background
The EU’s microplastics restriction—effective since October 2023—bans the intentional use of microplastics in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, detergents, and certain agricultural applications, and restricts processes that release them into the environment. For exempted uses, annual reporting is required to help regulators monitor emissions and support future measures aimed at reducing microplastics pollution.
