Reducing microplastic pollution from plastic pellets

KEY POINTS

Context

Plastic pellets are polymer-based moulding materials used to make plastic goods. When lost, they become persistent microplastics that harm ecosystems and may affect human health. Pellet losses are the third largest source of unintentional microplastic pollution in the EU.

Scope

The regulation applies to:

• operators that handled five tonnes or more of pellets in the previous calendar year;
• operators running installations used to clean pellet containers and tanks;
• EU and non-EU carriers transporting pellets in the EU;
• shippers, operators, agents and masters of seagoing vessels loading or calling at EU ports.

Operational obligations

All covered entities must prevent, contain and clean up pellet losses without delay, in that order of priority, using environmentally sustainable practices.

Shippers must ensure robust packaging, provide transport information and submit special stowage requests.

Packaging must display a warning and a pictogram.

Vessel operators, agents and masters must secure pellet containers and stow them below deck or in sheltered positions.

Registration and notification

Before handling or transporting pellets, operators and carriers must notify national authorities of installations or transport activities.

Non-EU carriers must appoint an authorised representative established in at least one EU Member State.

Notifications must be kept up to date, including closures or changes in quantities handled.

Risk management

Each installation must have a risk-management plan identifying spill² points, estimated losses and a description of procedures and equipment to prevent, contain and clean up spills that are appropriate for the type of installation, with responsibilities assigned. Plans must be regularly updated and may be revised at the request of authorities. Operators must retain records on quantities handled and estimated losses for five years.

Operational and enterprise-level requirements

Installations must use suitable packaging, containment systems, drainage protection and clean-up equipment.

Where 1 500 tonnes or more are handled annually in installations owned by large and medium-sized enterprises, operators must also:

• carry out annual internal assessments;
• provide training and awareness programmes for staff and contractors;
• review risk-management measures and record findings.

Transport obligations

Road, rail and inland waterway carriers must ensure vehicles and containers are pellet-free before departure, close loading and unloading systems when leaving facilities and limit losses during transport and at transfer points such as ports or terminals.

Compliance verification

Compliance is demonstrated either through:

• a five-year self-declaration for microenterprises and operators not required to obtain a certificate, together with an updated risk-management plan; or
• third-party certification for installations handling 1 500 tonnes or more, required every three years for large enterprises, every four years for medium-sized enterprises and only once for small enterprises, issued by accredited certifiers after spot checks.

Certification deadlines vary according to enterprise size:

• large enterprises must be certified by 17 December 2027, with renewal every three years;
• medium-sized enterprises by 17 December 2028, with renewal every four years;
• small enterprises by 17 December 2030, with certificates valid for five years, after which they may either be renewed or be replaced by a self-declaration.

Operators registered under the EU eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) are exempt if their verifier has confirmed compliance with the regulation. Member States may likewise exempt operators using equivalent verified systems where the implementation of requirements is confirmed and the system is recognised.

Public information and enforcement

Member States must maintain public online registers of notifications, risk plans, self-declarations, certificates and permits while safeguarding confidential details.

Authorities must conduct risk-based inspections and impose proportionate and dissuasive penalties, including administrative fines or criminal sanctions for serious breaches.

Individuals suffering health damage due to infringements are entitled to claim compensation from the responsible party.

The European Commission will develop and make available awareness-raising and training material by 17 December 2026.

Member States must ensure access to information and assistance and may provide financial and technical support for smaller enterprises, subject to State-aid rules.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Member States must submit their first implementation report by 1 January 2030, and every three years thereafter.
• By 17 December 2033, the Commission must evaluate implementation and the regulation’s contribution to reducing microplastic pollution by 30 % by 2030.