Microplastics Evaluations and Regulatory Support
We support cosmetic companies in understanding and preparing for the European Union’s (EU’s) proposed microplastics restriction to ensure successful market entry into the EU.
ECHA’s Restriction Proposal for the Ban of MicroplasticsAs part of its plastics strategy and sustainable development goals, the European Commission (EC) asked the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to complete a restrictions proposal (Annex XV report) for intentionally-added microplastics used in products that are placed on the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) market. The proposal aims to ban microplastics in products such as cosmetics, detergents, fertilisers and more. ECHA’s Restriction Proposal for the Ban of Microplastics is expected to be implemented by the end of 2022.
Intertek Solutions
Intertek provides a comprehensive range of services for beauty and personal care products to ensure quality, safety, and efficacy, in addition to helping companies understand and comply with regulations around the world. With its comprehensive service offering, Intertek is uniquely positioned to ensure companies understand regulatory changes and meet the necessary requirements to continue importing products to the EU and other key markets such as North America and Asia.
Our experts can conduct microplastic evaluations of your ingredients and help you understand the impact this new regulation may have on your products.
Our services include:
- Information collection from suppliers of ingredients for microplastics evaluations
- Documentary analysis
- Optimal monitoring of the project (reminders, monitoring of the completeness of files, etc.)
- Regulatory support (monitoring of derogation cases, etc.)
To ensure successful market entry into the EU, cosmetic businesses should be aware of and prepared for the microplastics restriction to ensure their cosmetic product formulas are compliant.
Our team of experts are available to address the regulatory and compliance needs of the cosmetics, home, and personal care industry. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help!
More information about the ECHA’s Restriction Proposal for the Ban of Microplastics (Annex XV):
What are microplastics?
A microplastic can be defined as a solid polymer containing particles with dimensions between 100 nm and 5 mm, to which additives or other substances may have been added.
This definition does not apply to exempted polymers as detailed in the restriction proposal.
For cosmetics, there are also two cases which allow companies to place some ingredients on the market even if they are categorized as microplastics, however, there are certain reporting and/or labelling requirements that will need to be fulfilled.
Who is impacted?
The EU microplastics restriction will impact cosmetic manufacturers/downstream users and distributors, as they will need to comply by the transition periods outlined below:
- Rinse-off products: EIF +4 years- Leave-on products EIF +6 years
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