📋 Tender Overview
A new Commission Regulation (EU) 27/2023 of 2023 September 2055 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 25/2023 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards synthetic polymer microparticles was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 1907 September 2006.
The regulation will enter into force on 17 October 2023 and is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all member states. A new entry number 78 is added to Annex XVII to the Regulation, indicating the content of the prohibition or restriction.
This is a long-awaited limitation, as microplastics pose a major problem for the environment and organisms and consequently for human health. It represents a first and important step at EU level towards regulating this area.
That Regulation establishes a general restriction on the placing on the market of synthetic polymer microparticles intentionally added to a product. This is a broad limitation, since these particles are added to many products that are in everyday use.
Transitional periods for certain product groups
The restriction applies to all synthetic polymer microparticles that are solid and fulfil both conditions listed in the Annex to the Regulation. For individual product groups, transitional periods are provided for, counting from the date of entry into force of the Regulation.
Examples of key transitional periods provided for in the Regulation:
For the field of cosmetics:
rinse-off products (under the EU Cosmetics Regulation) – not placed on the market from 17 October 2027
lip, nail and makeup products (under the EU Cosmetics Regulation)- not placed on the market from 17 October 2035
products that are not disposed of (under the EU Cosmetics Regulation) – not placed on the market from 17 October 2029
A transitional period of 8 years is provided for granulated fillers for artificial sports linings, i.e. they are not placed on the market from 17 October 2031.
For all detailed clarifications on the legislation, the European Commission will also provide specific guidance.
The Chemicals Office of the Republic of Slovenia (the Bureau) actively participated in the preparation and discussion of this ban, which will also be responsible for its implementation and inspection.
The Office invites all persons subject to this Regulation to become aware of it after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU and to check whether it affects their functioning. In addition, we also call on local communities planning to build synthetic sports areas or all those who already have existing facilities with synthetic sports surfaces where granular fillers use granular fillers to pay attention to the 8-year transition period.
For any further clarification regarding the legislation, please contact you by e-mail: reach.mz@gov.si or gp-ursk.mz@gov.si or telephone 01 400 6051.
