Entry 78 of REACH Annex XVII restricts synthetic polymer microparticles — intentionally added microplastics — placed on the EU market on their own or in mixtures. The original restriction (Regulation (EU) 2023/2055) has applied since October 2023, with product-group transition periods. In June 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 amended the entry.
What changed in June 2026
Scope clarified for coatings and packaging additives — certain polymer coatings and film-forming additives (anti-slip coatings, film formers, printing-ink carriers) are now explicitly inside the restriction when they meet the microparticle definition.
Labelling brought forward — products relying on a derogation must carry the standard instructions for use and disposal from 15 June 2027.
Annual ECHA reporting — suppliers of derogated products must report microparticle quantities and uses to ECHA annually from 2027.
What importers should do
Ask packaging and masterbatch suppliers whether any coating or additive meets the synthetic-polymer-microparticle definition under the clarified scope.
Where a derogation is relied on, prepare the labelling phrases and the data needed for ECHA reporting.
Record supplier confirmations as compliance evidence against each affected SKU.
Always verify the exact scope, derogations and dates against the official text of Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 and the consolidated entry 78 before making compliance decisions.
