EU-REACH-XVII-78 · : In force Updated
: June 2026: Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 clarifies the entry-78 scope for polymer coatings and packaging additives and advances labelling/reporting duties.
Entry 78 of REACH Annex XVII restricts synthetic polymer microparticles (intentionally added microplastics) placed on the EU market, on their own or in mixtures. Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 (June 2026) tightens the entry: it clarifies the scope for polymer coatings and film-forming packaging additives, and advances labelling and reporting duties for suppliers of products containing permitted microparticles.
• Do not place products containing intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles on the EU market unless a derogation applies.
• Where a derogation applies (e.g. industrial-use-only), provide the required instructions for use and disposal and the standard labelling phrases.
• Suppliers of derogated products must report annually to ECHA on microparticle quantities and uses.
• Check packaging additives (anti-slip coatings, film formers, printing-ink carriers) against the clarified scope introduced in June 2026.
2023-10-17 — original entry 78 restriction in force (Regulation (EU) 2023/2055)
2026-06-15 — amending Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 in force (scope clarification for coatings/packaging additives)
2027-06-15 — extended labelling and annual ECHA reporting duties apply
