How are microplastics regulated in the UK and European Union?

Here, we outline how microplastics are currently regulated in the United Kingdom and European Union, with a focus on the regimes that are likely to be the most relevant to consumer product manufacturers.  It is important to note that, in addition to these regimes, other generally applicable legal frameworks (such as those which regulate greenwashing and product safety) may also apply. 

How are microplastics regulated in the UK?

Existing targeted bans on microbeads

In England, The Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (England) Regulations 2017 (the EPMRs) have prohibited, since 2018, the manufacture and sale of rinse-off personal care products containing plastic microbeads.  

The EPMRs define 'microbeads' as 'any water-insoluble solid plastic particle of less than or equal to 5mm in any dimension'.  Such microbeads were typically added to products such as body scrubs for their perceived exfoliating effect. 

Similar legislation exists in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Incoming bans on plastic wet wipes

The UK Government is expected to introduce a ban in England on the sale of wet wipes (a wet wipe being defined to be 'a non-woven piece of fabric which has been pre-wetted and which is not designed or intended to be re-used') containing plastic. This is because plastic wet wipes are a significant source of plastic and microplastic pollution after they are flushed or discarded. 

Draft legislation, The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025, was published in July 2025, but the exact timing as to when the ban will take effect remains unclear.  It is not, however, anticipated to be before 2027. 

The other constituent nations of the UK are taking similar measures, albeit with varying timings.  The sale of plastic wet wipes will, for example, be banned in Wales from December 2026. 

UK REACH

The general regulatory framework for chemicals in the UK is the post-Brexit Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (UK REACH) regime.  UK REACH, which is administered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), applies in all parts of the UK other than Northern Ireland (which remains subject to EU REACH), including in relation to the microplastics restriction under EU REACH discussed below). 

UK REACH encompasses all chemical substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles.  Restrictions can be imposed to limit or ban the manufacture, placing on the market or use of a substance to protect human health and the environment from unacceptable risks.  Restrictions can be specific to certain uses of a substance.

Microplastics have been considered in the context of UK REACH, however, while intentionally added microplastics were listed as a priority area for the 2023 to 2024 UK REACH work programme, the most recent policy paper published on 31 July 2025 setting out the English, Scottish and Welsh Governments' priorities for UK REACH makes no mention of microplastics.  The HSE's Work Programme for 2025-26, published in July 2025, also does not refer to microplastics. 

Microplastics Evidence Project

In May 2025, the UK Government published findings from a research project assessing the emissions of intentionally added microplastics (i.e., excluding those from plastic debris and textiles) in the UK and evaluating potential 'risk management options' (RMOs) to mitigate environmental and health impacts, including under UK REACH. 

The research estimated that, without regulatory intervention, there could be in the order of 50,000 tonnes of microplastics emitted to the environment between 2024 and 2043. 

Six potential RMOs were assessed against a baseline 'do nothing' scenario:

1. RMOs 1A to 1C: broad to targeted restrictions, including alignment with EU REACH;
2. RMO 2: containment measures for synthetic sports surfaces; and
3. RMOs 3A and 3B: reducing recycling of sewage sludge to land by 95% and 50%.

The report noted that none of the RMOs clearly outperformed the others across the key impact indicators, but that there were uncertainties in the data, particularly where UK specific data did not exist and EU data was applied to the UK. 

The UK Government is now reviewing the findings and engaging with stakeholders to determine future policy directions.

How are microplastics regulated in the European Union?

Microplastics Restriction under EU REACH

In September 2023, the European Commission introduced an EU REACH restriction – implemented through Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 – on microplastics intentionally added to products (the Microplastics Restriction).  The Microplastics Restriction applies to synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) and commenced, as part of a phased implementation, on 17 October 2023.

The Microplastics Restriction has relatively limited scope: it only applies when SPMs are placed on the market in the form of substances and in a concentration equal to or greater than 0,01 % by weight.  Importantly, the Microplastics Restriction does not apply to SPMs in the form of 'articles', namely any object "which during production is given a special shape, surface or design which determines its function to a greater degree than does its chemical composition".

There are also a number of derogations including SPMs for use at industrial sites, medicinal products for human and veterinary use and food additives. This is on the basis that there is considered to be existing effective regulation of microplastics under other EU legal frameworks.

The most obvious example of an SPM (at least to anyone with small children) is glitter, although the Microplastic Restrictions does not apply to glitter that is biodegradable, soluble or natural nor plastic glitter that is contained and permanently incorporated in a solid matrix, such as in glues, paints and inks or which is affixed to the surface of a product.  Other obvious SPMs, which have also been banned since 17 October 2023 under the Microplastics Restriction, are the microbeads typically used as abrasives in rinse-off cosmetics (e.g., scrubs, exfoliants). 

Many consumer products will clearly be 'articles' and so will not be impacted by the Microplastics Restriction.  However, there can be borderline cases where the question of whether or not something is an article, or a combination of an article and a substance/mixture, is difficult to answer.  In such cases, it can be prudent to assess the relevant product carefully, including by taking legal advice.  The EU has also produced a helpful Explanatory Guide which illustrates how the Microplastics Restriction applies to various product categories. This document will be periodically updated and at present, the EU is still considering its position in relation to certain products. 

In addition to the restriction on placing SPMs on the market, the Microplastics Restriction also imposes reporting requirements on a number of supply chain participants, including manufacturers (and also, it is important to note, in relation to certain SPMs subject to derogations).   Further information is available via ECHA guidance. 

As noted above, restrictions under the Microplastics Regulation for SPMs used in certain product categories are being phased in.  For example, the following (in a non-exhaustive list) deadlines apply:

There are a number of other deadlines.  For example, from 17 October 2025 suppliers of SPMs intended for use at industrial sites will have to provide instructions for use and disposal, information on the quantity/concentration of SPMS, their chemical composition and a statement that the relevant SPMs are subject to restrictions.   

Also by way of examples, from 17 October 2026, suppliers of invitro diagnostic devices and, from 17 October 2025, food additives will have to provide instructions for use and disposal explaining to professional users and the general public how to prevent releases of SPMs to the environment. 

For four years from 17 October 2031 (i.e. until they cannot contain SPMs as a result of the 17 October 2035 deadline referred to above), suppliers of lip products, nail products, and make-up products containing SPMs will be required to include the following statement to inform consumers of the presence of SPMs:  "This product contains microplastics."  However, such products placed on the market prior to 17 October 2031 will not be required to bear that statement until 17 December 2031 (after which they will have to be taken off sale, even they were compliant when first placed on the market). 

Proposed plastic pellets law

The European Commission has also introduced a proposal for a new law, independent of EU REACH, to prevent plastic pellets (the industrial raw materials used to make plastic products) from entering the environment. 

This is currently moving through the legislative process, but the proposal would, if enacted, introduce mandatory risk management plans for all facilities handling pellets, covering labelling, loading, unloading, staff training, and equipment.  The new rules would also extend to maritime transport, requiring high-quality packaging and compliance with International Maritime Organization guidelines.

A company's obligations will depend on the quantity of plastic pellets handled.  For example, operators handling greater than 1,500 tonnes of pellets per year will be required to obtain independent third-party certification of their compliance with the new regime.

Once enacted, which is expected to take place later this year, the law will come into effect after a two-year transitional period (i.e. until late 2027).  There will be a further one-year delay to the implementation of the maritime transport measures. 

Wastewater Treatment Directive

The revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/3019), which became law in January 2025, introduced a range of measures to address the presence of micropollutants, including microplastics, in wastewater systems.

The Directive requires the systematic monitoring of microplastics and for wastewater treatment plants across the EU to track microplastic levels at various stages of the treatment process.  This monitoring is designed to provide a clearer picture of how microplastics move through, and are affected by, treatment systems. 

The Directive also applies the 'polluter pays principle': it requires industries which contribute significantly to micropollutant levels, such as the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, to finance at least 80% of the costs associated with new treatment requirements, including those that aim to reduce microplastic levels. 

EU Member States have until 31 July 2027 to transpose the Directive into their national laws and the cost-recovery mechanisms under the polluter pays principle are required to be operational by 31 December 2028.

What if I require assistance?

If you have any questions in relation to microplastics regulation, please contact Aonghus Heatley. Aonghus is a senior UK and EU-qualified environmental and products lawyer in Fieldfisher's London office. 

The contents of this article do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information purposes only.