![Reducing microplastic pollution from plastic pellet losses [EU Legislation in Progress]](https://i0.wp.com/epthinktank.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/EPRS-Briefing-760442-Microplastic-pollution-FINAL.png?fit=1000%2C614&ssl=1)
Written by Vivienne Halleux (3rd edition, updated on 23.09.2025).
Once dispersed in the environment, microplastic particles under 5 mm in size are extremely difficult to remove and very persistent. Today, they are present in the air, soil, freshwater, seas, oceans, plants and animals, and in several components of the human diet. Human exposure to microplastic particles is therefore widespread, raising concerns about potential health impacts.
On 16 October 2023, the European Commission proposed a regulation to tackle microplastic pollution resulting from losses of plastic pellets. The proposal would set requirements for best handling practices, mandatory certification and self-declaration, and provide for the development of a harmonised methodology to estimate losses.
The co-legislators reached a provisional deal on 9 April 2025. The Council formally adopted it on 22 September 2025. Parliament’s second-reading vote on the text is planned for the October II session.
Complete version
- September 2025: ‘Reducing microplastic pollution from plastic pellet losses‘ (3rd edition)
| Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution). | ||
| Committee responsible: | Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) | COM(2023) 645 16.10.2023 |
| Rapporteur: | César Luena (S&D, Spain) | 2023/0373(COD) |
| Shadow rapporteurs: | Liesbet Sommen (EPP, Belgium) Barbara Bonte (PfE, Belgium) Pietro Fiocchi (ECR, Italy) Karin Karlsbro (Renew Europe, Sweden) Jutta Paulus (Greens/EFA, Germany) Nikolas Farantouris (The Left, Greece) | Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’) |
| Next steps expected: | Second-reading vote in plenary | |
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