On 16 December 2025, the Directorate-General for Environment announced the entry into force of new EU legislation aimed at reducing microplastic pollution originating from plastic pellets. This regulation represents a significant step in the European Unions efforts to curb microplastic emissions at their source while ensuring fair competition across the Single Market and supporting the transition to a more sustainable economy.
Plastic pellets, which are the basic raw material used in the manufacture of most plastic products, are recognised as a major contributor to microplastic pollution. Once released into the environment, pellets do not biodegrade easily and can spread widely across soil, rivers, and oceans, posing serious risks to ecosystems and potentially to human health. The new rules are designed to address these risks by strengthening prevention, containment, and clean-up measures throughout the pellet supply chain.
The legislation applies to all economic operators in the EU managing installations that handle five tonnes or more of plastic pellets per year. This includes manufacturers, recyclers, converters, stockists, and other handlers, as well as carriers transporting pellets within the EU and actors involved in maritime transport. Operators are required to prevent spills and losses, ensure proper containment and clean-up, and establish risk management plans tailored to the size and nature of their activities. While carriers are exempt from preparing risk management plans, they must still comply with specific regulatory obligations.
Additional requirements apply to larger operators. Companies handling more than 1,500 tonnes of pellets annually must obtain a certificate of compliance or a permit, while simplified obligations are foreseen for small companies and microenterprises. By 17 December 2026, the Commission will develop awareness-raising and training materials and request European standardisation organisations to prepare harmonised standards for estimating pellet losses, supporting effective and consistent implementation across the EU.