Under REACH Annex XVII Entry 78, the EU has banned the placing on the market of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) unless a specific derogation applies. Derogations exist for essential uses such as:
• Industrial feedstock (where microplastics remain contained within industrial sites)
• Medicinal products and veterinary medicines
• Food additives (within EU food laws)
• In vitro diagnostic devices
• Uses where microplastics are permanently embedded or contained in a solid matrix (e.g., certain construction materials)
Even if your use falls under a derogation, you are not automatically exempt from reporting. For derogated uses, the regulation requires an annual report to ECHA. This report must include the type of use, the specific derogation claimed, the generic identity of the polymer (using Harmoniz ed System codes), and an estimate of annual emissions – both during transport and at end‑use.
Key Deadlines to Keep in Mind
| Deadline | Who it applies to | Emissions period covered |
|---|---|---|
| 31.05.26 | Manufacturers and industrial users of pellets, flakes, and powders used as a feedstock in plastic manufacturing at industrial sites | Calendar year 2025 |
| 31.05.27 | Other manufacturers and downstream users using SPM at industrial sites | Calendar year 2026 |
| 31.05.27 | Products in Paragraphs 4b, 4d, 4e and Paragraphs 5a–5c | Calendar year 2026 |
The restriction is designed to reduce intentionally added microplastics released into the environment. It does not cover unintentional microplastics (e.g., from tyre wear or textile washing), nor does it apply to polymers that are biodegradable, water‑soluble, or have no particles below 5 mm (about 0.2 in).
However, proving that your product falls outside the scope often requires analytical data or technical justification.
Reference:
https://gpcregulatory.com/microplastics-restriction-reporting-services/
Today we announce that Exim is rebranding as ExSyn. We are presenting a new brand identity and website as a reflection of our relentless transformation over the course of 30 years serving the pharma and chemical industries. The new brand builds upon our core strengths as a sourcing company and captures our most essential duty: helping improve people’s health and lives.
A significant uptick in M&A activity in the biosimilars sector is being driven by FDA regulatory reforms, a maturing patent litigation framework and a looming patent cliff — $200 billion of branded products are facing patent expiration by 2030.
The Drewry World Container Index edged lower this week as falling Asia-Europe rates outweighed firmer pricing on the Transpacific, with carriers preparing another round of blank sailings ahead of China’s Golden Week holiday.
Diacetone Alcohol (DAA) is an aliphatic hydroxy ketone produced through the base-catalysed aldol addition of two acetone molecules. It contains both ketone and tertiary hydroxyl functionalities, offering excellent solvency and chemical reactivity.
As a high-boiling oxygenated solvent and valuable chemical intermediate, DAA finds broad application in paints and coatings, printing inks, adhesives, industrial cleaning, cosmetics, and textiles. It is also used as an intermediate in the production of mesityl oxide and MIBK. (4-methylpentan-2-one).