Microplastics ban: what rules apply now?

Microplastics are everywhere: in the oceans, in the air, and even in our food and drinking water. These tiny pieces of plastic are difficult to remove and harmful to humans and animals. That is why there is now a European ban on some microplastics.

Selling loose plastic glitter and plastic granules under 5 millimetres in size has not been allowed since 17 October 2023. For other products that may contain small particles of plastic, such as skin creams, the ban will take effect in the coming years. Between now and 2035, the ban will come into force for more than 10 types of products.

What does the ban mean?

Microplastics are small plastic particles with a maximum size of 5 millimetres. These particles are found in a lot of products we use every day. As a result, they easily end up in the environment, for example through sewage. Since October 2023, you are no longer allowed to sell loose microplastics. With the ban, the EU wants to prevent 500,000 tons of small plastic particles from ending up in the environment over the next 20 years. The ban also applies to products that have loose microplastics added to them. For example, a birthday card, Christmas decorations, or exfoliating creams. Do you still have an existing inventory of such items? Then you may still sell them until your stock runs out.

Which products does the ban apply to?

The ban applies to the following microplastics:
•    loose microplastics measuring 5 millimetres or less
•    products to which microplastics measuring 5 millimetres or less have been intentionally added

Loose microplastics

In addition to glitter, plastic beads also fall under the heading of "loose microplastics”. These are also called plastic granules or plastic pellets. These types of microplastics are often used as filling for stuffed animals or pillows, for example. 

Microplastics in or on other products

Microplastics used in or on another product are also subject to the ban. Such as the glitter on Christmas decorations or party hats. The glitter falls off during use, so these particles often end up in the environment. In exfoliating creams and cleaning products, you will find another type of microplastic often called beads, grains, or granules for exfoliating or scrubbing. Products containing these microplastics are covered by the ban that went into effect on 17 October 2023.

When will the ban take effect?

The ban already applies to some products, such as loose plastic glitter and products with microbeads. Between now and 2035, the ban will expand to apply to more than 10 types of products containing microplastics. For example, rinse-off beauty products such as shampoo will also be banned from containing other forms of microplastics from 17 October 2027. Detergents, cleaning products, fertiliser products, and microplastics used in agriculture and horticulture will follow in 2028.

The timeline below shows when the rules take effect for each category. Until then, you may still sell those products, but not after the date stated. 

Please note that there are specific rules and exceptions for each product group. You can find more information about the ban on microplastics  on the European Commission’s site.

What if I do not follow the rules?

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority  (NVWA) is responsible for monitoring the microplastics ban, but does not yet actively do so. The NVWA does take action if it receives a report about companies not complying with the ban. In that case, you could be fined or penalised. For example, you could lose your licence.