On Tuesday evening, co-legislators reached a provisional agreement on measures to prevent plastic pellet losses throughout the supply chain, aiming to achieve zero losses. Negotiators from Parliament and the Council established new regulations that require entities handling plastic pellets to implement specific loss mitigation measures.
These regulations apply to economic operators managing over 5 tonnes of plastic pellets in the European Union and all EU and non-EU transport carriers utilising road, rail, inland waterways, and maritime services at EU ports.
“We have reached a good agreement that will ensure pellet losses are no longer impossible to address, as has been the case until now. Europe gains in security and prevention and equips itself with instruments to react to incidents and accidents that may involve plastic pellet losses,” the rapporteur César Luena (S&D, ES) said.
The European Union aims to reduce the release of microplastics into the environment by 30% by 2030. On 16 October 2023, the European Commission proposed a regulation addressing microplastic pollution related to plastic pellet losses, a significant source of unintentional microplastic release.
The regulation mandates that economic operators develop risk management plans for facilities handling plastic pellets, detailing procedures for spill prevention, containment, and cleanup. Facilities processing over 1,500 tonnes annually must undergo regular compliance certification, while small enterprises will require a one-time certification.
Maritime transport operators must ensure that plastic pellets are packaged in durable materials, securely closed, and accompanied by clear cargo information. Operators must promptly notify emergency services in cases of incidental or accidental losses and take action to mitigate consequences. The regulation also requires specific pictogrammes and warning statements on labels and safety data sheets.
The regulation will take effect two years after enactment, with a three-year grace period for the maritime transport sector.
