New EU rules aimed at preventing plastic pellet loss in order to reduce microplastic pollution enter into force today, 16 December 2025, through Regulation (EU) 2025/2365 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 November 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the “Regulation”).
Under the Regulation, plastic pellets are defined as material consisting of polymers, regardless of their shape, form or size, manufactured for moulding in plastic product manufacturing operations, irrespective of their actual use. Plastic pellet loss represents the third largest source of microplastics unintentionally released into the environment at any stage of the supply chain. A whole-supply-chain approach is therefore required to ensure that all entities involved in handling plastic pellets prevent losses.
The rules apply to all economic operators managing facilities in the EU that handle 5 tonnes or more of plastic pellets per year. This includes manufacturers, recyclers, processors, warehouse operators, other handlers, as well as all carriers transporting pellets within the EU and entities involved in maritime transport.
Operators are required to prevent pellet losses or spills, ensure containment and clean-up, and implement risk management plans appropriate to the size and nature of their facilities.
Carriers are not required to draw up risk management plans, but they must comply with the obligations set out in the Regulation.
Large and medium-sized enterprises handling plastic pellets in quantities equal to or exceeding 1,500 tonnes per year must obtain a declaration of conformity or a permit. Small enterprises and micro-enterprises are subject to simplified requirements.
By 17 December 2026, the Commission will develop awareness-raising and training materials to support the implementation of the Regulation and will request European standardisation organisations to prepare harmonised standards for estimating the amount of losses.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_25_3094
Regulation (EU) 2025/2365 of 12 November 2025 on preventing plastic pellet loss to reduce microplastic pollution. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32025R2365&qid=1764768099683
16 December 2025
