Microplastics Reporting in the European Union: Are You Ready?

22 Apr 2026

Microplastics are everywhere on your shelves, in your cosmetic formulations, and now directly in the regulatory spotlight. With growing concerns about their persistence in the environment and their potential impacts on health, regulators are demanding transparency around microplastics.

The European Union (EU) has taken the lead on these transparency efforts, introducing a mandatory reporting requirements under Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 for certain uses derogated from the prohibition of placing on the market. The cosmetics sector will feel the effects of this, and with the first reporting deadline for plastic manufacturing set for 31 May 2027, now is the time to ensure you are well prepared.

What Is Regulation (EU) 2023/2055?

At its core, Entry 78 of Annex XVII of the Reach Regulation, introduced by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 addresses synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs), better known as microplastics, with the goal of restricting their use. Microplastics aren’t just the visible “microbeads” once common in scrubs and toothpaste; they also include the much smaller polymer particles used across cosmetics, detergents, coatings, and many other applications.

Under Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, manufacturers, importers, and downstream users that places the products on the market for the first time containing microplastics must submit pertinent information to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) thought IUCLID platform on an annual basis, including:

1. A description of the final use of the product or material;
2. The identity of the polymer,
3. Estimated quantities of SPMs that could be released into the environment; and
4. A reference to the applicable derogation(s).

What Is Regulation (EU) 2023/2055

Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 adopts a phased approach to reporting:

• From 2026, manufacturers and downstream industrial users of SPMs in the form of pellets, flakes, or powders, used as raw materials in plastic production, must begin submitting their information to ECHA.
• From 2027, the scope of the reporting requirements expands to include:
  • Manufacturers and downstream users of SPMs that fall under the derogation in Paragraph 4(a) (synthetic polymer microparticles intended for use at industrial sites); and
  • Suppliers of products covered by Paragraph 5(b) (SPMs with physical properties that are permanently modified during their final use such that they no longer fall under the definition of microplastics).

Reports must be submitted to ECHA by 31 May each year, and the submissions must include data from the previous calendar year, meaning your systems must be capable of collecting, organising, and verifying accurate data on an ongoing basis. Compliance under Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 isn’t a one-time exercise; it’s an ongoing responsibility.

Why Does Reporting Matter?

The implications of Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 extend beyond the ticking of a compliance checkbox. For companies in the cosmetics and personal care sector specifically—where innovation is fast-moving and consumer trust is paramount—failure to comply could result in serious consequences:

1. Regulatory risk: Companies can face delays in market access, blocked products, or even fines for missing or inaccurate data.
2. Reputational risk: Consumers are increasingly aware of the products they buy, and advocacy groups are watching the market closely. Transparent reporting demonstrates accountability and builds trust.
3. Operational risk: Without the right data systems in place, compliance can become a last-minute scramble, diverting resources from innovation and leading to gaps.

On the flip side, companies that prepare for reporting early can turn their compliance into a competitive advantage. With robust data collection, you gain visibility into your formulations, supply chains, and environmental impact—insights that can inform sustainability strategies and increase resilience.

The Bottom Line

Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 is reshaping how the cosmetics sector approaches microplastics, demanding annual reporting, clear data, and greater transparency. Now is not the time to “wait and see” how the regulation will affect you. Preparing now—mapping your products, building data systems, and understanding your reporting obligations—ensures you’ll meet compliance with confidence. More importantly, it will allow you to transform compliance into opportunity, aligning your business with consumer expectations and sustainability goals.

Intertek Can Help

At Intertek Assuris, we help clients bring safe, effective, and compliant cosmetic and personal care products to market across the globe. Our expert toxicologists, regulatory specialists, and testing teams offer end-to-end support, from product safety assessments and regulatory submissions to performance testing and labelling guidance. Partner with us to ensure your products meet the EU microplastics requirements and earn consumer trust through science-backed safety and compliance.

Intertek can support by defining good information to share on reporting, estimate SPM quantities that could be released into the environment and realize the IUCLID report for you!

Contact us today to learn how we can support your microplastic reporting and compliance strategies.