The EU is phasing in rules for intentionally added microplastics. The first step took effect on Oct. 17, 2025. For certain products, suppliers must now give customers clear instructions for use and disposal so fewer microplastics are released during normal use and clean-up. More deadlines follow for other product types over the next several years.

The European Commission’s restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles under REACH (Entry 78), adopted by Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, has reached its first compliance milestone. As of Oct. 17, 2025, suppliers of products that fall under specified derogations must provide instructions for use and disposal (IFUD) to users. The Commission’s guidance specifies what IFUD must cover, where the information should appear, and that suppliers must provide it in the official language or languages of the Member State where the product is placed on the market. Additional categories come under IFUD from Oct. 17, 2026, with further staged obligations continuing thereafter.

Relevance for coatings: Where mixtures rely on synthetic polymer microparticles within the scope of Entry 78 and form solid films after application, suppliers in paints, inks, and adhesives should assess coverage under the restriction and prepare IFUD that meets the label and language requirements for each Member State in which the product is sold.

Source: European Commission — REACH restriction of synthetic polymer microparticles (Entry 78) — overview page; Explanatory Guide, Part II (Q&A); and official Commission Regulation