EU Adopts Groundbreaking Regulation to reduce Microplastic pollution with strict Controls on Plastic Pellet Handling

The Council of the European Union has adopted a new regulation aimed at reducing the release of plastic pellets into the environment, following a provisional agreement with the European Parliament. The final text was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 26 November 2025.

Plastic pellets are, widely used as a raw material in manufacturing but pose a significant pollution threat because they do not biodegrade once released. Instead, they accumulate in oceans, rivers, soil, marine life and, eventually, the human food chain. It is currently estimated that 52,000 to 184,000 tonnes of pellets leak into the environment each year, making them the third-largest source of unintentional microplastic pollution. The newly adopted rules introduce stronger controls across the entire supply chain to reduce pellet losses and tackle the broader issue of microplastic contamination.

Key Provisions of the Regulation

Regulation 2025/2365 on preventing plastic pellet loss in the EU introduces comprehensive obligations to eliminate plastic-pellet losses across the entire supply chain, with the clear goal of achieving zero leakage into the environment. The rules apply to companies handling five tonnes or more of pellets each year, as well as to operators responsible for cleaning containers and tanks, and to both EU and non-EU carriers transporting pellets within the Union. They also extend to shippers, vessel operators, agents and masters of seagoing vessels transporting pellet-filled freight containers to or from EU ports.

To ensure accountability, non-EU transporters must appoint an authorised representative within the EU, while operators handling more than 1,500 tonnes of pellets annually will need certification from an independent third party. Smaller businesses will follow simplified procedures, including self-declaration of compliance.

The regulation also sets out detailed requirements for the maritime transport of pellets, mandating safer packaging, handling and clear cargo information to prevent pellet losses at sea. These measures collectively represent a major step toward strengthening Europe’s response to microplastic pollution in both land and marine environments.

Next steps

The Regulation will take effect 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, meaning it will become legally effective on 16 December 2025. Most provisions will apply from 17 December 2027. However, several key articles, including those on general obligations and specific operational requirements, will apply earlier, from 16 December 2025.

Specific rules relating to shippers and operators of seagoing vessels will come into force at a later date, from 17 December 2028. Once in effect, the Regulation will be fully binding and directly applicable across all EU Member States.