17. Aug 2026

EU Regulation on Preventing Microplastics

Quality Austria Certification is the conformity assessment body in Austria

The European Union is setting an important milestone in reducing microplastic emissions into the environment with Regulation (EU) 2025/2365. Since December 2025, new requirements have applied to companies that handle plastic pellets along the value chain. With Quality Austria Certification, companies have access to a conformity assessment body that supports them in implementing the regulation and carries out the necessary conformity assessments.

Plastic is indispensable in our daily lives and plays a central role in numerous industries, making an essential contribution—from packaging and consumer goods to the construction and automotive industries and high-quality medical devices. At the same time, awareness of responsible resource use and the need to avoid unintentional environmental pollution is growing.

The new EU Regulation 2025/2365 focuses on plastic pellets ranging in size from 2 to 5 millimeters. The release of such pellets is considered one of the most significant sources of secondary microplastics across Europe. The aim of the regulation is to minimize losses along the entire supply chain through clear organizational and technical measures, thereby making a substantial contribution to environmental and water protection.

The new requirements apply to companies that handle at least five tonnes of plastic pellets annually. For large and medium-sized companies that handle more than 1,500 tonnes of plastic pellets per year, a mandatory conformity certificate will be required starting in December 2027. EU Regulation 2025/2365 creates uniform standards across Europe and helps companies systematically fulfill their environmental responsibility. All affected companies must implement suitable risk management systems as well as technical and organizational measures to prevent unintentional pellet losses.

Key requirements include:

A labeling obligation through appropriate information on labels, packaging, package inserts, or safety data sheets
Risk assessments to identify potential sources of loss
Careful storage and handling through suitable facilities and closed containers
Training of employees in the safe handling of plastic pellets
Documentation of the measures and processes implemented
Reporting of major losses if plastic pellets are released into the environment

Axel Dick, Head of Business Development Environment and Energy, ESG at Quality Austria Certification. "Thanks to our many years of expertise in environmental management and sustainability, we support companies in implementing the requirements efficiently and preparing early for the new obligations."

Quality Austria Certification is accredited for certification according to ISO 14001 and is also authorized by the Federal Ministry to conduct EMAS assessments. Thanks to this extensive experience, the company has the necessary expertise to carry out conformity assessments in accordance with EU Regulation 2025/2365. Gabriele Poinsitt, Business Development Manager for Chemicals, Plastics, Mineral Oil Processing, Textiles, and Leather at Quality Austria Certification, adds: "The regulation creates uniform standards across Europe and promotes responsible handling of plastic pellets. Companies that seize the new regulation as an opportunity not only strengthen their compliance but also make an active contribution to protecting our environment."

The basic requirements of the regulation apply to all companies handling five tonnes or more of plastic pellets per year. The type of proof required depends on company size and handling volume. Small companies can document compliance through a self-declaration. Medium and large companies that handle more than 1,500 tonnes of plastic pellets annually, on the other hand, require an independent conformity certificate from an official conformity assessment body.

The following deadlines apply for implementation:

Large companies: conformity certificate by December 17, 2027, then every three years
Medium-sized companies: conformity certificate by December 17, 2028, then every four years
Small companies: conformity certificate or self-declaration by December 17, 2030, valid for five years

As an Austrian conformity assessment body, Quality Austria Certification supports companies along the entire value chain — from information and preparation to independent assessment and issuance of the conformity certificate. In doing so, the organization makes an important contribution to the successful implementation of European measures to reduce microplastics and to promote sustainable business processes.