Geneva (September 29, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 143.25 to inform stakeholders about the European Union’s (EU) plan to revise requirements for microplastics under Annex XVII in Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 ‘Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
On September 17, 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated a draft regulation detailing the EU’s intention to revise entry 78 on synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs), commonly referred to as microplastics. The notification states the current enacting terms do not accurately reflect the regulators’ intention to:
– Derogate all medicinal products, including those used in clinical trials
– Derogate uses for product and process-oriented research and development
– Clarify that SPMs permanently incorporated into a solid matrix are not derogated if intended to be frequently removed and replaced. This amendment specifies that paragraph 5, point (c) of entry 78 only applies where the end use is expected to last for one year or longer
SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that may impact their business operations. SafeGuardS No. 143.25 provides further details on the EU’s draft amendment and includes a comparative table outlining paragraph 5, point (c) of entry 78 in Annex XVII of REACH versus the proposed changes.
Stakeholders are advised to review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 143.25 for more information.
SGS REACH services
SGS keeps interested parties informed about developments and changes to the REACH regulations. In addition, they offer comprehensive solutions to help businesses ensure their products remain in compliance with the latest requirements governing the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals in the EU. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s REACH Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Consults Over Revised Entry for Microplastics Under REACH SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
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