Microplastics Legislation: A Global Push Toward Cleaner Waters and Safer Products
Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters (mm) in size—have emerged as a pressing environmental and public health concern. These particles are either intentionally manufactured (known as primary microplastics, such as microbeads in cosmetics) or result from the breakdown of larger plastic items (secondary microplastics, like fibers from synthetic clothing or fragments from packaging). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), microplastics range in size from 5 mm down to 1 nanometer, and are found in virtually every ecosystem on Earth.
Found in oceans, rivers, soil, and even the air we breathe, microplastics pose risks to ecosystems and human health. As scientific understanding of their impact grows, governments worldwide are stepping up with legislation aimed at curbing their spread.
The European Union Leads with Comprehensive Bans
The EU has taken a pioneering role in regulating microplastics. In October 2023, the European Commission enacted Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, which restricts the use of intentionally added microplastics in products. This includes synthetic polymer microparticles found in cosmetics, detergents, fertilizers, and even glitter. The regulation is being phased in over several years, with transitional periods extending to 2035 for certain product categories.
To support compliance, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) introduced a reporting system requiring manufacturers and importers to disclose detailed information about microplastics in their products starting in 2026.
United States: Legislative Momentum Builds
In the U.S., federal regulation is gaining traction. The Microplastics Safety Act, introduced in July 2025, mandates the FDA to investigate the health risks of microplastics in food and water. The bipartisan bill focuses on potential impacts on children, reproductive health, and chronic illnesses, signaling a shift toward more rigorous oversight.
California is also advancing its own initiatives, proposing to list microplastics as candidate chemicals under its Safer Consumer Products Program, which could lead to stricter controls on products containing them.
Global Approaches and Challenges
Countries like Japan and South Korea are implementing innovative strategies, such as deposit-refund systems and ambitious recycling targets. Meanwhile, international efforts are underway to establish a UN Plastics Treaty, which would harmonize global regulations and address the full lifecycle of plastics, including microplastics.
Despite progress, regulating microplastics remains complex. Challenges include:
- Detection difficulties are due to their small size and varied composition.
- Lack of standardized definitions and testing methods.
- Economic implications for industries required to upgrade technologies or reformulate products.
- Scientific uncertainty about long-term health effects, which complicates policymaking.
Tracking Legislation Worldwide
To navigate this evolving landscape, the Global Plastic Laws Database, offers a comprehensive resource for tracking legislation across 115 countries. It categorizes laws by lifecycle stages—design, production, reduction, and waste management—and highlights emerging trends and policy innovations.
Conclusion
Microplastics legislation is rapidly evolving, driven by growing awareness of environmental and health risks. While the EU sets a strong example with sweeping bans and reporting mandates, other regions are beginning to follow suit. As scientific research continues to uncover the full impact of microplastics, expect more countries to tighten regulations and adopt innovative solutions to combat this pervasive pollutant.