How ECHA's Ban on Microplastics Will Affect the Toy Industry

Microplastics come from a variety of sources, including from larger plastic debris manufactured polyethylene plastic that are added to various consumer products that degrades into smaller and smaller pieces, which can easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in the ocean, impacting the environment and, potentially, on human health.

As mentioned in our Safeguard (SG 126/23), the European Commission had adopted measures that restrict microplastics intentionally added to products under REACH, which will prohibit the sale of a broad series of products to which microplastics have been added, including Toys.

Under the new rules, the sale of microplastics – covering all synthetic polymer particles below five millimetres that are organic, insoluble and resist degradation – and of products to which microplastics have been added on purpose will be prohibited.

The provisions in the new law will be implemented in phases, starting October 17, 2023.

In Toys, microplastic is commonly found in:

• Glitter
• Foam Slime / Putty
• Magic Sand

Glitter, created as microplastics, is commonly made with PET or PVC plastics and coated with aluminium or other synthetic materials to make it reflective while the chemical substances used during the production have been found to adversely affect human health—including causing damage to our immune and reproductive systems and potentially leading to developmental delays and cancers—and environmental health.

Our solutions can help stakeholders to determine if their products are outside the scope of the Microplastics Regulation through:

SGS services ensure that you comply with worldwide regulations and industry standards & minimizing the risk of costly recalls.