On 8 April 2025, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on new regulations aimed at reducing plastic pellet losses which are key contributors to microplastic pollution.
These pellets, used to produce plastic goods, are often mishandled, with up to 7,300 truckloads lost to the environment each year. The new rules are designed to improve pellet handling throughout the entire supply chain, including maritime transport, and to ensure rapid response to accidental losses.
Under the agreement, operators—both within and outside the EU—will be required to implement strict measures through risk management plans addressing packaging, handling, staff training, and clean-up protocols. Non-EU carriers must appoint an EU-based representative to ensure accountability. Larger operators handling over 1,500 tonnes of pellets annually will need third-party certification, while smaller companies and microenterprises will have reduced or self-declared compliance requirements.
Given the long-lasting nature of plastic pellets in water and the significant role of maritime transport, specific rules will also govern their sea transport, focusing on secure packaging and adherence to international shipping guidelines. The regulation is expected to be formally adopted soon and will come into effect two years after publication, with maritime-related rules applying one year later.
Each year, the equivalent of up to 7,300 truckloads of plastic pellets are lost to the environment. Today, the EU has taken a landmark step toward reducing pellet pollution by adopting measures to tackle losses and ensure correct handling, including in maritime transport.
… said Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Polish Minister for Climate and Environment
