The European Union has taken a significant step to combat microplastics pollution with a new regulation aimed at waging the loss of plastic pellets used as a raw material in the production of plastic articles.
The measure aims to ensure better control at all stages of the supply chain – both on land and the sea – and includes specific obligations to EU operators and third countries.
Objective: Avoid losses and reinforce control
According to the European Union Council, the new regulation aims to improve the handling of pellets and microplastics, imposing more rigorous rules to avoid accidental losses.
Each installation that manipulates Pellets will have to prepare a risk management plan, which includes specific measures related to packaging, loading and unloading, training of workers and equipment suitable to prevent losses.
In addition, operators who move over 1,500 tons of pellets per year will have to obtain a certificate issued by an independent entity.
Small companies, although covered, will have lighter obligations, such as the single certification five years after the norm’s entry into force.
Companies with movements below this threshold are required only to present a self -declaration of compliance.
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Rules also in maritime transportation
The measure also covers maritime transport, accounting for about 38% of Pellet transport in the EU by 2022.
Carriers will have to ensure quality packaging and provide adequate information on transport and load, in line with the guidelines of the international maritime organization.
As referred to by the Polish Minister of Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, “microplastics, including pellets, are now everywhere-in the oceans, seas and even the food we eat.”
It is estimated that, annually, the equivalent of up to 7,300 pellet trucks are lost to the environment.
Harmonization between EU and third countries
To ensure equitable treatment between European and international operators, the legislation requires companies outside the EU to designate an authorized representative within the community space.
The goal is to ensure liability and transparency throughout the supply chain.
The legislation also provides that Member States have to recognize and apply decisions of inhibiting the right to conduct made by other EU countries, reinforcing transfringing compliance with sanctions related to the transportation of pellets and other serious infractions.
Next Steps
The provisional agreement achieved among the European Parliament will now be subject to formal approval by both institutions, following the legal and linguistic review.
The regulation will be applicable two years after its publication in the EU official newspaper, except for the maritime sector, whose rules will come into force a year later, to allow a gradual adaptation.
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