EU Microplastics Restriction Forces Cosmetic Buyers to Secure Bio-Based Alternatives
Cosmetic procurement teams must source bio-based substitutes ahead of the 2027 EU microplastics ban to avoid supply gaps.
REACH Annex XVII
Constraint Catalog
List of restricted substances defines the conditions for the manufacture, marketing, storage, and use of dangerous chemicals within the European Economic Area. Provisions in REACH Annex XVII target specific hazards such as carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, toxicity to reproduction, or environmental persistence. Each entry specifies the exact concentration limits or the types of products where the substance is forbidden.
The list is dynamic and expands as new risks are identified by member states or the European Chemicals Agency.
Restriction Procedure
Proposals for new restrictions undergo a period of public consultation and socioeconomic analysis before adoption. When a chemical is added to REACH Annex XVII, the restriction can range from a total ban to requirements for specific labeling, updated safety data, waste instructions, or protective equipment. Expert committees evaluate whether the risks are managed adequately or if a broad prohibition is necessary to protect human health.
This process ensures that limitations remain proportionate.
Operational Constraint
Manufacturers audit supply chains to ensure that no raw materials exceed the permitted thresholds. Compliance with REACH Annex XVII is verified through chemical analysis and the review of safety documentation. Failure to adhere to these entries prevents products from being legally placed on the market.
Importers verify that non-EU suppliers meet these specific European standards.