What’s happening in June 2026?
UK REACH Update
Defra Published Response to ATRm Public Consultation
In May 2024, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the policy lead for UK REACH, released a public consultation on the Alternative Transitional Registration model (ATRm). The ATRm is intended to deal with concerns raised by industry about the current model, due to high data costs, while increasing the use and exposure information requirements in registration dossiers. The consultation sought views from industry on four key areas (learn more here).
Since the consultation closed in 2024, Defra has reviewed the responses and published them in March 2026. It has now decided to move forward with most aspects of the ATRm as originally proposed, with registrants submitting “hazard conclusions” rather than full hazard data. However, it has removed requirements for additional use and exposure information due to the regulatory burden they would create for GB-based businesses.
Learn more about the key technical points in the response here.
EU REACH
Microplastics emissions reporting deadlines
The EU-wide restriction on microplastics, which entered into force in October 2023, bans the intentional use of microplastics in products such as cosmetics, detergents, certain agricultural products, and certain processes that release them into the environment.
Some uses are exempted from the ban but require rigorous reporting by manufacturers, importers, and downstream users.
The European Chemicals Agency is expecting the first reports by the end of May 2026, with the next deadline covering a larger group of suppliers and products coming up in May 2027.
The annual reporting obligation applies to uses of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) exempted from the ban, such as in veterinary and human medicines, food additives, in vitro diagnostic devices, and uses at industrial sites. The first deadlines are for manufacturers and industrial downstream users of SPMs:
- in the form of pellets, flakes, and powders, used as raw material in plastic production at industrial sites – 31 May 2026
- for all other uses at industrial sites, as well as for suppliers placing SPM-containing products on the market for the first time for specific exempted uses by professionals or the public – 31 May 2027
Reports must cover emissions from the previous calendar year. Affected companies are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the rather complex reporting requirements and prepare well ahead of the deadlines.
H2 Compliance supports companies in the assessment of their obligations and the fulfilment of reporting obligations. For support, reach out to the relevant team here.
