Plastic Microbeads to be banned from Daily Chemical Articles

On 06.11.2019, the China NDRC (National Development and Reform Commission) announced (No.20-2019) the prohibition of daily chemical articles containing plastic microbeads for production after December 31, 2020, and for sale after December 31, 2022.

Microbeads are small plastic particles, mostly included in cosmetic and cleaning products, and are known to cause water pollution to the marine and freshwater environments. Currently, 14 states have already taken action towards the ban on microbeads. Although the details of the ban for production and sales in China is still subject to further refinement, brands and manufacturers are expected to reformulate their products containing microbeads, while some have already replaced microbeads with natural abrasives as an alternative in daily chemical articles.

The announcement (No.20-2019) is based on the Industrial Structure Adjustment Guidance Catalogue (2019 Edition) that was approved at the 2nd committee meeting on 27.08.2019, and has replaced the 2011 version since 01.01.2020.