OCS – New EU rules

In April 2025, the European Union adopted a groundbreaking regulation to minimise the loss of plastic pellets – also known as “nurdles” – along the entire supply chain. This measure aims to significantly reduce environmental pollution caused by microplastics.

The regulation pursues the goal of “zero pellet loss” and obliges companies to prevent losses of plastic pellets. This is to be achieved by introducing binding regulations for the handling, transport and storage of plastic pellets. The EU is thus aiming to reduce microplastic pollution by up to 74%.

The regulation applies to:

• Economic operators who handle more than 5 tonnes of plastic pellets per year.
• Companies responsible for cleaning pellet containers and tanks.
• EU and non-EU transport companies that transport plastic pellets within the EU.
• Ship operators calling at or departing from ports in EU Member States

The regulation provides for the following central obligations:

• Preventing pellet losses: Companies must take appropriate measures to avoid losses.
• Immediate measures in the event of loss: In the event of a loss, immediate containment and cleaning measures are required.
• Risk assessment and management plans: Companies must carry out risk analyses and draw up corresponding management plans.
• Certification requirement: Companies that handle more than 1,000 tonnes of pellets per year require independent certification. Smaller companies must submit a self-declaration.eia-international.org+2eco-business.com+2seas-at-risk.org+2
• Transparency: National authorities are obliged to make information on the handling of plastic pellets publicly available

The regulation will enter into force two years after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. An extended transitional period of three years applies to the maritime sector.