Ban on the use of micro-plastics in detergents and cosmetics

23.1.2015

Question for written answer E-000968-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Roberta Metsola (PPE)

On 3 December 2014, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium and Sweden issued a joint call to ban the use of micro-plastics in detergents and cosmetics in order to protect marine life from contamination. The four countries stated that it is of utmost priority that this initiative takes place and argued that hundreds of tons of micro-plastics are still being released onto the EU market each year.

1. What is the Commission’s view on the position taken by the four Member States?

2. Does the Commission plan to come up with measures to ban the micro-plastics used in detergents and cosmetics in Europe?