The IA is convincing on the need and conditions being in place to tackle the unintentional releases of plastic pellets as the main focus of the legislative initiative, although it appears that initially all six main sources of microplastic pollution were considered. The IA draws on extensive scientific evidence, literature and stakeholder consultations. It defines the scale of the problem, its drivers, affected stakeholders and how likely the problem is to persist, referring, inter alia, to global trends and future scenarios. The IA sets the general objective of contributing to the reduction of microplastic-related pollution by preventing and reducing pellet losses to the environment, thus reducing the adverse consequences of pellet pollution. It suggests four policy options (POs) to tackle the problem, which, however, do not appear to be full self-standing alternatives. The IA points to the consultation specifically targeting SMEs and its results showing the need for the lighter version of requirements, particularly on the obligation for external audit and certification. It assesses each policy option for their environmental, economic and social impacts, costs and administrative burden, and transparently lists assumptions, uncertainties and data limitations. However, the IA could have been clearer regarding reporting costs, which it considers to be accounted for under the REACH restriction, and the supporting study, and it could have made further efforts to quantify the expected benefits. The IA selects the preferred PO after comparing POs in terms of benefit to cost and their effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and proportionality. It suggests a combination of PO1 and PO2b): a mandatory standardised methodology to measure pellet losses combined with the mandatory requirements to prevent and reduce pellet losses, including lighter requirements for micro- and small companies. The IA expects that the initiative will contribute up to a quarter of the total 30 % reduction target for microplastics by 2030.Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP