Danish Shipping Warmly Welcomes new EU Regulation to Enhance the Safe Transport of Plastic Pellets by Sea
A step forward for cleaner seas: The European Union has taken a pioneering step in global environmental leadership by adopting binding rules to enhance the safe transport of plastic pellets - both on land and at sea.
It is a major problem if large amounts of tiny plastic beads, known as plastic pellets, end up in the sea. It is a form of plastic pollution that can be incredibly difficult to clean up.
It is an important step forward that The European Union has adopted binding rules to secure safer transport of plastic pellets.
This is exactly what we have been asking for
“The rules have a strong focus on prevention, containment, and effective clean-up of spills. This is exactly what we have been asking for. I’m pleased that the rules strengthen environmental safeguards while avoiding excessive administrative burdens on the maritime sector and ensuring fair competition between EU and non-EU carriers. This is a balanced and pragmatic approach that we can fully support,” said Nina Porst, Director of Climate, Environment and Security at Danish Shipping.
Crucially, the regulation introduces specific obligations for sea-going vessels transporting plastic pellets, fully aligned with IMO recommendations. These measures reaffirm the shipping industry’s commitment to sustainability and support a coherent international regulatory framework.
Danish Shipping particularly welcomes the regulation’s openness to future developments. Should the IMO adopt additional global measures to address marine pollution from plastic pellet spills, the EU framework is designed to evolve accordingly.
Link to the IMO FAQ page providing information about the transport of plastic pellets by sea
What happens next – key provisions and timeline
For maritime transport, specific requirements will apply:
- Plastic pellets must be packaged in high-quality, sealed containers.
- Clear and accurate information on the contents must be provided.
- Packaging must include a warning label and pictogram, or this must be included on an accompanying safety data sheet.
- Strict stowage instructions must be followed.
- In the event of an accidental or incidental spill, emergency services must be notified immediately, and all necessary actions must be taken to mitigate environmental damage and prevent recurrence.
- The regulation enters into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. For maritime transport, the rules will become applicable 36 months after the entry into force.