South Africa Proposes Ban on Microbeads in Cosmetics

On August 8, 2025, South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published draft Regulations to Prohibit the Use, Production, Distribution, Sale, Import and Export of Plastic Microbeads and Products Containing Microbeads for public consultation. ¹ Submissions can be sent to [email protected] by September 7, 2025.

Issued under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), the draft Regulations aims to eliminate plastic microbeads—solid plastic particles smaller than 5 mm—commonly found in cosmetics, personal care products, toiletries, pesticides, and other items.

Once enacted, the Regulations will impose a comprehensive ban on the use, manufacture, distribution, sale, import, and export of plastic microbeads and microbead-containing products (including cosmetics) in South Africa. It also establishes monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, with penalties for repeated offences of up to 10 million Rands and/or 10 years’ imprisonment.

The proposal includes a 24-month transitional period to phase out existing stocks. During this time, affected businesses must notify the Director-General and submit phase-out plans.

Further Reading

• APAC Regulations on Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetic Products

• EU REACH to Restrict Intentionally-added Microplastics in Cosmetics

• South Korea to Introduce Microplastic Control Act

• Thailand Officially Enforced the Cosmetic Microbeads Ban