UK Proposes to Ban the Supply and Sale of Plastic-contained Wet Wipes

On April 24, 2024, UK notified WTO of a draft regulation titled The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2024, aiming at prohibiting the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic, including cosmetic wipes. The draft is open for comments until June 23, 2024, and expected to be adopted in September 2024.¹

Wet wipes containing plastic are an unnecessary source of plastic and microplastic pollution, posing risks to the environment, animal, and human health. In an effort to minimize the use of plastic-contained wet wipes, subsequently reducing plastic and microplastic contamination in the environment, the food chain, and water treatment facilities, UK formulates this Regulation. To mitigate potential financial burdens on stakeholders, the Regulation proposes an 18-month transitional period.

Applicable Scope

The proposed Regulation, which will apply to all businesses in England, provides clear definitions for the terms "wet wipes" and "plastic". As per the Regulation:

A wet wipe is described as a non-woven piece of fabric which has been soaked and stored in liquid. It is designed for single-use and for various purposes, including but not limited to baby wipes, cosmetic wipes, moist toilet tissues, personal hygiene wipes, and wipe-based cleaning products.

Plastic in wet wipes refers to a material consisting of polymer as defined in Article 3(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Such polymers may contain additives or other substances, and can serve as a primary structural component in the final products, excluding unmodified natural polymers.

Prohibition and Exemptions

The proposed Regulation prohibits the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic, excluding their manufacture and import. Breaching this prohibition will be considered an offence, with specified exemptions applicable.