In July 2024, the Scottish Government notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft regulation aimed at banning the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic. This includes all single-use wet wipes, also those used in personal care products, like baby wipes, facial wipes, and sheet masks.
The decision to ban plastic-containing wet wipes comes after a public consultation, where an overwhelming 95% of respondents supported the proposal.
Why the ban is important
Plastic-containing wet wipes have long been a source of environmental concern because they do not break down naturally. When improperly disposed of, they often end up in rivers and oceans, posing a danger to marine life. Additionally, they are known to cause blockages in sewage systems, leading to costly repairs and environmental damage. The ban is designed to tackle these issues and encourage using plastic-free alternatives, which are already widely available.
Proposed implementation timeline
The draft regulation is expected to be adopted on 31 October 2024, and the ban could come into force on 30 April 2026. This timeline provides businesses an 18-month transition period to prepare and phase out plastic-containing wet wipes from their product lines.
Exemptions and special cases
The new regulation will allow exemptions in cases where no suitable alternative exists, such as for medical disinfectant wipes. However, outside of these specific situations, plastic-containing wipes will no longer be allowed for general use.
Moving towards a plastic-free future
This initiative is part of a more significant trend towards reducing plastic waste. Scotland has already implemented measures such as banning plastic-stemmed cotton buds, single-use plastic cutlery and also introduced charges for carrier bags.
Similar regulations will likely be introduced across the entire United Kingdom.
Do you have any questions on how to sell your products in the United Kingdom? Contact us today.
Chiara Lai
Regulatory Intelligence and Innovation Department
24/09/2024
References
Scottish Government, Ban on wet wipes containing plastic. Retrieved on 23 July 2024.
CTPA, Draft Regulations for Wipes Containing Plastic in Scotland. Retrieved on 23 July 2024.
Draft Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (Scotland) Regulations. Retrieved on 23 July 2024.
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