This ban comes into force in spring 2027 in England, and all UK nations are introducing this ban, with different start dates
In several months’ time, all four UK nations will introduce a new law banning single-use wet wipes containing plastic. These types of wet wipes pose various environmental issues because the plastic fibres that give them strength also make them nearly indestructible.
This causes major sewer blockages, leads to ongoing microplastic pollution in waterways, and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions during their production. Wet wipes containing plastic are also a common and persistent source of marine litter and can break down into microplastics over time, harming the natural environment.
The UK is gradually eliminating single-use wet wipes containing plastic through coordinated laws across all four nations. The ban on selling and supplying these wipes will start in Wales on December 18, 2026.
Next will be England on May 19, 2027, and in Northern Ireland on May 18, 2027. The sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in Scotland will finally be banned from August 11, 2027.
The ban applies to online and in-person sales. From those dates in each nation, it will be illegal to sell or supply single-use wet wipes that contain plastic, including:
- baby wipes
- face and makeup removal wipes
- cosmetic face sheet masks
- moist toilet tissue
- antibacterial hand wipes
- personal hygiene and deodorant wipes
- household cleaning wipes, including wet-mop wipes or pads
The updates follow a consultation that revealed 95% of the public is in favour of banning wipes. A statement on Gov.uk reads: “Plastic-free wet wipes are not included in the ban. Look for the term ‘plastic-free’. Reusable wet wipes, which can be safely reused many times, are not included in the ban.”
Wet wipes containing plastic are still permitted for medical purposes. Healthcare professionals can use and supply them. Registered pharmacies can sell wet wipes containing plastic, but only to customers who request them. Pharmacies must not display them or advertise them in-store.
Wholesalers and manufacturers can continue to sell and supply wet wipes containing plastic to businesses, charities and public sector organisations. These wet wipes must not be supplied or sold on to individual customers, except by registered pharmacies.
Local authorities will carry out inspections to make sure the rules are being followed. If you break the law, you could be fined and ordered to cover the cost of the investigation. Inspectors have a number of powers, including:
- to visit a shop or store
- make test purchases
- speak to staff
- ask to see records
In the UK, 30 billion wet wipes were placed on the market in 2021, with an estimated 26 billion containing plastic. DEFRA Beach Litter Monitoring Data found that between 2015 and 2020, an average of 20 wet wipes were found per 100 meters of beach surveyed across the UK.
Can non-plastic wet wipes be flushed?
Consumers are still encouraged not to flush wet wipes, as many wipes marketed as flushable do not break down quickly in sewers. In addition to the plastics directly contained in wipes, improper disposal can also contribute to fatbergs. This results in indirect plastic pollution, as fatbergs cause overflows that can disperse macro- and microplastics into the wider environment.
Although biodegradable wet wipes claim they can be flushed, studies indicate that they may take a significant amount of time to decompose. Researchers at Cardiff University discovered that even wipes marked as biodegradable, which are supposed to break down easily, release numerous microfibers that do not degrade.
