On 7 February 2025, Wales notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to ban plastic-containing wet wipes. This move aligns with a broader UK-wide initiative, which had already been adopted by England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in the second half of 2024.
With Wales joining the rest of the UK nations, the ban is planned to be officially implemented across the entire country.
Wales’ commitment to banning single-use plastics
Unlike the other UK nations, Wales’ ban on plastic-containing wet wipes is not a standalone regulation. Instead, the WTO notification represents an amendment to existing Welsh legislation: The Environmental Protection (Single-Use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023. This amendment extends the scope of the Act to include plastic-containing wet wipes, ensuring alignment with the other devolved nations.
Do you have any questions on compliance of cosmetics in the EU, UK, or US? Contact us here and write an email to COSlaw@obelis.net.
References
gov.wales. (2023). The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023. Retrieved on 7 February 2025.
WTO (2025). Draft Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wet Wipes) (Wales) Regulations 2025. Retrieved on 7 February 2025.
WTO (2024). Draft Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (Scotland) Regulations. Retrieved on 23 July 2024.
WTO (2024). Draft Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) Regulations (Northern Ireland). Retrieved on 05 November 2024.
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