Prohibition on the sale and supply of plastic-containing single use wet wipes in England from 2027

From 19 May 2027 the sale and supply of plastic-containing single use wet wipes to “end users” in England will be prohibited subject to certain exemptions.   The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025 aim to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution and reduce sewer blockages. Similar measures are already in place with earlier applicable dates or expected across the rest of the UK following a joint consultation.  Plastic‑free wipes remain out of scope, subject to compliance with any other applicable laws.

A public consultation on a proposed ban on the manufacture, supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic was held jointly with the Devolved Administrations in 2023. The consultation set out proposals to ban the manufacture, supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A joint response in April 2025 noted all nations support a prohibition on the supply and sale. Wales and Northern Ireland have already similarly legislated, while the Scottish Government are expected to legislate shortly. 

Key definitions

For the purposes of the regulations, the following definitions apply:

“business” includes (a) any trade or profession; (b) any activity carried on by a charity; (c) any activity carried on by a body of persons whether corporate or unincorporated; and (d) the provision of services by or on behalf of the Secretary of State under the National Health Service Act 2006.

“end user” means any person to whom wet wipes containing plastic are offered or supplied, other than a person to whom they are offered or supplied for the purposes of (a) supplying it, in the course of a business, to another person; or (b) a manufacturing process.

“plastic” means 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), to which additives or other substances may have been added, and which can function as a main structural component of final products, with the exception of natural polymers that have not been chemically modified;

“wet wipe” means a non-woven piece of fabric which has been pre-wetted and which is not designed or intended to be re-used.

Scope and Exemptions

The prohibition does not apply to:

• A person that supplies wet wipes containing plastic to a person who carries on a business or to a local authority where the supply is for the purposes of that business or local authority;
• the supply in the course of a retail pharmacy business at a registered pharmacy; or online or by distance selling arrangements provided certain conditions apply; and
• the supply for medical purposes by or under the direction of a healthcare professional; a healthcare professional supplies for medical purposes; or an NHS appliance contractor that supplies the wet wipes for medical purposes.

Manufacture was not included in the prohibition given the size of the manufacturing industry in the UK.

Enforcement

The regulations will be enforced by local authorities and their trading standards officers in accordance with future published guidance. Powers of entry and examination will apply. A due diligence defence will be available and civil sanctions for offences in addition to summary criminal penalties.  

Key Takeaways

Businesses should consider the implications of the required changes including any scoping checks, sourcing and advertising updates needed. Given the different application dates across the UK, for those which provide in scope products across the UK mapping of the nearest application date is relevant.

Suppliers may consider updating procedures and training to facilitate reliance, as needed, on the due diligence defence.

Criminal offences and civil sanctions are included within the regulations with guidance on the use of civil sanctions to be published.

Co-authored by Kainat Shah