The UK Government has confirmed it will introduce legislation to ban the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in England, with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also moving forward with aligned measures. The draft legislation, The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025, was published in July and is currently under parliamentary review. Once approved, the ban will come into force 18 months after the legislation is passed.

Wet wipes containing plastic have been identified as a significant source of microplastic pollution. The ban is part of a broader UK-wide strategy to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment, building on previous actions such as the single-use carrier bag charge.

The regulation will apply to all businesses, including retailers, manufacturers, importers, and online sellers. It will prohibit the sale, supply, or offering of wet wipes that contain any form of plastic, including synthetic fibres such as polyester, which are commonly used to strengthen and bind wet wipe materials.

UKFT members who manufacture, import, or sell wet wipes, are advised to review their product ranges and begin transitioning to plastic-free alternatives. These may include wipes made from biodegradable plant-based fibres such as bamboo, cotton, or cellulose.

Implementation Across the UK

• England: Ban to take effect 18 months after legislation is passed (expected in late 2025 or early 2026).
• Scotland: Legislation to be introduced by the end of 2024, with the ban coming into force 18 months later, likely around mid-2026
• Wales: Ban confirmed to begin on 18 December 2026
• Northern Ireland: Legislation is being aligned with the rest of the UK, with an 18-month transition period following adoption, implementation expected by mid-to-late 2026.

We will continue to monitor the progress of legislation across all UK nations and provide further updates as timelines are confirmed. If you require support in understanding how this may affect your product lines or supply chain, please get in touch with the UKFT team by emailing info@ukft.org

Are you looking for compliance advice? As part of UKFT membership, we offer practical, business-focused support to help UK fashion and textile businesses navigate regulatory compliance across global markets. Our team works to ensure your business is informed, prepared and aligned with current and upcoming legislation affecting the UK fashion and textile industry.

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