Plastic wet wipes ban
Understand which wipes will be banned, when plastic wet wipes can still be sold, and how the ban will be enforced.
This ban comes into force on 19 May 2027 in England.
All UK nations are introducing this ban, with different start dates.
See guidance for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Banned wet wipes
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 ban applies to online and in-person sales.
Plastic-free wipes
Plastic-free wet wipes are not included in the ban.
Look for the term ‘plastic-free’.
Reusable wet wipes
Reusable wet wipes, which can be safely reused many times, are not included in the ban.
When plastic wet wipes can still be sold
Medical use
Wet wipes containing plastic are still permitted for medical purposes. Healthcare professionals can use and supply them.
Pharmacies
Registered pharmacies can sell wet wipes containing plastic, but only to customers who request them.
Pharmacies must not have them on display or advertise them in store.
Business use
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.
Enforcement
Local authorities will carry out inspections to make sure the rules are being followed. Inspectors have a number of powers, including to:
- visit a shop or store
- make test purchases
- speak to staff
- ask to see records
If you break the law, you could be fined and ordered to cover the cost of the investigation.
Enforcement in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Separate guidance will be provided by each of the devolved governments.
Regulations
The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025.
The regulations include a definition of ‘plastic’ and ‘wet wipe’, for the purposes of the ban.
Get help
If you have questions about how the new rules affect your business, contact wetwipes@defra.gov.uk.