Ban on wet wipes containing plastic: guidance for businesses

The law aims to stop the environmental damage caused when these products are disposed of incorrectly.

From 18 December 2026 the Environmental Protection (Single-use plastic products) (Wet Wipes) (Wales) Regulations 2025 (on legislation.gov.uk) will make it an offence to supply or offer to supply (including for free) wet wipes containing plastic to consumers in Wales.

This includes:

• baby wipes
• face and make up 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.

These products are not being banned:

• Reusable wet wipes – these are designed to be safely used many times.
• Plastic-free wet wipes – some products will have wording such as “plastic free”.
  Businesses will need to check product information.

People with certain health needs may rely on medical grade wet wipes containing plastic. Wet wipes designed or manufactured for use in connection with medical care or treatment are not included in the bans.

The ban applies to the supply of wet wipes containing plastic to consumers. Business-to-business supply is not affected.

This means organisations such as care homes and nursing homes can still get wet wipes containing plastic from their wholesaler or supplier.

Most businesses in the UK have already begun to move to plastic free wet wipes. 

For those who have not, they will need to check whether any wet wipe products they sell contain plastic and either switch to a reusable or plastic-free alternatives. 

Businesses will also need to make sure their staff understand the changes and of the exemptions for medical wipes. Acting early will help avoid confusion and the risk of breaking the law.

Businesses with remaining stock of wet wipes containing plastic should speak to their supplier, local authority or trade association about how to dispose them appropriately. 

Where wet wipes cannot be supplied by law and need to be disposed of, businesses are responsible for the disposal costs. Wet wipes should not be placed in recycling.

Other UK nations are bringing in similar bans on different dates. These are:

• Northern Ireland – 18 May 2027
• England – 19 May 2027
• Scotland – 11 August 2027

For further support or business advice, you can contact:

Call: 03000 603 000
Email: Businesssupport@gov.wales 

Or visit the Business Wales Website

The Business Wales Helpline opening hours for calls are 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday except on public holidays.

Support and Advice

If you require further support or advice, please contact us at: 
E-mail: 

singleuseplastic@gov.wales