These regulations will ban the supply, or offer to supply, of wet wipes which contain plastic in Wales from 18 December 2026.
The law aims to stop the environmental damage caused when these products are disposed of incorrectly.
Timescale
The ban on the supply of wet wipes which contain plastic will begin in Wales on 18 December 2026. This gives time for manufacturers to change their production processes if they want to continue to supply the market in Wales.
All UK nations are introducing this ban but with different start dates. England’s ban starts on 19 May 2027.
Overview
The Environmental Protection (Single-use plastic products) (Wet Wipes) (Wales) Regulations 2025 [LEGISLATION.GOV.UK] make it a criminal 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.
Exemptions
An exemption has been included for the continued supply of wet wipes which contain plastics and which are designed or manufactured for use in connection with medical care or treatment.
This means retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers can continue to sell and supply wet wipes containing plastic if it’s in connection with medical care or treatment.
Non-plastic wet wipes will not be impacted by the ban and can still be supplied – look for the term ‘plastic-free’.
Reusable wet wipes, which can be safely reused many times, are not included in the ban.
Enforcement
Local authorities will carry out inspections to make sure the rules are being followed. Inspectors’ powers include:
- visiting a shop or store
- making test purchases
- speaking to staff; and
- asking to see records.
If you break the law, you could be fined and ordered to cover the cost of the investigation.
Get help
If you have questions about how the new rules affect your business, contact singleuseplastic@gov.wales.