Wet wipes containing plastic will be banned from sale in Wales in two months, with businesses warned to prepare for the new rules. The ban comes into force on December 18, 2026, under the Environmental Protection (Single-use plastic products) (Wet Wipes) (Wales) Regulations 2025.
The legislation makes it an offence for businesses to supply or offer to supply wet wipes containing plastic to consumers in Wales, including giving them away for free. The ban applies to both online and in-person sales.
Products Covered by the Ban
The ban covers a wide range of products, including baby wipes, face and makeup removal wipes, cosmetic face sheet masks, moist toilet tissue, antibacterial hand wipes, personal hygiene and deodorant wipes, and household cleaning wipes, including wet-mop wipes or pads.
Reusable and plastic-free wet wipes will not be affected by the new rules. Wet wipes containing plastic that are designed or manufactured for use in connection with medical care or treatment will be exempt from the ban.
Business Obligations and Exemptions
The Welsh Government is warning businesses that they will need to check product information carefully to establish whether their wet wipes contain plastic and switch to suitable alternatives where necessary. The legislation will also allow businesses to continue supplying plastic-containing wet wipes to other businesses rather than directly to consumers, meaning care homes and nursing homes will still be able to obtain these products from wholesalers and suppliers.
Businesses that still have stock of wet wipes containing plastic before the ban comes into force are being advised to speak to their supplier, local authority or trade association about appropriate disposal methods. Where products can no longer legally be supplied and must be disposed of, businesses will be responsible for the disposal costs, and the wipes must not be placed in recycling.
UK-Wide Rollout
Similar bans are planned across the rest of the UK. Northern Ireland's ban is scheduled for May 18, 2027, followed by England on May 19, 2027, and Scotland on August 11, 2027. The Welsh legislation forms part of efforts to tackle the environmental harm associated with single-use plastic products by restricting the supply of wet wipes containing plastic.
