Wales to Ban Single-Use Plastic Wet Wipes by 2026

Wales is set to expand its Environmental Protection (Single-Use Plastic Products) Act 2023 by adding wet wipes to the list of banned items, with exemptions for medical use.

Key details:

• Adoption date: May 2025
• Enforcement begins: November 2026
• Exemptions: Medical use and certain business situations
• Ministerial powers: Ability to add or remove banned products
• The regulation aims to reduce plastic waste and encourage responsible disposal. Businesses must inform staff and seek recycling guidance from suppliers or councils.

Region: United Kingdom

Source: https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/GBR/25_01202_00_e.pdf