Plastic wet wipes ban

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.