Scotland has confirmed a ban on the sale and supply of wet wipes that contain plastic, with the new regulations set to come into force on 11 August 2027. The measure is aimed at reducing environmental pollution and protecting marine ecosystems from one of the most persistent forms of litter.
Wet wipes containing plastic fibres are widely recognised as a major contributor to marine debris. When improperly disposed of, they can enter waterways, degrade slowly and fragment into microplastics, posing long-term risks to wildlife and natural habitats. The Scottish regulations form part of a broader programme to safeguard the country’s environment and coastal waters, while allowing a transition period to help businesses adapt.
Scottish Water also calls for calls for mandatory “do not flush” labelling and clearer environmental claims on packaging
Certain exemptions will apply, including for medical and industrial purposes and for business-to-business transactions. Members of the public who rely on specific plastic-containing wipes for medical or healthcare reasons will still be able to access them through pharmacies.
The Scottish ban is part of a UK-wide approach agreed following a public consultation in 2023, in which more than 93% of respondents supported or strongly supported restricting these products. Wales, Northern Ireland and England are introducing equivalent measures between December 2026 and May 2027, reflecting differences in legislative timetables while maintaining consistent scope and intent across all four nations.
Commenting on the announcement, Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Wet wipes containing plastic are an unnecessary single-use item, for which more environmentally friendly alternatives already exist.” She added that incorrect disposal turns such products into “a problematic source of marine litter and a threat to the health of our environment and wildlife.”
The move has been welcomed by the water sector. Scottish Water Chief Executive Alex Plant highlighted the operational impact of flushed wipes, stating: “This ban will help us tackle one of the biggest challenges we face – responding to and clearing around 35,000 blockages every year in our sewers, at a cost of about £10 million.”
He also reiterated calls for mandatory “do not flush” labelling and clearer environmental claims on packaging, urging the UK Government to take further action to reduce sewer blockages and environmental harm.
The regulations are made under powers in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and build on earlier restrictions on single-use plastic items, reinforcing the UK’s transition towards a more circular economy.
