The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is bringing in regulations to prohibit the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic, with limited exemptions for business-to-business transactions and for medical use.

The measure is part of a coordinated UK-wide approach, with each nation introducing its own legislation.

A recent report estimated that more than 30 billion wet wipes were placed on the UK market in 2021, over 25 billion of which contained plastic. Projections indicate that by 2033 UK usage could reach 49 billion wet wipes, with 39 billion sold directly to consumers.

The regulations aim to curb the use of plastic-containing wipes in domestic settings, where viable alternatives are already available. This is intended to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution, cut the volume of waste sent to landfill or incineration, and lessen the impact of litter on the marine environment and animal health. The ban will take effect in May 2027, following an 18‑month transition period to allow retailers to sell through existing stock and switch to plastic‑free alternatives. Many such alternatives are already on the market.

A UK-wide public consultation launched on 1 October 2023 received strong support for the proposal, with a Summary of Responses published on 22 April 2024.

The action aligns with the Department's commitment to tackling plastic pollution set out in the NI Environmental Improvement Plan.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: "My department is informing people of these new regulations to give them time to change their habits when it comes to choosing these products over environmentally friendly alternatives.

"Improper disposal of wet wipes is having hugely negative consequences on our sewer system, on our beaches and in our waterways.

"Given the environmental harm caused by plastic and microplastic pollution, this ban represents a significant step toward a cleaner, healthier environment."