According to AFP, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced on November 18, 2025, that the UK will ban the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic. The department stated that these products not only cause environmental pollution but are also a major cause of sewer blockages. This measure, which will come into effect in early 2027, will lead to cleaner rivers, lakes, and beaches, and better protection for wildlife.
Research by the UK water industry found that 94% of sewer blockages are caused by wet wipes, costing water companies approximately £200 million (approximately S$342 million) in repair costs annually.
The new regulations only target wet wipes containing plastic, which experts say are particularly harmful to the environment.
However, there will be exemptions to the new regulations in some cases, such as for wet wipes used by medical professionals.
Registered pharmacies will still be allowed to sell wet wipes containing plastic, provided they are not directly displayed or advertised to customers.
