As each country in the United Kingdom must establish its own legislation on this matter, it is now Scotland’s turn, after England and Wales, to publish its regulations banning plastic-containing wipes.
Published on February 12, 2026, Scottish Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 75, entitled The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, prohibits any person from supplying or offering to supply wet wipes containing plastic to an end user in Scotland.
As in England, the Regulation provides for several exemptions to the ban when wipes are supplied:
• in registered pharmacies, without these being able to advertise them, and provided that this is at the consumer’s request;
• for medical purposes, under the supervision of a healthcare professional;
• to businesses or local authorities.
A system of civil penalties is provided for in the event of a breach of these rules.
This Statutory Instrument will apply from August 11, 2027.
In England, Statutory Instrument 2025 No. 1218 will take effect on May 19, 2027.
Wales has also legislated along the same lines, with a ban effective December 18, 2026.
Source
• Scottish Statutory Instrument 2026 No.75, intitulé The Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, legislation.gov.uk, 25 November 2025
