Ban on the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic: Final Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment

Section 5: Next steps and implementation

Recommendations and preferred option

In summary, the preferred option is Option 1, and this will now be taken forward.

By introducing a ban on the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic, it is considered that the reduced risk of harm that would result will potentially provide environmental benefits for: the marine ecosystem as a whole, and the species and habitats contained within; and for water quality, through a reduction in micro and nano plastic pollution.

If a ban were introduced this would contribute to efforts by the Scottish and UK governments to work toward Good Environmental Status under the UK Marine Strategy, and contribute to other commitments to protect the marine environment.

A ban on the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic may impact certain specific businesses across the UK through increased costs and a possible initial reduction in profit. Option 1 will not affect the supply and sale of wet wipes for industrial and medical purposes, nor will it ban the manufacturing of wet wipes containing plastic for export. We consider that relevant businesses identified in Scotland will not be affected by Option 1.

It is concluded that a ban will not affect trade within the UK or at an international export level. Costs to producers are not considered to be prohibitive. Costs to retailers will be minimal. There will not be significant changes in choice for consumers or in retail prices. Those with medical or healthcare needs will still have access to appropriate products, as will industry.

Implementation and delivery plan

The Scottish Government has set out the timetable for implementation and delivery, and have confirmed that a ban would be in force after an 18-month transition period. This is in line with the other nations of the UK. This will give manufacturers and retailers time to prepare and transition to the parameters of the ban.

Many businesses will already be aware of the proposed ban, as this has been in the public domain for a number of years and the governments of the other nations of the UK are bringing in parallel bans within the same timescale.

Defra will monitor the implementation of the bans that will come into force across all the nations of the UK through engagement with key UK-wide stakeholder groups such as trade associations and the NHS. Early indications of unintended consequences could include greater than expected impacts to businesses of implementation, lack of availability of plastic-free wet wipes for consumers, and a disruption in supply for exempted purposes.

Post-implementation review

The effect of the proposed ban will be reviewed through the abundance of wet wipes found as marine litter on Scottish beaches.

A post-implementation review will be informed by the recommissioned research noted above, in order that figures can be compared prior to and after implementation of the ban.