CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

USA: Washington requires manufacturers to label non-flushable disposable wipe products 

APRIL 2020 – RELEVANT FOR: HARDLINES, SOFTLINES, CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

For the first time ever, US Washington passes the bill¹ to regulate labelling of non-flushable disposable wipes. This sets labelling standard for wipes which are designed for personal hygiene or cleaning such as cosmetic wipes, baby wipes, surfacing cleaning wipes, and others. 

The new law requires the packaging of non-flushable wipes must carry the “Do Not Flush” symbol to help guide consumers to dispose appropriately in the trash. An example is given below.
 

The symbol must be placed on the principle display panel in a prominent and reasonably visible location. It must cover at least two percent of the surface area of the principle display panel presented, with sufficiently high contrast with the immediate background of the packaging.

The law takes effect from 1 July 2022, while allowing those wipes with biocidal or fungicidal function to comply beginning 1 July 2023.

Cities and counties have concurrent authority to enforce the labelling requirements and collect civil penalties for a violation of the requirements. An enforcing government entity may impose a penalty.

[1] Chapter 121, Laws of 2020