Sweden and Scotland Ban Microbeads

Sweden has forbidden the sale of toothpastes, hair shampoos, hair conditioners, body peelings, and shower gels (rinse-off cosmetics), that contain microbeads. The prohibition takes effect on July 1, 2018. Dealers who obtain such products before that date may continue to sell them until January 1, 2019. Products with natural additives like coconut shells or rice kernels are excepted from the regulation.

Extending the ban on microbeads is planned. The EU Commission has engaged the ECHA to prepare an appropriate Annex XV dossier for that purpose.

The Scottish government has also banned the manufacture and sale of rinse-off products as of June 2018 based on a current draft law. We reported on a microbead prohibition in Great Britain in January.

If you have any questions about microbeads or the safety of your products, please contact us at cosmetic@kft.de.