The Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (Scotland) Regulations 2018 makes it an offence to manufacture 'rinse-off' personal care products which use microbeads as an ingredient. It also makes the supply, offer to supply or possession of these products an offence. The Regulation is enacted under The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and forms part of a system which seeks to protect our marine environment.
Microbeads are tiny plastic particles which are less than 5mm which are water-insoluble and often used in personal care products like toothpastes, exfoliating scrubs and shower gels. Under this Regulation, 'personal care product' includes any product used for the process of cleaning, protecting or perfuming any part of the human body, the teeth, mucous membranes or of the oral cavity.
Penalties under this Regulation include up to £5,000 fine on summary conviction or up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine (or both) on indictment.
Benefits of Compliance:
