Prohibition of Micro-Plastics Bill 2016

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

Aimed at cutting plastic pollution from cosmetics and personal care products, this proposal would ban the manufacture, sale and import of any cosmetic containing micro-plastics, such as microbeads in scrubs, soaps, lotions, shower gels, sunscreen, make-up, deodorant and toothpaste. The explanatory note says these tiny plastic particles wash down drains, are not removed by water treatment, and end up in rivers and seas, where they can harm wildlife and may enter the food chain. It would make breaches an offence, with fines or prison possible, and let the Environmental Protection Agency bring prosecutions.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to prohibit the manufacture, sale and import of any cosmetic product containing micro-plastics as a raw material, and to provide for related matters

Last updated 25 February 2019