I am pleased to tell you that Ministers have confirmed that the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products will be banned, regardless of whether they are used as exfoliants, cleansers or otherwise.
In England, the ban on manufacture is expected to apply from 1 January 2018, and on sale from 30 June 2018; the Devolved Administrations will need to introduce their own legislation. Ministers will also be working with the Hazardous Substances Advisory Committee to review evidence about solid plastic particles in other products, and their likelihood of entering the marine environment. I have been assured that they will review the position in the light of the Committee's advice.
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