USA: New labeling law for disposable wipes in Washington State

Governor Jay Inslee has signed HB2565 into law in Washington State, updating the labeling guidelines for non-flushable wipes, which include surface cleaning wipes, cosmetic wipes and baby wipes.

The law requires packages of such wipes to carry prominent 'Do Not Flush' labeling to help guide consumers to dispose of them appropriately in the trash.

The legislation was introduced in response to concerns voiced by Washington sewer system operators that consumers are flushing certain types of wipes that are not designed to be disposed in sewer systems.

The act takes effect on July 1, 2022. From January 1, 2023, products that do not contain the required ‘Do Not Flush’ wording may not be sold or distributed in Washington State. For any non-flushable wipes registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. Sec. 136 et seq. (1996)), the act applies beginning July 1, 2023.

Washington State is the first state to mandate 'Do Not Flush' labeling for disposable wipes; other states may follow suit.

TSG can help

TSG’s team of regulatory consultants are experienced in all aspects of federal and state cosmetic regulations, from formulation reviews and label compliance to reviewing product claims.