From 7 June 2018 onwards, it is illegal to manufacture or sell some products containing microbeads in New Zealand. Find out more about the rules and whether your product is affected.
Microbeads are tiny plastic particles, including plastic-based glitter, that are added to products to increase their cleaning or scrubbing power, or to make the product look fun or appealing. You can find plastic microbeads in some face and body cleansers (scrubs or exfoliators), in bubble bath, toothpastes and heavy-duty hand soaps.
Microbeads in these ‘wash-off’ products are potentially harmful to marine life, to the food chain in the sea and to people, if contaminated sea food is eaten. The Government reviewed the rules and banned many, but not all, products containing microbeads to keep New Zealand’s marine environment healthy. This means it is illegal to manufacture or sell some products.
You could face a fine up to $100,000 if you knowingly break the rules and are caught.
This guide tells you which products are affected, and what to do if you own products containing microbeads.
Why ban microbeads?
Plastic microbeads are not biodegradable and our wastewater systems cannot completely remove them during water treatment. This means that after we wash these products down the drain, microbeads end up in our waterways and in the sea. They are difficult to remove from the environment once they have accumulated there.
Plastic microbeads can absorb and leach toxins over time. They are tiny (less than 5 mm across), are sometimes brightly-coloured and shiny, and could be mistaken for food, or accidentally eaten, causing long-term damage to some sea animals. Once eaten, the microbeads and the toxins they absorb can become a part of the marine food chain, which means they could end up in our food.
Not all microbeads are banned, and we will tell you more about this next.
Which products are banned?
Many of the larger retailers in New Zealand have already phased out products containing plastic microbeads. These products containing plastic microbeads are banned:
‘wash-off’ face, hand and body cleansers, scrubs and exfoliators
toothpastes
glitter bubble bath
abrasive cleaning products for the home, the car and for industrial cleaning (these are rare, if not absent, in New Zealand but are manufactured and sold overseas)
The following are not banned:
personal hygiene products containing natural particles, such as ground nutshells, pumice or other biodegradable materials
medicines and medical devices for direct therapeutic purposes, as defined in New Zealand law (see link below)
goods that are produced in, or imported into Australia and are lawfully sold in Australia (these goods are recognised under a trade agreement between New Zealand and Australia, the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 - note: a voluntary phasing out of plastic microbeads in Australia is underway)
microbeads, including glitter, in wipe-off products, such as cosmetic makeup
microbeads, including glitter, sold as a craft material
The presence of microbeads is often, but not always, promoted on the product’s label, or listed in the ingredients. You could ask the original retailer, or seek advice from your manufacturer or supplier. You could also check the product’s safety data sheet (also known as an SDS). Be aware that even if you can’t see microbeads listed as an ingredient, they may still be present. Sometimes, the chemical name of the plastic may be used instead.
If in doubt about whether your product is approved for use in New Zealand, or have any other questions, please contact us. Our contact details are at the end of this page.
Guidance for manufacturers and suppliers
Please read the section above ‘Which products are banned?’
It is illegal to manufacture or supply banned products containing plastic microbeads in New Zealand. If in doubt, please contact us.
Arrange for the safe disposal of remaining stocks of these products (we give you more information about this below). We recommend that you keep hold of your documentation about the disposal as a record.
Guidance for retailers and the public
If you are a retailer
Check your stock
It is illegal to sell banned products containing plastic microbeads in New Zealand after 7 June 2018. If in doubt, please contact us.
Arrange for the safe disposal of remaining stocks of these products (we give you more information about this below), or discuss this with your supplier.
What to do if you bought, and still own, products containing microbeads
You can continue to use your cleansers, toothpastes and cleaning products, even though their manufacture and sale is banned.
Dispose of unused products safely (we give you more information about this below).
How to dispose of these products safely
Most products should be fine to throw away with your non-recyclable household rubbish, or at your local landfill site. Please do not tip these products into your sink or drain.
What can I do if I see these products for sale?
Tell us.
The EPA is responsible for ensuring that banned microbead-containing products are not manufactured or sold in this country. We will work with the parties concerned to help them dispose of the products safely.