Microbeads ban: is your product affected?
Since 7 June 2018 it has been illegal to manufacture or sell some products containing microbeads in New Zealand.
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Since 7 June 2018 it has been illegal to manufacture or sell some products containing microbeads in New Zealand.
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.
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.
Many of the larger retailers in New Zealand have already phased out products containing plastic microbeads. These products that contain plastic microbeads are banned:
The following are not banned:
See a copy of the Waste Minimisation (Microbeads) Regulations 2017
To read the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997
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.
Please read the section above ‘Which products are banned?’
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.
If you find a banned product for sale, get in touch with us.
We are 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.
For advice on microbeads, phone us on 0800 2255 372 (0800 CALL EPA) or email Hazardous Substances Compliance team