On this 3rd July 2021, the Implementing Regulation 2020/2151 of 17 December 2020, which sets out the harmonised specifications for the marking of single-use plastic products, and its Corrigendum published on 5 March 2021, enter into force. As of that day, the products involved, including cosmetic wipes and masks, must carry a logo to inform consumers of the presence of plastic in the product.
This mandatory marking stems from the European desire to reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.
As foreseen by this text, an Implementing Regulation (n° 2020/2151) established the rules of the marking.
Finally, the European Commission published, on 7 June 2021, “Guidelines” which specified the products involved, including masks in addition to wipes.
These provisions enter into force on 3 July 2021.
The rules for the marking
The cosmetic products involved
• Baby wipes
• Cleansing wipes for skin (including hands and body)
• Disinfection wipes for hands, including if provided to consumers in aircrafts, airports, trains or other venues
• Facial/cosmetic wipes (e.g. facial masks or ‘sheet masks’, face cleaning/make-up removal wipes)
• Intimate care wipes
• Toilet tissue wipe
Excluded from the scope of the Directive are industrial wet wipes professional use products (Medical/healthcare wipes), as well as dry wipes.
The marking
• Packaging of products with the surface area of 10 cm2 or more, shall bear the following printed marking:
• The marking shall be placed horizontally on the external front or top surface, whichever is more clearly visible, of the packaging.
When opening the packaging in accordance with …