Personal care products containing microbeads that are rinsed off, for example body scrubs, facial cleaners, and toothpastes. Pollution, pollution control and conservation (ICS 13.020.40), Cosmetics. Toiletries (ICS 71.100.70)

The New Zealand Government is considering making regulations under section 23(1)(b) of the Waste Minimisation Act (WMA) 2008 to prohibit or control the manufacture and sale of personal care products containing microbeads in New Zealand.

The proposal does not address controls around the importation or exportation of such products, nor does it consider regulation or controls of other products or sources of microplastics.

The New Zealand Government proposes that, should the proposed new regulations under the WMA be progressed through the necessary government process, they could enter into force in 2018.

For comments received in response to this notification, the closing date for submissions, as specified in the consultation document, is extended to 60 days from the date of this notification.