The draft regulations prohibit the manufacture and sale of plastic-stemmed cotton buds.

In the draft regulations:

“plastic” means a synthetic polymeric substance that can be
moulded, extruded or physically manipulated into various solid forms and
that retains its final manufactured shape during use in its intended
applications;

“plastic-stemmed cotton bud” means a rod of plastic which has cotton wrapped around both ends;

Enforcement officers have powers of entry to carry out the
necessary investigations in order to determine whether an offence has
been committed.

Breach of a prohibition is an offence, and a person guilty of an offence is liable

a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £5000;

b) on conviction on indictment, to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding £5,000 or both

The draft regulations apply to Scotland only.

The Environmental Protection (Cotton Buds) (Scotland) Regulations 2019

The regulations prohibit the manufacture and sales of plastic-stemmed cotton buds. Breach of a prohibition is an offence.

The date of prohibition on the manufacture and sale of such products is to be determined, but expected in the summer of 2019.

Enforcement officers have powers of entry to carry out the necessary investigations in order to determine whether an offence has been committed.

Breach of a prohibition is an offence, and a person guilty of an offence is liable

a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £5000;

b) on conviction on indictment, to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding £5,000 or both

The draft regulations apply to Scotland only.