France introduces a ban on the sale, manufacture and import of rinse-off products on 1st January 2018.  

The Canadian ban on microbeads comes into effect on January 1, 2018. The ban affects products that contain microbeads ≤ 5 mm in size, which are often found in bath and body products, skin cleansers, and toothpaste.  

Taiwan implements a ban on the import and manufacture of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics on 1st January 2018.  

The proposed UK ban comes into effect. Plastic microbeads can no longer be used in cosmetics and personal care products in the UK. 

New Zealand bans the import, manufacture and sale of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics on 7th June 2018.  

Sweden implements a ban on the import and manufacture of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics on 1 July 2018, along with a sales ban which is to come in effect on January 2019.  

Taiwan implements a sales ban on microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics on 1 July 2018. 

A microbead ban is proposed in South Africa after microplastic pollution was found in tap water.  

From 1 October 2018, the sale or manufacture of cosmetics and cleansing products containing the tiny plastic particles (microbeads) is banned in Northern Ireland.