WIPPES Act
Sponsored By: Senator Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Passed Senate
Summary
Mandatory 'Do Not Flush' labeling for certain premoistened wipes. This bill would require a standardized Do Not Flush symbol and the words Do Not Flush on a defined class of disposable wipes that are partly or wholly petrochemical-derived and have significant potential to be flushed.
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- Manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, and retailers would have to place the Do Not Flush symbol and label on packaging with precise placement rules and visibility minimums, including that each be at least 2% of the principal display panel and meet a 70% contrast standard.
- Shoppers would see a consistent symbol and wording across packaging types, including rules for cylindrical, flexible film, rigid, bulk, and very small packages under 3 inches by 3 inches, and an embossed flip-lid exception for some containers.
- Enforcement and rulemaking would sit with the Federal Trade Commission, which may issue guidance within 180 days with input from EPA, FDA, and CPSC, and states could not adopt labeling requirements that differ from the federal standard.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
FTC would enforce wipe label rules
If enacted, breaking these labeling or claim rules would be treated as an unfair or deceptive act under the FTC Act. The FTC would have its normal penalties and tools to enforce. The FTC would issue compliance guidance within 180 days, after consulting EPA, FDA, and CPSC. Guidance would not create rights or bind anyone, and cases would need to allege a statutory violation. The FTC could enforce starting one year after enactment.
New Do Not Flush labels on wipes
If enacted, businesses that make or sell covered wipes would need clear "Do Not Flush" words and the official symbol on the package. Each would cover at least 2% of the main display panel and not be hidden by seams or folds. Contrast would need to be at least 70% using (B1 - B2) / B1 * 100; embossed flip‑lids would not need contrast. Placement would follow package rules: main panel for most; flexible film adds the dispensing side; flip‑lids need labels over at least 8% of the lid; bulk packs must show it on outer and inner packaging; very small 3×3 inch packs can place them prominently. No package would be allowed to say or imply the wipes are flushable. These rules would start one year after enactment and would not cover products packaged or sold before that date. This would warn people not to flush and could help prevent clogs and sewer damage.
One national wipe label standard
If enacted, states and cities would not be able to set different "Do Not Flush" label rules for covered wipes. Only rules identical to the federal standard would be allowed. This would reduce conflicting requirements for national sellers but limit stronger local rules. The preemption would begin one year after enactment.
Who must follow wipe label rules
If enacted, "covered products" would include premoistened nonwoven wipes sold for baby, diapering, household, or personal care that contain petrochemical fibers and are often flushed. This would include disinfecting and bathroom cleaning wipes, and personal care wipes like hand sanitizing, makeup removal, feminine hygiene, adult incontinence, and body cleansing. "Covered entities" would include makers, suppliers, and retailers responsible for the label or retail package. The new rules would begin one year after enactment. Products packaged or sold before that date would not need the new labels.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
OR • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
ME • R
Sponsored 3/24/2025
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Sponsored 3/24/2025
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
ME • I
Sponsored 3/24/2025
Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 3/24/2025
Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
WA • D
Sponsored 3/24/2025
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 3/24/2025
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 3/24/2025
Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
NH • D
Sponsored 3/24/2025
Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 3/27/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov