This bill requires many premoistened, disposable nonwoven wipes to carry a clear "Do Not Flush" label and symbol. Covered products include baby wipes and household or personal care wipes that contain petrochemical-derived fibers and that have a significant potential to be flushed. The bill sets rules for where the symbol and label must appear on different package types (cylindrical tubs, flexible film packs, rigid refill tubs, bulk retail packaging, and small combined packages). It sets visibility rules: the symbol and label must be at least 2% of the principal display panel, be high contrast (a 70 percent contrast measure is defined), and avoid being obscured by seams or folds. For some cylindrical packages, a flip-lid label may cover at least 8 percent of the flip lid. The bill bans any express or implied claims that a covered product can or should be flushed. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce the rules using the same powers and penalties it already has under the FTC Act, may write implementing regulations, and may consult agencies like the EPA, FDA, and CPSC. The bill also preempts State or local laws that are not identical to its labeling requirements. The rules would apply one year after the law is enacted.
No publicly available information on federal budgetary effects, regulatory costs, or compliance costs is provided in the bill text.
Supporters (the bill was introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley, Susan Collins, Richard Blumenthal, Angus King, Edward Markey, Patty Murray, Alex Padilla, Ron Wyden, Jeanne Shaheen, and Elizabeth Warren) would point to the bill's direct rules: it standardizes a "Do Not Flush" label and symbol for many wipes, bans flushability claims, and gives the FTC authority to enforce and write regulations. The bill text frames these requirements as a uniform national standard that applies one year after enactment.
No publicly available information on objections, opposition statements, or affected-party arguments is included in the bill text or accompanying metadata.