Calorie Labelling (Out of Home Sector) (England) Regulations 2021
This requires large food businesses (250+ employees) to display calorie information on food and drink prepared for immediate consumption.
- Applies from: April 2022
- Covers: Restaurants, cafés, takeaways and similar businesses
- Purpose: Help customers make informed, healthier choices
Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2021
This restricts how foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) are displayed and promoted.
- Applies from: October 2022 (placement), October 2025 (promotions)
- Covers: Medium and large retailers (including online)
- Purpose: Reduce impulse purchases of less healthy products
Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (England) Regulations 2017
This bans plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetic products.
- Applies from: 2018
- Purpose: Reduce microplastic pollution in waterways
Environmental Protection (Plastic Straws, Cotton Buds and Stirrers) (England) Regulations 2020
This restricts certain single-use plastic items.
- Applies from: October 2020
- Purpose: Reduce environmental pollution
- Note: Limited exemptions apply
Environmental Protection (Plastic Plates and Polystyrene Containers) (England) Regulations 2023
This bans a range of single-use plastic and polystyrene items.
- Applies from: October 2023
- Purpose: Reduce waste and protect the environment
Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024
This bans the sale and supply of disposable vapes.
- Applies from: June 2025
- Purpose: Reduce waste and discourage youth vaping
Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025
Bans the supply of wet wipes containing plastic.
- From: May 2026
- Purpose: Reduce plastic pollution and sewer blockages
About this consultation
To support this consultation, the draft enforcement guidance has been grouped into 3 documents:
- food regulations (calorie labelling and HFSS restrictions)
- environmental regulations (microbeads, plastics and wet wipes)
- single-use vapes regulations