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Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Bill [HL]

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A bill to Require manufacturers to fit microplastic-catching filters to new domestic and commercial washing machines; to make provision about the promotion of the use of microplastic-catching filters in washing machines and raising awareness about the consequences of microplastics from washing machines for pollution in rivers and seas; and for connected purposes.

Be it enacted by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1 Requirement for washing machine manufacturers to fit microplastic-catching filters

(1) The Secretary of State must by regulations make provision requiring washing machine manufacturers to fit qualifying microplastic-catching filters to new domestic and commercial washing machines for use or sale in England.
(2) In this section—
microplastics are any synthetic fibre particle or polymeric matrix, with regular or irregular shape and with size between 1 μm and 5 mm, of either primary or secondary manufacturing origin, which are insoluble in water;
a qualifying microplastic-catching filter is a filter which typically catches at least 90 per cent of microplastics measured by mass that are emitted by the washing machine when post filtered to 10 μm.
(3) The regulations must provide for the requirement to have effect no later than 1 January 2030.
(4) Regulations under this section may create offences in relation to that requirement punishable by a fine.
(5) Regulations under this section—
(a) are to be made by statutory instrument;
(b) may make different provision for different purposes;
(c) may make transitional and saving provision;
(d) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

2 Duty to promote filters and raise awareness of microplastics

(1) It is a duty of the Secretary of State to—
(a) promote the environmental benefits and use of microplastic-catching filters in washing machines, and
(b) raise awareness about the consequences of microplastic fibres shed from clothing as part of the laundry cycle through washing machines for pollution in rivers and seas.
(2) The duty extends to promotion and awareness-raising in schools and other educational settings.
(3) The Secretary of State may publish guidance to public bodies in connection with the duty.

3 Extent, commencement and short title

(1) This Act extends to England and Wales.
(2) This Act comes into force on the day on which it is passed.
(3) This Act may be cited as the Microplastic Filters (Washing Machines) Act 2026.