WIPPES Act
What does the WIPPES Act do?
HR 2269 is a House bill sponsored by Rep. Lisa C. McClain (R-MI-9). Establishes a federal "Do Not Flush" labeling regime for premoistened, nonwoven disposable wipes marketed as baby or diapering wipes, and for household or personal-care wipes that are composed entirely or in part of petrochemical-derived fibers and have significant potential to be flushed (including antibacterial and disinfecting wipes, general and bathroom cleaning wipes, and body/personal-care wipes such as hand sanitizing, makeup removal, feminine and adult hygiene, and body cleansing). Covered entities (manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, individuals, or retailers responsible for the labeling or retail packaging of a covered product sold or offered for retail sale in the United States) must display both the phrase "Do Not Flush" (the "label notice") and the INDA/EDANA "Do Not Flush" symbol clearly and conspicuously in accordance with packaging-type rules.
Did HR 2269 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, HR 2269 has passed the House.
Status: Passed House
Latest vote: House Passed by voice vote on June 23, 2025
Outlook: Moderate
Key provisions
- Federal "Do Not Flush" Label + Symbol Requirement
- Covered entities must label covered products clearly and conspicuously with both the "Do Not Flush" label notice and the INDA/EDANA symbol
- Covered entities may not make any express or implied representation that a covered product can or should be flushed
- Effective 1 year after enactment
- Placement Rules by Packaging Type
- Cylindrical dispensing packaging: symbol + label notice on principal display panel — or symbol on panel with label notice (or combination) covering at least 8 percent of the flip lid
- Flexible film dispensing packaging: symbol on principal display panel and on dispensing side panel if different; label notice on principal display panel or dispensing side panel
- Rigid/refillable dispensing packaging: symbol + label notice on principal display panel visible each time a wipe is dispensed
- Packaging not intended to dispense individual wipes: symbol + label notice on principal display panel visible to the user
- Bulk retail: symbol + label notice on both outer packaging and individual packaging, with two enumerated exemptions
- Combined-product packaging: outer packaging exempt; individual covered-product packages smaller than 3 by 3 inches may satisfy the requirement with prominent placement
- Size + Contrast Standards
- Symbol and label notice each must equal at least 2 percent of the principal display panel's surface area
- Contrast percentage of at least 70 percent between symbol/notice and immediate background, using the formula (B1 − B2) / B1 × 100 where B1 and B2 are light reflectance values
- Light on dark or dark on light
- Embossed symbol or label notice on the flip lid of a cylindrical or near-cylindrical package is exempt from the contrast rule
- FTC Enforcement + State Preemption
- Violations treated as violations of a regulation under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)) — unfair or deceptive acts or practices
- FTC enforcement with same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as under the FTC Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.)
- FTC may promulgate regulations under section 553 of title 5, U.S.C., and may consult with EPA, FDA, or the Consumer Product Safety Commission
- State or local requirements not identical to the federal requirements are preempted
Last updated July 15, 2026