Development and compliance of quality standards for disposable and reusable menstrual health pads in LMICs
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July 2021
Development and compliance of quality
standards for disposable and reusable
menstrual health pads in LMICs
Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition
www.devsolutions.org office@devsolutions.org 17/109 (BASEMENT), VIKRAM VIHAR,
LAJPAT NAGAR IV, NEW DELHI 110024
Study Objectives Objective 1: Develop policy guidance for harmonization of technical benchmarks for disposable and reusable sanitary pads in South Asia and Africa – focus countries India, Nepal, Kenya and Uganda Objective 2: Build consensus around policy recommendations for the enforcement of quality standards for disposable and reusable menstrual health pads at the state level in India
Methodology
• Primarily qualitative data collection methodology with in-depth interviews with key stakeholders
• Supplemented by secondary review of standards in LMICs (primarily Africa and South Asia) and review of
procurement documents for regional state Government procurement in India
• Supplementary insights were incorporated from a technical consultation conducted by MH Hub with social
enterprises in focus countries – 2 SMEs India and Uganda were included
Stakeholders Qualitative Sample
Objective 1
Manufacturers 10 Disposable sanitary pad manufacturers
8 Reusable sanitary pad manufacturers
NGOs/CSOs/advocacy groups UNICEF, UNFPA PSB, UNHCR-UNFPA, UNAIDS
WASH United, MH Hub, GirlUp, GIZ Nepal, WoMENA, Irise UK, AMREF Health Africa, WSSCC
(now Sanitation and Hygiene Fund)
WASH Alliance Kenya, MHM Partners Alliance (Nepal), African Coalition on MHM (ACMHM),
Independent MHH experts; Consultation report shared by WHO identifying areas of interest
Technical Experts 3 Microbiologists, 4 Material Scientists, 1 Medical Doctor, 2 Laboratories
Regulatory/monitoring stakeholders Uganda National Bureau of Standards
Bureau of Indian Standards
Swedish Institute of Standards (SIS)
Informal interactions with KeBS and BIS
Why are standards are needed?
Consumer Trust and Empowerment Enhance access by creating market entry pathways for
Consumers new product categories
• have access to quality products through the open market • Create a framework for market entry of new categories
• are better positioned to assess the product quality and like reusable products where manufacturers cannot invest
access redressal mechanisms in marketing and awareness
• Include all product categories into policy discussions and
unlock Govt. funding – taxation, free distribution etc.
which have been disproportionately focused on
disposable pads
Establish a common definition Reduce cost of giving
of QUALITY Product • Government, donors and NGO
• Products with stronger QC gain Quality programs can use national and
a competitive advantage international standards for
• Allow for free flow of products Need for standards procurement for
across regional and free/subsidized distribution
international borders, thereby Product Product
reducing cost for consumers Choice Access
Section I Current Standards Landscape
Standards Landscape: Africa (East)
Type of Menstrual
Country Standard Year of Issue Authority
Product
ES: 6345- Sanitary Pads- Specification-
Disposable Sanitary Napkins Ethiopian Standards
Ethiopia Disposable 2018
Agency
ES: 6346- Sanitary Pads- Specification- Reusable Reusable Sanitary Napkins
DKS: 2881- Disposable Maternity Pads- Disposable Sanitary Napkins
2018
Specification
Kenya Kenya Bureau of Standards
KS 2925:2020- Kenya Standard-Textiles-Reusable Reusable Sanitary Napkins
2020
Sanitary Towels-Specification First Edition
MS 890:2013 SANITARY TOWELS –
Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2013
SPECIFICATION (First edition) Malawi Bureau of
Malawi
MS 1445:2018- Reusable sanitary towels- Standards
Reusable Sanitary Napkins 2018
Specification (First edition)
TZS: 1659- Disposable Sanitary Towels - Specifications Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2014
Tanzania Tanzania Bureau of Standards
TBS: 6136- Reusable Sanitary Towels – Specifications (2nd
Reusable Sanitary Napkins 2019
Edition)
UBS: 1782- Disposable Sanitary Towels -
Disposable Sanitary Napkins
Specifications Uganda National Bureau of
Uganda 2017
Standards
US: 1782- Reusable sanitary towels — Specification Reusable Sanitary NapkinsStandards Landscape: Africa (South)
Type of Menstrual
Country Standard Year of Issue Authority
Product
SANS: 1043 Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2010
South Africa Bureau of
South Africa
Standards (SABS)
SANS: 1812 Reusable Sanitary Napkins 2019
HS Code: 4818.40 (import guidelines) Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2011
Zambia Bureau of
Zambia
Standards
Under Development Reusable Sanitary Napkins Under Development
ZWS: 730- Manufacture of Sanitary Pads Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2015
Standards Association of
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
ZWS 1023: Reusable sanitary pads Reusable Sanitary Napkins 2019Standards Landscape: Africa (West and Central)
Country Standard
GS 1248:2019: Specification for single-use disposable
sanitary towels (pads) for external use
Ghana
Reusable Sanitary Napkins – advocacy ongoing
Nigeria NIS 291 (2018) Disposable Sanitary Pads
Central African Republic
Chad
Mali CAR, Liberia: No standards body
Chad: no website for ATNOR
Mali: no website for AMANORM
Gambia Gambia: Standard catalogue unavailable for TGSB
Senegal: Website under construction for ASN; no info
Liberia
SenegalStandards Landscape: Africa (Regional)
Type of Menstrual Year of
Country Standard Authority
Product Issue
EAS 96-1: Sanitary towels
Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2008
East African Community (EAC)- Specification- Disposable
East African Standards
(Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan,
FDEAS:96- Sanitary towels- Reusable Sanitary Napkins Committee
Tanzania, Uganda) 2019
Specification- Reusable
ARSO DARS 653:2017 Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2019
African Organization for
(36 member countries- UNECA and DARS 1575:2017
Reusable Sanitary Napkins 2019 Standardization (ARSO)
AU)
UNECA: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
AU: African UnionStandards Landscape: South Asia
Country Standard Type of Menstrual Product Year of Issue Authority
BDS 1261:2016 Sanitary Towels Mandatory Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2016 Bangladesh Standards
Bangladesh
and Testing Institute
- Reusable Sanitary Napkins -
1980
IS 5405:2019 Disposable Sanitary Napkins
Revised in 2019 Bureau of Indian
India
Standards
IS 17514:2021 Reusable Sanitary Napkins 2021
Guidelines Notification by Education,
Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2020 Nepal Bureau of
Science and Technology Ministry
Nepal Standards and
- Reusable Sanitary Napkins - Metrology
PS: 1449-1979 Disposable Sanitary Napkins 1979
Pakistan Standards and
Pakistan
Quality Control Authority
- Reusable Sanitary Napkins -Standards Landscape: East and South-East Asia
Country Standard Type of Menstrual Product Year of Issue Authority
CNS 9324:2004 Feminine sanitary napkins Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2004 Bureau of Standards,
China Metrology and
- Reusable Sanitary Napkins - Inspection
PFSB No. 0325-17: Standards for Approval
Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2015
of Sanitary Napkins Japanese Industrial
Japan
Standards
- Reusable Sanitary Napkins -
MFDS Quasi-drugs Group 1 (A) Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2009
Korean Ministry of Food
South Korea
and Drug Safety
- Reusable Sanitary Napkins -
TCVN 10585:2014 Sanitary Pads for Directorate for
Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2014
Vietnam Women Standards, Metrology
- Reusable Sanitary Napkins - and Quality (TCVN)
2000
SNI 16-6363-2000: Sanitary Pads National Standardization
Disposable Sanitary Napkins Was taken under
(based on Japan standard) Agency of Indonesia
Indonesia revision in 2015
(Badan Nasional
- Reusable Sanitary Napkins - Standardisasi - BSN)
Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei, Timor-Leste, Laos do not have standards. Some like Laos do not have a
standards authority. Multiple
Some have import requirements e.g., Indonesia and Thailand require compliance to ISO 13485 for the manufacturing facilityStandards Landscape: Reference Standards
Country Standard Type of Menstrual Product Year of Issue Authority
Technical Specifications for
Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2021
Disposable Sanitary pads
UNGM
UNICEF, UNFPA, UNHCR
(Applicable internationally)
Technical Specifications for Reusable Sanitary Napkins
2021
Reusable Menstrual Pads (and Menstrual Cups)
C(2014) 7735: EU Ecolabel Disposable Sanitary Napkins 2014 EU Ecolable
European Union
Reusable Sanitary Napkins
N/A N/A
(and Menstrual Cups)
Disposable Sanitary Napkins
Menstrual Tampons and Pads:
United States of America Information for Premarket 2005 US FDA
Notification Submissions (510(k)s) Reusable Sanitary Napkins
(and Menstrual Cups)
Disposable Sanitary Napkins
AS 2869:2008 Tampons - Menstrual 2008
(Tampons and Absorbents)
Australia Standards Australia
Therapeutic Goods (Standard for Reusable Sanitary Napkins– does not
Menstrual Cups) Order 2018 exist 2018
(Therapeutic Goods Order 99) (Menstrual Cups)Standards Landscape: Reference Standards
Country Standard Type of Menstrual Product Year of Issue Authority
US N/A INDA
Disposable sanitary Napkins N/A
EU N/A EDANACurrent Standards Landscape
• Most standards exist in the East and Southern African region, for both disposable and
reusable sanitary pads
• Joint advocacy by ACMHM members has pushed catapulted efforts in the region
• Regional African standards hold potential for faster adoption amongst other countries – especially
in West and Central Africa, where joint advocacy has begun
• Few South Asian and South-East Asian countries have disposable sanitary pad standards,
and only India has released standards for reusable pads (in 2021)
• Joint advocacy has not yet happened in the region and there is scope for strengthening the same
• South Asia and ASEAN can be potentially separate focus areas, given that each region has separate
trade associations
• Stronger linkages with Chinese and Japanese regulations may be required given high degree of
product flow from China and South East Asian countries to other countries within the region,
especially on herbal therapeutic materialsCurrent Standards Landscape
• Data could not be retrieved for Latin American countries, however, interactions showed,
limited advocacy focus on quality and standards in the region, and scope for strengthening
remains
• Developed country norms have been used for reference e.g. US FDA and EU and standards
from the same region e.g. EAC for Africa and India for South Asia have also been used
• Other technical industry references also exist e.g. INDA and EDANA, and can be referenced during
standards development
• Japanese and Chinese standards can also be used as references as QC is strong in these regions.
However, language has posed a barrier till now
• Technical exchange with experts from the region is also limited to LMICs, despite high degree of
product flow from these South and SE Asia to the rest of the worldSection II Process for Standards Creation
Process Lessons
1. Need for Sensitization 2. Lack of stakeholder diversity
Limited knowledge of ‘Who’ and lack of logistics
Uninformed policymakers and need for Govt. funding limits neutral and diverse
champions to formally request a standard stakeholders on the table –bias from
med/large manufacturers
- Leverage advocacy on SRHR, gender, WASH to
find champions
Joint advocacy for inclusive representation
- Conduct situation analysis to develop
through neutral parties i.e. coalitions, CSOs and
common vision and define clear outcomes with
‘Why’ of diverse groups (see next slide)
policymakers
- Support standards request to regulatorWho should be at the table and Why?
Stakeholders Potential Guidance
Small and mid scale manufacturers, • Ensure that QC protocols are practical and include sufficient guidance for
social enterprises implementation by small scale manufacturers
Advocacy groups (ACMHM, MHAI, • Assimilate secondary evidence
Nepal MHM Alliance etc.) and • Ensure representation from all stakeholders
researchers working on MHH • Advise if testing parameters are practical enough for inclusion in MHH policy
policy frameworks
Technical experts: Microbiologists • Guide process and test specifications for raw materials and final product for
and biotechnologists, Material ensuring product hygiene
scientists (manufacturer and • Guide specifications and methods for determining material safety, especially
independent) given high costs of testing
Gynaecologists • Share evidence on reproductive health parameters e.g, impact of use of
different products on vaginal flora and risk of RTI/UTIs, pH of vagina etc.
Fibre suppliers • Guide on how raw material quality and safety can best be determined
User groups • Representative of buyers from across SECs given the diversity in LMICsProcess Lessons
3. Funding limitations 4. Enforcement and Compliance
- Limited guidance beyond standard creation
Regulators’ funding limited to convening meetings, - Limited knowledge with SMEs
everything else is voluntary from committee
stakeholders -Standards paid and inaccessible
- Low consumer awareness
Donor support and TA needed
- Democratize access through pooled resources
- Stakeholder identification & logistics
- Operational guidance & capacity building
- Secondary evidence incl. access to reference
standards - Improved access to labs – common facilities,
subsidies, information
- Independent testing
- Situate within MHH policies
- Primary evidence generation
- Consumer awareness
- Engagement with research bodies, MoHSection III
Technical Specifications: Deep Dive
Detailed technical specifications retrieved from the standards landscape have been included as
AnnexureParameter Landscape: Material and Design (Disposables)
Manufacturing,
Material: Material: Middle Material: Bottom
Country / Organisation workmanship and Sizes (length) Sizes (Width)
Top Layer (Absorbent) Layer (Leakproof) Layer
finish
United Nations (UNGM)
Association of Non-Woven Fabrics Industry (USA) Standard Publicly Inaccessible
EDANA
European Union (EU)
United States of America
Australia
East African Community (EAC)
African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Ethiopia
Kenya
Malawi Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Tanzania
Uganda
South Africa Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Zambia Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Zimbabwe Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Ghana Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Bangladesh Standard Publicly Inaccessible
India
Nepal
Pakistan Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Sri Lanka Standard Publicly Inaccessible
China Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Japan
South Korea Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Indonesia Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Vietnam Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Parameter Present with testing details
Parameter / Details Absent
Standard is not publicly accessibleParameter Landscape: Performance (Disposables)
Hygiene:
Country / Organisation Absorbency Absorbency Rate pH Value Microbiological Biocompatibility Compostability
Requirement
United Nations
Association of Non-Woven Fabrics Industry (USA) Standard Publicly Inaccessible
EDANA
European Union (EU)
Absorbency Rate not
United States of America (FDA) mentioned
Absorbency Rate not
Australia mentioned
East African Community (EAC)
African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Ethiopia
Kenya
Malawi Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Tanzania
Uganda
South Africa Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Zambia Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Zimbabwe Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Ghana Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Bangladesh Standard Publicly Inaccessible
India
Nepal
Pakistan Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Sri Lanka Standard Publicly Inaccessible
China Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Japan
South Korea Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Indonesia Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Vietnam Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Parameter Present with testing details
Parameter / Details Absent
Standard is not publicly accessibleParameter Landscape: Material and Design (Reusables)
Manufacturing, Material: Middle
Material: Top Material: Bottom Sizes Sizes
Country / Organisation workmanship (Absorbent)
Layer (Leakproof) Layer (Length) (Width)
and finish Layer
United Nations (UNGM)
United States of America (FDA)
East African Community (EAC)
African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Ethiopia
Kenya Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Malawi Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Tanzania
Uganda
South Africa
Zambia Standard Under Development
Zimbabwe Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Ghana Advocacy Ongoing
India
Parameter Present with testing details
Parameter / Details Absent
Standard is not publicly accessibleParameter Landscape: Performance (Reusables)
Microbiologi
Colour Biocompatibi Usage and Drying Biodegradability /
Country / Organisation Absorbency pH Value cal
Fastness lity Durability Time Compostability
Requirement
United Nations
United States of America (FDA)
East African Community (EAC)
African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Ethiopia
Kenya Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Malawi Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Tanzania
Uganda
South Africa
Zambia Standard Under Development
Zimbabwe Standard Publicly Inaccessible
Ghana Advocacy Ongoing
India
Parameter Present with testing details
Parameter / Details Absent
Standard is not publicly accessibleTechnical Specifications: Expert Perspectives
1. Material and Design 2. Performance
• Included in almost all country standards but not • Absorbency + retention + dispersion + re-wet
in guidelines like INDA/EDANA need to be considered together – most standards
• Material/sizes source of innovation and stringent look at the first two
limitations are detrimental to consumer choice- • Is 30 mL absorption appropriate? For reusable
for both disposables and reusables products also?
• Softness included as guidance but determined by • Perceived specifications like colour should be
cost and preference, hence, physical test should avoided
be included if mentioned • Testing agents also need to be considered –
‘Largest disposable napkin sizes are sold in Japan potassium dichromate sol. Etc., coloured water,
contrary to intuition. Product design is driven by artificial blood, alternatives?
consumer preferences and need flexibility within • For reusables – drying time under varying
standards.‘ conditions and dimensional stability should be
- R&D specialist, MNC quantitatively mentioned
‘In Maharashtra state, products meeting minimum 30 mL criteria were procured and found to be insufficient as per
consumer feedback. Absorbent capacity was then enhanced for future procurement.’
- Government representative, IndiaTechnical Specifications: Expert Perspectives
3. Hygiene 4. Material Safety
• pH first level test for hygiene • Biocompatibility testing advised for all products –
• Duration of use – 6-8 hours? raw material certifications can be used as proxy
• Bio-burden testing (overall and specific) required • One-time testing or when process or raw
for both disposable materials are changed - MNCs conduct more
frequent testing, but may be prohibitive for SMEs
• Majority experts stress need for bio-burden
testing for reusables (test with no. of washes) • SMEs can benefit from pooled raw material
procurement from verified suppliers
• Moisture content of raw material also important
• Evidence on material risk is unavailable in public
• Process guidance also suggested – domain and needs independent investigation
sterilization/dehydration of raw materials & final
product, storage guidance (moisture, space etc.) • Japan standards can be used as reference
• Need for evidence on risk of BV, PID etc. when • For reusables – colour fastness is an additional
pad used for long hours necessary criteria
• SABS includes that banned, harmful toxic dyes as
per ISO 14362-1 not to be usedTechnical Specifications: Expert Perspectives
5. Environmental Safety
• Claims of biodegradability/compostability
rampant
• Oxo-degradable products sold under this claim
and are more harmful
• Compostability testing included in Ethiopia,
Nepal, India and UNGM specs Biodegradable
• ISO 17088 tests for compostable plastics but
under industrial conditions
Oxo-
• Compostability testing should include parallel Compostable
degradable
policy guidance on composting solutions
• Data needed on impact on soil and water quality
e.g done by HECAF-GIZ for vermi-composting
• Can menstrual waste lead to growth of microbes
in water system etc.?Technical Specifications: Expert Perspectives
6. Other Considerations
• Evaluate product lifecycle to prescribe
minimum burden of testing and enhance
compliance
• SMEs should not be excluded, but
supported for better compliance Standards for menstrual products are not unique and
• Pooling resources can help SMEs e.g. they exist for many sectors, hence it is not reinventing
common testing facilities, pooled anything. It is not a massive cost (~$200) and shouldn't
procurement stand in the way of a serious company conducting
• Subsidies or support for TA can be provided business. The tests are not very high-tech and drip tests
under MHH policies to local/women-led etc. are simple to conduct.
businesses
- Standardization advocate, procurement stakeholderSection IV Harmonization
Need for Harmonization
Need for Harmonization Pathways
• Duplication of efforts at country level for • Regional leaders taking an active role in country
standards creation – amidst resource level standards
constraints • Engage with regional manufacturer/trade groups
• Classification varies across geographies and for advocacy in WCA, LAC, SA, SEA
impacts enforcement; standards are usually • Wider dissemination of UNGM specs
voluntary
• Situating standards with global actors like WHO,
• Variance in technical specs across geographies UN bodies, donors, CI, World Bank – within
– has implications for international trade existing priorities of education, health and trade
• Lack of evidence and data on key technical • Syndicated fund for joint advocacy, evidence
aspects as a barrier to standards creation generation and technical assistance
• Close coordination with SIS and facilitation of
LMIC member states to contribute to new ISO
Copolco proposal for MH product standards
• Potential for inputs by WHO, UN agencies, RHSC etc.Harmonization: Global Collaboration
Countries Multilateral Organisations (UN Bodies, WHO, ISO)
• Develop in-country standards within robust MHH policies – • Standardization for multi-country/global product
health, education, environment, livelihoods procurement
• Contribute to regional and global standards • Overarching frameworks for national standards development
• Dissemination of standards locally and support for • Evidence generation on menstrual product use in LMICs
compliance through information, subsidies etc. • Facilitate sharing best practices among countries and regions
Global and Regional
Collaboration
Manufacturers Advocacy Institutions (Coalitions, RHSC)
• Access to new markets and consumer confidence • Represent unbiased consumer and industry interests for development
• Small and mid-sized manufacturers to voice concerns and • Cross-share learnings regionally and globally
demand assistance for subsidies, upskilling and technical • Advocate for product choice within government policy/schemes
support • Advocate for grievance redressal avenues for consumers
• Knowledge sharing among SMEs for enhanced enforcement
• Ease of doing business within and across borders
• Engagement of large MNCs and trade groups in global advocacy
effortsStandards Advocacy Lifecycle
Making the case Standards creation
• Sensitization of Govt and regulatory • Ensure right stakeholders are on the table
stakeholders • Offer context-appropriate references and in-
• Identification of champions country evidence throughput the process
• Facilitate participation of non industry
technical experts, if possible
Dissemination and Enforcement Harmonization
• Situating within policy frameworks for wider • Advocacy for adoption of international and
adoption regional standards within local policies
• Sensitization of procurement stakeholders • Ensure country standards are in line with
• Advocacy for making standard ‘mandatory’ regional standards, especially trade partners
• Consumer awareness and strengthened for the product category
redressal mechanisms (with Consumer • Advocate through regional trade platforms
International etc.)
• Guidance on QC protocols and labsNext Steps
1. Triangulation with supply chain study
2. Advocacy with
• Regional and country level advocacy stakeholders – through AAWG, Consumers International
• ISO through SIS
• WHO, UN, WB – Global Menstrual Collective, MHMiEWG, others
• Manufacturer and trade groups – RHSC Manufacturers group?
• Donors and impact investors – specific investment areas
• Advocacy tools
• Web hosting of database of standards
• Advocacy guideThank you
Conversations lead to solutions. Look forward to talking.
www.devsolutions.org office@devsolutions.org Get in touch with us at:
011-41061879Annexure Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications Disposable Sanitary Napkins
Technical Specifications: Size
East African
UNGM Community (EAC) Tanzania Uganda* South Africa* Kenya Ethiopia India Nepal
Standards
Regular: Length- 180mm Regular Regular Small Length- Length Length: Length 240+-20
Length 180mm (min.) Length 200 ± 20 mm Length 200 ± 20 mm; Length 180 to 260 240 mm 180mm (min.) Regular ≤ 210 mm (min)
to 220mm Width- 60mm (min.) Width 70 ± 5 mm; Width 70 ± 5 mm; mm Width- 65 Width- 60mm mm
Width 60 to 80 mm mm (min.) Width 60 to 75
Large: Large Large Large 211 to mm (min)
Length 220mm Length 240 ± 20 mm Length 240 ± 20 mm; Medium 240 mm
to 260mm Width 70 ± 5 mm; Width 70 ± 5 mm; Length 180 to 270 Standard
mm Extra-large Thickness 15mm
Extra Large: Extra large Extra large Width: 60 to 90 241 to 280 mm +-2
Length 260mm Length 280 ± 20 mm; Length 280 ± 20 mm; mm XXL ≥ 281 mm
to 300mm Width 70 ± 5 mm; Width 70 ± 5 mm;
Large Standard
Standard Standard Thickness 15 Standard Thickness 15 ± Length 230 to 300 Width 55 mm
Width 60mm– ± 2 mm 2 mm mm (min)
100mm Width 60 to 100
(excluding mm
wings)
XL
Length 270 to 330
mm
Width 90 to 110
mm
*Data based on publicly available draft documentsTechnical Specifications: pH and Absorption
East African
Standards UNGM Community (EAC) Tanzania Uganda* South Africa* Kenya Ethiopia India Nepal
Standards
pH 6-8.5 5.5-8.5 5.5-8.5 5.5-8.5 6.0-8.0 5.5-8 5.5-8.5 5.5-8.0 6-8.5
EN ISO 3071, EN ISO 3071,
EAS 261- Method ES ISO 3071,
pH Method B EAS 261- Method B Method B test method SANS
B (method not KS ISO 3071, Method B- (method
Determination (method not (method not (method not 3071 (method not IS 1390 IS 1390
accessible to Method B1 not accessible to
Method accessible to accessible to public) accessible to accessible to public)
public) public)
public) public)
No leakage (30 ml Small 5 ml (min)
No leakage (30 No leakage No leakage
from a height of Medium 10 ml (min)
ml from a height No leakage (30 ml of (30 ml of
2mm) using No leakage (30 ml No leakage (30 Large 15 ml (min) No leakage (30 ml
Absorbency of 2mm) using (30 ml from a coloured coloured
colored water or from a height of ml from a height XL 20 ml (min) from a height of
Performance potassium height of distilled water distilled water
oxalated sheep or 2mm) of 2mm) using Masson's light 2mm)
dichromate in 2mm) from a height from a height
goat blood or test green stain in water at
distilled water of 2mm) of 2mm)
fluid ambient temperature
Absorbency 10 seconds 10 seconds 10 seconds
10 seconds (max) 10 seconds (max) 10 seconds (max) 10 seconds (max) 10 seconds (max) 10 seconds (max)
Rate (max) (max) (max)
*Data based on publicly available draft documentsTechnical Specifications: Biocompatibility
East African
South
Standards UNGM Community (EAC) Tanzania Uganda* Kenya Ethiopia India Nepal
Africa*
Standards
For any pad materials that are The manufacture
bleached during processing, the The manufacture shall ensure that
supplier should identify the All materials, dyes shall ensure that raw material
All materials, dyes
bleaching process used and chemicals used raw material used used for
Biocompatibility and chemicals used
in the manufacture for manufacturing manufacturing
Evaluation — in the manufacture
Shall be free from formaldehyde, Not publicly Not publicly Not publicly Not of sanitary pads the final product the final product
Cytotoxicity, of sanitary towels
heavy metals, polycyclic available available available mentioned shall not cause any are safe for user are safe for user
Irritation and shall not cause any
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) undesirable effects based on its known based on its
Skin Sensitization undesirable effects
phthalates, dioxins, acrylic to the skin and toxicological known
to the skin.
monomers, reproductive & female genitalia. characteristics at toxicological
developmental toxins and other intended use. characteristics at
carcinogens intended use.
ISO 10993 Part-5&10: Evaluation
and Testing to assess the safety
(procedures not accessible to Heavy Metals:
public) ES ISO 17294-2
IS/ISO 10993 Part 5
ES ISO 11083
IS/ISO 10993 Part
Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) or
10
Tests / Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) and Not publicly Not publicly Not publicly Not Phthalates:
Not mentioned Not mentioned
Certification shall provide safety data. available available available mentioned ES ISO 14389
(procedures not
accessible to
Shall be compliant as per as per (procedures not
public)
REACH regulations (preferable to accessible to
have a REACH compliant public)
certificate issued by the
competent authority).
*Data based on publicly available draft documentsTechnical Specifications: Microbiological Requirements
East African
South India
Standards UNGM Community Tanzania Uganda* Kenya Ethiopia Nepal
Africa* (Optional)
(EAC) Standards
a) The total
a) The total
viable
a) The total viable
bacterial
viable bacterial
a) The total viable a) The total count
bacterial count
bacterial count viable bacterialTechnical Specifications: Compostability
East African
India
Standards UNGM Community Tanzania Uganda* South Africa* Kenya Ethiopia Nepal
(Optional)
(EAC) Standards
ISO 17088:2008-
Specifications for IS/ISO 17088.
compostable plastics or The information IS/ISO 17088
The sanitary pad
equivalent. whether the At least 90%
must be made of
product is degradable
biodegradable or
EU Ecolabel, Sustainable, biodegradable, within 6 months
Not compostable
Compostability recycled, re-used or Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned compostable or (testing is
mentioned material.
reusable materials for oxy-degradable performed and
packaging and the shall be marked conformed at a
Testing method
manufacturer of the on every packet recognised
not mentioned
disposable pad preferably of sanitary laboratory)
shall be in compliance with napkin
ISO 14001.
*Data based on publicly available draft documentsTechnical Specifications Reusable Sanitary Napkins
Technical Specifications: Sizes and pH
East African
Community Nepa
UNGM Tanzania Uganda South Africa Kenya Ethiopia Malawi Zimbabwe India
(EAC) l
Standards
Regular-
Light flow Small: length = 281 mm exist
Thickness 15 ± 2
Length (mm) 230 to Extra large:
mm
Super maxi (extra- 300; above 260 mm; Width: minimum
large): length 260 to Width (mm): 60 to 100 60 - 75 mm 60 mm
Extra large
300mm
Length 280 ± 20
width 60 to100 mm Very Heavy flow Period Panty: 230-
mm
excluding wings. Length (mm) 270 to 300 mm L and 80-
Width 70 ± 5 mm
330; 140 W (absorbent
Thickness 15 ± 2
Width (mm): 90 to 110 core only)
mm
pH 6 to 8.5 6 to 8 6.5 to 7.5 6 to 8 6 to 8 6.5 to 7.5 5.5 to 8
Not Does
Not Not
Not US ISO:3071- accessibl not
TZS-26 Method 1 SANS 3071: (not accessible accessible
pH Test EN ISO 3071, accessible (not ES ISO 3071, e exist
(not available for accessible for public IS 1390
Method Method B for public accessible for Method B
public view) view)
view public view)Technical Specifications: Absorption, Durability and Wear
time
East African
Zimbabw
UNGM Community Tanzania Uganda South Africa Kenya Ethiopia Malawi India Nepal
e
(EAC) Standards
Regular: 15 ml minimum*
Light Flow / Small: 5
Maxi: 20 ml minimum* S and M: 10 ml
No leakage on ml
Supermaxi: 30 ml L and XL: 30 ml
pouring 8 ml of Total volume Total volume Regular Flow /
minimum* Light Flow: 15 ml
the test fluid at Light: 4 ml (2 Light: 4 ml (2 Medium: 10 ml
Normal Flow: 20 Test by
4ml/min from a ml/min) ml/min) Heavy Flow /Large:
*for a coloured water or Not ml Not Not colored Does not
Absorption height of 2 mm Regular: 8 ml Regular: 8 ml 15 ml
oxalated sheep or goat accessible Heavy Flow: 30 accessible accessible distilled water exist
(4ml/min) (4ml/min) Very Heavy Flow /
blood or test fluid when ml and show no
Test Fluid: Heavy: 16 ml Heavy: 16 ml XL: 20 ml
poured on to the centre of leakage
Potassium (8ml/min) (8ml/min)
the napkin (at the rate of Absorbency rate (Annex B Test
Dichromate Absorbency Rate
15 ml per minute) >10 ml/sec Method)Technical Specifications: Color Fastness
East African
Zimbabw
UNGM Community (EAC) Tanzania Uganda South Africa Kenya Ethiopia Malawi India Nepal
e
Standards
To Rubbing
a) dry: 4 or better
b) wet: 3 or better
To Rubbing To Rubbing
colour/ fabric To Rubbing
a) dry: 4 or better a) dry: 4 or better To Prespiration
colour/ fabric dye of dye of the a) dry: 4 or
b) wet: 4 or better b) wet: 3-4 or better a) Color Change: 4
the materials shall not materials better
Not or better;
Color come out during shall not come Not b) wet: 3 or Not Does not
4 and above To Prespiration To Prespiration accessibl b) Staining: 4 or
Fastness washing out during accessible better accessible exist
4 or better 4 or better e better
washing
No value mentioned No value To Washing
To Washing To Washing To Washing
mentioned a) 4 or better
4 or better 4 or better a) Color Change: 4
or better;
b) Staining: 4 or
better"
SANS 105-C10/ISO ES ISO 105-
Test for ISO 105- Not IS / ISO 105-X12
TZS 43, Textiles 105-C10 Not C10, Textiles Not Does not
Color C10:2006 - Not Declared Not Declared accessibl IS / ISO 105-E04
TZS 138, Textiles SANS 105-X12/ISO accessible ES ISO 105- accessible exist
Fastnes Textiles e IS/ ISO 105-C06
105-X12 X12Technical Specifications: Biocompatibility
East African
South
Standards UNGM Community (EAC) Tanzania* Uganda* Kenya Ethiopia* India Nepal
Africa*
Standards
The materials
The materials used in the
used in the manufacture of The manufacture
The pads shall be free from acids The materials used in
manufacture of reusable shall ensure that
and alkali, free from dust and the manufacture of The materials
reusable sanitary sanitary towels raw material used
Biocompatibility particulate matter, free from bad reusable sanitary shall not cause Be smooth, soft
towels shall not shall not harm for manufacturing
Evaluation — odour, no bleeding of colour, and towels shall not harm any harm (skin Not when felt by hand
harm the skin in the skin in the final product
Cytotoxicity, free from shedding fibres. It shall be the skin in contact, all rashes and/or available and pleasant wearing Does not exist
contact, all outer contact, all are safe for user
Irritation and free from chemical residues like outer layers of the irritations) to publicly with no skin
layers of the outer layers of based on its known
Skin Sensitization chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, product should be fit the skin in irritations.
product should the product toxicological
heavy metals, azo dyes etc as per for direct contact with contact
be fit for direct should be fit characteristics at
REACH regulations. the skin
contact with the for direct intended use.
skin contact with
the skin
IS/ISO 10993 Part 5
IS/ISO 10993 Part
Shall be compliant as per as per Not 10
Tests / Not Not Does not exist
REACH regulations (preferable to Not mentioned Not mentioned available Not mentioned
Certification mentioned mentioned
have a REACH compliant publicly (procedures not
certificate issued by the accessible to
competent authority). public)
*Data based on publicly available draft documentsTechnical Specifications: Hygiene and Skin
East African
India
Standards UNGM Community Tanzania Uganda* South Africa* Kenya Ethiopia Nepal
(Optional)
(EAC) Standards
a) The total
a) The total viable
a) The total viable a) The total viable a) The total viable
viable bacterial
total viable bacterial bacterial count bacterial count bacterial count
bacterial countYou can also read
