DRAFT TANZANIA STANDARD                  TDC9 (6135)  P3 
                                                                      First  Edition                                                                                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
Textiles – Reusable Sanitary Towels - Specifications.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TANZANIA BUREAU OF STANDARDS  
 
 
  
i 
  
Textiles – Re Usable Sanitary Towels  – Specification.  
Foreword  
This Second Edition Draft  Tanzania Standard  has been prepared to help manufacturers  and importers  
of reusable sanitary towels which require a higher level of absorbency, comfort and convenience 
characteristics. It is hoped that the sizes and other requirements prescribed in this Draft Tanzania 
Standard  shall meet the tastes of individual users. If not , then with the publishing of this Draft Tanzania 
Standard , the demand and supply of reusable sanitary towels will be on a basis of helping and improving 
various brands and designs in the market.  
 
In this second edition, major review has been made on the p erformance requirements of the re -usable 
sanitary towels . The following parameters has have  been added;  
- Colour fastness (washing, rubbing and perspiration)  
- Rate of absorbency at the top absorbent layer of the reusable sanitary towel.  
- Absorbency capacities  of three different categories of the re – usable sanitary towel (light, 
regular, heavy/Maxi).  
In the preparation of this Draft Tanzania Standard  assistance was derived from:  
EAS 96 Sanitary towels — Specification, published by the East African Standards C ommittee.  
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition   TZS 1659:2014 – Textiles – Reusable 
Sanitary  Towels – Specification.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
1 
  
1. Scope 
This Draft Tanzania Standard  specifies the requirement and test methods for re -usable sanitary 
towels for external use . 
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this Draft Tanzanian 
Standard. For dated references, only the editi on cited applies. For undated references, the latest 
edition of the referenced document (including any amendment) applies.  
i) TZS 4, Rounding off numerical values  
ii) TZS 20, Textiles — Woven fabrics — Determination of the number of threads per unit length  
iii) TZS 26, Textiles — Determination of the conductivity, pH, water soluble matter, chloride and 
sulphate in aqueous extracts  
iv) TZS 43, Textiles  - Method for determination of colour fastness of textile materials to washing. Test 1 
(mild washing)  
v) TZS 138, Textil es - Method for determination of colour fastness of textile materials to rubbing  
vi) TZS 278, Textiles — Absorbent cotton gauze for medical use — Specification.  
vii) TZS 250, Textiles — Method for determination of absorbency of absorbent textile material  
viii) TZS 280, Textiles  - Method for determination of colour fastness of textile material to perspiration.  
ix) TZS 534, Textiles — Standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing  
 
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this Draft Tanzania Standard , the following terms and definitions shall apply.  
3.1 Sanitary towel.  
Feminine hygienic product made of fabric intended to absorb menstrual flow (also called sanitary 
napkin or sanitary pads)  
3.1 Re usable sanitary towel.  
Washable hygienic sanitary towels with a porous upper layer and a waterproof protective barrier that 
delays or prevents potential leakage from the absorbent layer of the pad at the bottom.  
3.2 Package  
Small unit set of sanitary pads as declared by the manufac turer 
3.3 Cover laye r 
Reusable Sanitary towel  shall have a cover layer that should act as a protective barrier that delays or 
prevents potential leakage from the absorbent layer (Insert).  
4 Description  
4.1Sanitary towels shall be described in accordance to their  absorbance capacity  
a)  panty liners;  
b) light flow;  
c) regular / normal for normal flow; and  
d) super for heavy flow.  
 
 
  
2 
 4.2 Size and design  
The size and design of reusable sanitary towels shall be as agreed between the purchaser and the 
supplier. However, th e recommended sizes are as per T able 1.   
Table 1 — Sizes  
 
Type  Length in mm.  Width in mm  Thickness in mm  
Regular  
Large  
Extra large  200 ± 20  
240 ± 20  
280 ± 20  70 ± 5  
70 ± 5  
70 ± 5  15 ± 2  
15 ± 2  
15 ± 2  
 
Note: The thickness shall be measured by stacking 10 complete pads and measuring the stack height. 
The average thickness for the 10 pads shall be used as the pad thickness.  
5 Manufacture, workmanship and finish  
5.1 The absorbent filler  
5.1.1 Shall be neatly cut to the required size as per design.  
5.1.2 Shall be arranged to form a uniform thickness throughout without any wrinkles or distortion.   
 
5.1.3 Shall be placed in the covering in such a way that it will not cause lump formation with the effect 
of sudden pressure.   
 
5.1.4 The covering fabric shall cover the filler completely enclosing the absorbent filler.  
 
5.1.5 The reusable sanitary towels shall  have a water resistant protective barrier at the bottom.  
 
5.2 The reusable sanitary towels shall have a very soft feel and when worn shall not chafe or give any 
discomfort feeling, and shall be free from all sorts of foreign matters  
 
5.3 Workmanship  
When  visually examined the sanitary towel shall be free from defects, lumps or wrinkles. Sanitary towels 
shall have no loose stitching, wings shall be even and there shall be no visible defects on the material. 
The materials shall be smooth to the touch.  
6 Requirements  
6.1 General  
a) The reusable sanitary towels shall be manufactured, packed and stored under hygienic 
conditions;  
b) The reusable sanitary towels shall be visibly clean and free from obvious defects; and  
c) The reusable sanitary towels shall release soil and stain quickly when washing by hand and 
shall dry even in the absence of sunlight.  
6.2 Materials  
The materials used in manufactur ing of reusable sanitary towels sha ll not harm the skin in contact. A ll 
outer layers of the product should be fit for direct  contact with the skin ; and the colour of the materials 
shall not come out during washing.  
6.2.1 Top sheet (the layer which contacts skin)  
Shall be of material that helps absorption, and shall have no harmful effect. The material used for the 
top layer sho uld be soft to the touch and should not shed any fibres when rubbed dry or wet.   
3 
 6.2.2 Protective barrier  
Re-usable sanitary pads shall have a protective barrier that delays or prevents potential leakage from 
the absorbent layer  to the underwear . 
6.2.3 Fastening mechanism  
There shall be a suitable device for fastening the pad for secure use. Fastening mechanism shall not 
be made of a ferrous metal that could rust and cause harm to skin . 
6.3  Performance requirements  
6.3.1 Absorbency and ability to withstand pressure after absorption  
The re -usable sanitary towels shall absorb the testing fluid when dripped at the centre of the  pad at 
different rates as per Table 2  and it shall not leak through at the bottom or sides of the sanitary towel, 
when tested  in accordance with annex A . 
Table 2  — Absorbency capacity at different rates  
Product category  Absorbency  
Total Volume 
required to be 
absorbed  Volume required to 
be absorbed 
/minute  
Light  4 ml 2 ml 
Regular  8 ml 4 ml 
Heavy  16 ml  8 ml 
 
 
6.2 Other requirements  
Other requirements of the re -usable sa nitary towels are specified in T able 3.  
 
Table 3 – Other requirements of re -usable sanitary pads.  
S/N Parameter  Requirements  Test Method  
1 pH (the sanitary towel shall 
be free from acids and alkali)  6.5 to 7.5  TZS 26  
2 Colour fastness  
 i) colour fastness to 
washing, Min  4 TZS 43  
ii) Colour fastness to 
rubbing  
- Wet, min  
- Dry, min   
 
4 
4 TZS 138  
iii) Colour fastness to 
perspiration.   
4 TZS 280  
3 Absorbency rate of the top 
absorbent fabric  10sec  Annex B  
4 Absorbency Capacity  No Leakage  Annex A  
 
 
  
4 
 6.3 Washing Instruction  
Washing shall be done by leaving used pads to soak in cold water for 15 minutes with suitable laundry 
soap or detergent, and then rubbed to remove stains.  
 
6.4 Drying Instruction  
 
Re-usable sanitary pads shall be hang to dry outdoors or indoors as per reco mmended drying time (see 
Table 4 ).   
 
 
Table 4  — Recommended drying time for reusable sanitary pads  
 Condition  Maximum drying time  
Pads drying outdoors on a cloudy day   6hrs  
Pads drying indoors on a cloudy day  12hrs  
 
6.5 User and care instructions  
There shall be user and care instructions in every packet of the sanitary towels. The user and care 
instructions shall be outlined in similar instructions as below to ensure proper use and care by the 
consumer.  
a) before first use, wash with soap and clean water and allow to dry completely;  
b) place pad in the knickers with the absorbent side facing up (Must be worn in properly fitting 
knickers);  
c) close the fastening mechanism and we ar. Ensure to check and change pads as needed 
throughout the day;  
d) after use, rinse/soak in water. Pour away dirty water;  
e) in clean water, wash clean with soap. Rub thoroughly; ensuring the absorbent layer has been 
sufficiently scrubbed clean ; 
f) rinse the pad again;                                                   
g) squeeze all the water out of the pad;  
h) hang to dry outdoors. Must be completely dry before re -use; 
i) store in a clean, dry place;  
j) do not bleach;  
k) do not share; and  
l) Marking shall be in English or Kiswahi li language.  
 
 
7 Microbiological requirement  
 
The microbiological limits shall be as defined below:  
 
7.1 The total viable bacteria count, when determined in accordance with Annex C.4 a) shall not exceed 
1000 per reusable sanitary towel.  
 
7.2 When tested in accordance with Annex C.4.2, C.4.3, and C.4.4, the reusable sanitary towels shall 
be free from Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  
8 Packaging and Marking  
8.1  Packaging  
Re-usable sanitary towels shall be supplied in packages made of suitable materials which are sealed 
so as to protect them from moisture, soiling and contamination during storage and transportation.Only 
packages with the same batch number shall be packed toget her.  
5 
 8.2  Marking  
The following information shall appear legibly and indelibly on the outside of each package:  
a) the manufacturer’s name and/or registered trade mark;  
b) the words “reusable sanitary towels/sanitary napkins/ pads/ panty liners”;  
c) number of sanit ary towels in a package;  
d) absorbency (panty liner/light/normal/heavy flow);  
e) use and care instructions, including warning to wash before first use;  
f) storage instructions;                                   
g) batch identification number;        
h) country of manufacture; and  
i) date of manufacture.  
8.3 Additional  marking   
The re -usable sanitary towels shall also be marked with TBS certification Mark of Quality. The TBS 
Mark of Quality shall be used by the manufacturers only under license from TBS.  
 
9 Sampling  
 
9.1 Lots  
 
In any consignment all the containers of sanitary towels of the same size and type belonging to one 
batch of manufacture or supply shall constitute a lot.  
 
9.2 Scale of sampling  
 
The samples shall be tested from each lot for ascertaining its conformity to the requirements of the 
specification.  
Unless otherwise agreed upon between the buyer and the manufacturer, the number of pieces to be 
selected at random from the lot shall be in  accordance with a given table.  
 
Table 3 — Scale of sampling  
 Number of 
containers in 
the lot  Number of 
containers to 
be selected  Number of 
cartons to be 
selected  Number of 
packets to be 
selected  Permissible number 
of non -conforming 
pieces  
Up    to  250 
251   to 500  
501   to 1000  
1001 to 2500  
2501 to 5000  
5001 and above  6 
8 
11 
15 
20 
30 10 
12 
15 
20 
25 
30 5 
7 
10 
15 
20 
25 2 
2 
3 
3 
6 
6  
6 
  
ANNEX A.  
(Normative)  
Method for determination of absorbency capacity  
 
 
Test methods for determination of absorbency and ability to withstand 
pressure after absorption.  
 
A.1 Apparatus  
 
A.1.1  Flat level transparent surface.   
 
A.1.2  Burette.  
 
A.1.3  Metallic block .  
 
A.2 Testing fluid  
 
Coloured water.  
 
A.3 Procedure  
 
A.3.1  Lay the sanitary towel on a flat transparent surface so that underside of the sanitary towel can be 
observed.   
 
A.3.2  Using the burette drip at the rate of 15 ml per minute, 30 ml of the fluid maintained at a temperature 
of 27 ºC ± 2 ºC on to the centre of sanitary towel from a height of approximately 1 mm to 2 mm.   
 
A.3.3  After the towel has absorbed the full amount of fluid, keep a standard weight of 10N  for one minute 
on the portion where the fluid was absorbed.   
 
A.4 Test report  
 
Observe the back and side of the sanitary towel for any fluid leakage.   
  
7 
 Annex B  
(Normative)  
Method for determination absorbency rate  
 
B.1. Apparatus                                                       
  
B.1.1 Water tub  
 
Tub of depth at least 100 mm and maintained at room temperature.  
 
B.1.2 Stop watch  
 
With an accuracy of 0.2s.  
 
B.1.3 Cylindrical basket,  weighing 2.7 ± 0.3 g, of height 80 mm, diameter 50 mm with     
Square opening of 15 mm to 20 mm, made of copper wire  of 0.4 mm diameter.  
 
B.1.4 Weighing scale  
 
B.2 Preparation of test sample  
 
Carefully separate the absorbency filler material and weigh 5  g; put the specimen into the 
basket .  
 
B.3 Testing procedure  
 
Drop the test the sample in a horizontal position into the water tub. Using the stop watch, measure the 
time it takes the basket and its content to sink below the surface of the water in seconds. Record the 
absorption period to the nearest 0.1 s. Repeat th e test for at least two test   specimens.  
 
B.4 Calculate the arithmetic mean of the absorbent filler material tested.  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
9 
 Annex  C 
(Normative)  
Microbiological examination  
C.1 Apparatus and equipment  
Use apparatus and equipment complying with the relevant requirements of ISO 7218.  
C.2 Media and reagents  
2.1 General  
Ensure compliance with the general requirements for the ingredients and for the preparation of media 
and reagents given in ISO 7218  
 
2.2 Bacteriological peptone  
Peptone           10 g  
Disodium  phosphate dodecahydrate        1 g  
Sodium chloride           5 g  
Mono-potassium phosphate         1.5 g  
 
Dissolve the ingredients in distilled water and make up to 1 L. Adjust the pH value to be 7.0 ± 0.1 after 
sterilization. Dispense 300 mL volumes into flasks of capacity 500 mL and sterilize by autoclaving at 
121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
2.3 Plate count agar  
Agar            15 g  
Gluco se          1 g  
Tryptone           5 g  
Yeast extract           2.5 g  
Dissolve th e ingredients in distilled water, made up to 1litre, and adjust the pH value to 7.2 ± 0.2. 
Dispense 15 mL volumes into bottles and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
B.2.4  Neutral red -bile salt peptone glucose medium  
Peptone           20 g  
Glucose           10 g  
Bile salts No. 3           1.5 g  
Sodium chloride                                   5 g  
Neutral red           0.03 g  
Crystal violet           0.002 g  
Dissolve the ingredients in 400 mL of distilled water and make up to 500 mL boiling to aid solution. 
Adjust the pH value to 7.4 and filter to a clear solution. Dispense 10 mL volumes into bottles each 
containing a Durham tube and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min  
B.2.5  Fluid soybean -casein digest medium  
Pancreatic digest of casein         17 g 
Papaic digest of soybean meal                       3 g  
Sodium chloride                                     5 g  
Dibasic potassium phosphate                    2.5 g  
Dextrose                       2.5 g  
Dissolve the ing redients in distilled water and make up to 1 litre, warming slightly to aid solution. Cool 
the solution to room temperature and adjust the pH value to be 7.3 ± 0.2 after sterilization. Filter to 
clarify (if necessary), dispense into suitable containers, an d sterilize by autoclaving at 121 ± 2 °C for 20 
min.   
9 
 B.2.6  Centrimide agar medium  
Pancreatic digest of gelatine         20 g  
Magnesium chloride          1.4 g  
Potassium sulphate          10 g  
Agar                     13.6 g  
Cetyltrimethylammonium  bromide (Cetrimide)       0.3 g  
Glycerine          10 mL  
Dissolve all the solid ingredients in distilled water, make up to 1 L, and then add the glycerine. Heat, 
agitating frequently, and boil for 1 min. Adjust the pH value to be 7.2 ± 0.2 after steriliz ation. Dispense 
into suitable containers and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
B.2.7  Pseudomonas agar  medium for detection of fluorescein  
Pancreatic digest of casein         10 g  
Peptic digest of animal tissue         10 g  
Anhydrous dib asic potassium phosphate        1.5 g  
Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4.7H2O)                    1.5 g  
Glycerine           10 mL  
Agar            15 g  
Dissolve all the solid ingredients in distilled water, make up to 1 L, and then add the glycerine. Heat, 
agitating  frequently, and boil for 1 min. Adjust the pH value to be 7.2 ± 0.2 after sterilization. Dispense 
into suitable containers and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 °C ± 2 °C for 20 min.  
B.2.8  Pseudomonas agar  medium for detection of pyocyanin  
Pancr eatic digest  of casein         20 g  
Anhyd rous magnesium chloride         1.4 g  
Anhyd rous potassium sulphate         10 g  
Agar            15 g  
Glycerine           10 Ml  
B.3   Preparation of Test Suspension  
Transfer 300 ml of the sterile solution of bacteriological peptone (B.2.2) to a sterile wide -mouthed jar of 
capacity not less than 1 litre and not more than 2 litres. The jar shall have a mouth of diameter not less 
than 150 mm and not more than 250 mm, and is fitted with a hermetically closing glass or metal -and-
glass lid.  Aseptically place the towel under test in the solution in the jar, fit the lid, agitate the contents 
of the jar for 2 min and then allow the jar to stand for 10 min. Repeat this agitating and standing 
procedure twice more. Aseptically remove abo ut 100 ml of the test suspension for testing as described 
in B.4 below.  
B.4  Procedure  
B.4.1   Total viable bacterial count  
Into each of three sterile petri dishes aseptically pipette a 1 mL portion of the test suspension. To each 
dish add 15 mL of freshly  melted plate count agar that has been cooled to 45 °C, and mix well. Incubate, 
count and calculate the total count as described in ISO 4833 Part 2. From the total viable bacterial count 
and the mass of the sanitary towel, calculate the total viable bacter ial count per gram of sanitary towel.   
10 
 B.4.2  Examination for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae.  
Aseptically add 10 mL of the test suspension to a bottle that contains neutral red -bile salt peptone 
glucose medium (B.2.4). Incubate the bottle for 24 h to 36 h at 37 ± 0.5°C and examine for the presence 
of Enterobacteriaceae as evidenced by the formation of acid and gas.  
B.4.3  Examination for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus . 
Use the media, reagents and procedure described in ISO 6888 -2 to examine the test suspension (see 
B.3).  As a control, pipette 0.1 mL of a 1:1000 dilution of an 18 h to 24 h cu lture of Staphylococcus 
aureus  SATCC Sta 10 into Staphylococcus  medium and proceed as with the test suspension.  
B.4.4  Examination for the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa  
a) Aseptically pipette 10 mL of the test suspension into 90 mL of fluid soybean -casein digests 
medium (B.2.5) and mix well. Incubate for 24 h at 30 °C to 35 °C. By means of an inoculating 
loop transfer a portion from the 24 h incubated sample tube of fluid so ybean -casein digest 
medium to the dry surface of petri dishes each containing approximately 20 mL of Cetrimide 
agar medium (B.2.6). Incubate at 30 °C to 35 °C and examine after 24h, and again after 48 h 
incubation, for suspect colonies, bearing in mind tha t in general greenish fluorescent colonies 
are typical of Pseudomonas aureginosa and that in its presence a gram stain examined 
microscopically will reveal gram -negative slender rod -shaped cells.  
b) As a control, add 0.1 ml of a 1:1 000 dilutions  of an 18 h to 24 h culture of Pseudomonas 
aeruginosa  SATCC Pse 11 mL to 100 mL of fluid soybean -casein digest medium (B.2.5), and 
proceed as with the test suspension.  
c) If none of the colonies obtained from the test suspension conforms to the description given in 
i) above and the control culture has been satisfactorily recovered, deem the test sample to be 
free from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  
d) If colonies conforming to the description given in i) above are found, streak representative 
suspect colonies from the Cetrimide a gar onto the surfaces of Pseudomonas agar  medium for 
the detection of fluorescein  (B.2.7) and Pseudomonas agar medium for the detection of 
pyocyanin (B.2.8) to obtain isolated colonies.  Cover and invert the petri dishes and incubate at 
30 – 35 °C for at l east 3 days.  Examine the streaked surfaces under ultraviolet light for suspect 
colonies, as described in Table B.1.  
Table B.1 — Description of colonies  
Medium  Description of colonies  
Pseudomonas agar for the detection of 
fluorescein  Generally colourless to yellowish  
Yellowish fluorescence in ultra violet light  
Pseudomonas agar for the detection of pyocyanin  Generally greenish. Blue fluorescence in ultraviolet light  
 
If any further doubt exists as to the identity of the colonies, obtain final confirmation by inoculating the 
suspect colonies to the wells on commercially available diagnostic kits in accordance with the 
manufacturer’s instructions.