FORM 1:
PROPOSAL FOR A NEW FIELD OF TECHNICAL ACTIVITY
Circulation date2021-10-08

Reference number:302(to be given by ISO Central Secretariat)

Closing date for voting
2021-12-31
ProposerISO Copolco

ISO/TS/P 302

A proposal for a new field of technical activity shall be submitted to the ISO Central Secretariat,
which will assign it a reference number and process the proposal in accordance with the ISO/IEC
Directives Part 1, Clause 1.5. The proposer may be a member body of ISO, a technical committee,
subcommittee or project committee, the Technical Management Board or a General Assemblycommittee, the Secretary-General, a body responsible for managing a certification system
operating under the auspices of ISO, or another international organization with national bodymembership. Guidelines for proposing and justifying a new field of technical activity are given in
the ISO/IEC Directives Part 1, Annex C.

Proposal (to be completed by the proposer)
Title of the proposed new committee (The title shall indicate clearly yet concisely the new
field of technical activity which the proposal is intended to cover).
Menstrual products
Scope statement of the proposed new committee (The scope shall precisely define thelimits of the field of activity. Scopes shall not repeat general aims and principles
governing the work of the organization but shall indicate the specific area concerned).
Standardization in the field of menstrual products, covering all products intended for both
single and multiple use, regardless of material.
☒

The proposer has checked whether the proposed scope of the new committee
overlaps with the scope of any existing ISO committee☐

If an overlap or the potential for overlap is identified, the affected committee has been
informed and consultation has taken place between proposer and committee on
i. modification/restriction of the scope of the proposal to eliminate the overlap,
ii. potential modification/restriction of the scope of the existing committee toeliminate the overlap.

☐

If agreement with the existing committee has not been reached, arguments arepresented in this proposal (under question 7) as to why it should be approved.

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Proposed initial programme of work. (The proposed programme of work shall correspondto and clearly reflect the aims of the standardization activities and shall, therefore, show
the relationship between the subject proposed. Each item on the programme of work shallbe defined by both the subject aspect(s) to be standardized (for products, for example,
the items would be the types of products, characteristics, other requirements, data to besupplied, test methods, etc.). Supplementary justification may be combined withparticular items in the programme of work. The proposed programme of work shall alsosuggest priorities and target dates.)
In terms of suggesting a priority among the different aspects of menstrual products we suggestthat the first standard proposal to be developed is a general requirement standard focusing on
the general safety, performance, and health requirements from the user's perspective. Followingthat other aspects should be handled, such as environmental aspects, disposal, andmanufacturing.
We suggest that all manufactured menstrual products intended for collecting or absorbing
menstrual blood or discharge during the menstrual cycle are to be covered by this new
standardisation field. This includes pads, tampons, cups, panty liners ect.
Attached to this form is an outline of the first new work item proposal, which will serve
as discussion base at the first meeting with the new TC.
We anticipate the 36 months track to develop this first standard.
Indication(s) of the preferred type or types of deliverable(s) to be produced under the
proposal (This may be combined with the "Proposed initial programme of work" if moreconvenient).
See above.

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Form 1: Proposal for a new field of technical activity
Page 3A listing of relevant existing documents at the international, regional and national levels.
(Any known relevant document (such as standards and regulations) shall be listed,regardless of their source and should be accompanied by an indication of theirsignificance.)

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Additionally published national standards:
SANS 1812, the manufacture of washable, reusable sanitary towels was published 2020.
AS 2869:2008 Tampons – Menstrual. This standard is also referenced in the national
regulation (see below).
GB/T 8939-2018 Sanitary absorbent pads (panty liner)
TIS 295-2560 (2017) Sanitary napkins as a national standard covering the aspects ofmenstrual health or products
Within the EU there is a voluntary label manufacturers can apply for, called the ECOlable. In
Europe there is also an association of the nonwovens and related industries (EDANA) who
has developed a code of practice for tampon manufacturers and a guide for supply chain
information for absorbent hygiene care products.
There are no ISO/IEC standards that address this issue specifically. There are, however, as
stated above a number of national, regional and industry level standards that address theissue to an extent, albeit, on a level that arguably is insufficient both in terms of scope of thestandards and their areas of application (the types of products they include), the reach of thestandards themselves (what and how they guide) and geographically (the number ofconsumers they protect worldwide).
Regulations: Menstrual products are mostly categorised as Medical device, therapeutic goods
or consumer products in different countries and regions. For example, in most European
countries they fall under the General Product Safety Directive which means there is no
obligation for manufactures to list the composition of the product or perform biocompatible
testing. Whereas in the USA menstrual products are considered a medical device, withadditional testing requirements. There are also countries that classify menstrual products inother categories, for example the legislation in Thailand covering this area is the Ministry of
Public Health’s Cosmetic Act. In Australia there are specific legislation for tampons, where all
tampons on the internal market need to comply with Therapeutic Goods (Standards for
Tampons) (TGO 103). In Japan menstrual products are included in the Act on Securing
Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices.
Given the complex and different classification situation around the world, and in many
instances lack of clear requirements international standards in this field can help bridge thegap where regulations are not clear or strong enough.

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A statement from the proposer as to how the proposed work may relate to or impact on
existing work, especially existing ISO and IEC deliverables. (The proposer should explain
how the work differs from apparently similar work, or explain how duplication and conflict
will be minimized. If seemingly similar or related work is already in the scope of othercommittees of the organization or in other organizations, the proposed scope shalldistinguish between the proposed work and the other work. The proposer shall indicate
whether his or her proposal could be dealt with by widening the scope of an existingcommittee or by establishing a new committee.)
There is no ISO/IEC committee working specifically with menstrual products. The material
used in menstrual products, for example nonwoven, cotton, plastic, silicone and theadhesives used are subjects in international standardization work but there is no group
working in ISO/IEC directly with menstrual products as their focus.
It is noteworthy that there is a current momentum regarding both the matter of menstruation,
especially in terms of destigmatizing it and raising it to the public agenda as an importantquestion to discuss, as well as in terms of standardization. For example, menstrual productstandardization is discussed within and between organizations, both non-governmental andcorporations around the globe(Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, 2020) 1.
We do not see there is an overlap with any existing ISO/IEC committee and propose to
create a new TC for menstrual products.

1
Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition. 2020. Standards for Disposable Sanitary Pads (Menstrual HealthStandards Webinar Series). Available online: https://www.rhsupplies.org/activities-resources/webinars/standards-fordisposable-sanitary-pads-menstrual-health-standards-webinar-series-149/.

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A listing of relevant countries where the subject of the proposal is important to theirnational commercial interests.
Menstrual products are used by half of the world's population, everyday 300 million people
menstruate.
Most people who menstruate do so between three to seven days each month for about 40
years,2 which amounts to around 2400 days in a lifetime, meaning a person is expected to use
between 12,000 and 15,000 sanitary pads, tampons, and panty liners in a lifetime. Having
access to safe products is a prerequisite to being able to participate and contribute to society
fully, which benefits the individual and society at large.
In the committee internal ballot within ISO Copolco the following 55 countries approved toproceed with the suggested new field, showing a strong support. Only 1 country disapproved.

2Friedmann, I. 2017. Mens. 1177 Vårdguiden. Available online:
rad/Sjukdomar/Mensbesvar/.

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https://www.1177.se/Skane/Fakta-och-Form 1: Proposal for a new field of technical activity
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Form 1: Proposal for a new field of technical activity
Page 8A listing of relevant external international organizations or internal parties (other ISO
and/or IEC committees) to be engaged as liaisons in the development of thedeliverable(s). (In order to avoid conflict with, or duplication of efforts of, other bodies, it
is important to indicate all points of possible conflict or overlap. The result of any
communication with other interested bodies shall also be included.)
There are different organisations around the world that work extensively with breaking stigma
around menstruation, highlighting the importance of talking about this openly, the right for all toaccess safe products and being able to participate fully in society. To mention a few,
UNFPA3, UNICEF4, UNHCR 5, Plan International 6 and WASH United 7 work with suchmatters. By bringing the issue to ISO we lift the status and take the next step in the processof making a practical difference for consumers around the world. Work is also being
conducted in specific countries where the issues of the lack of rules and standards havesurfaced. We see the importance to invite these global advocacy organizations to the work.
From the manufacturer side:- EDANA– association for the nonwovens and related industries that develop industry
standards. It is important to invite them and collaborate to avoid conflicting
recommendations.
These ISO committees have been identified as possible collaboration partners, however not
overlapping in scope:
ISO/PC 243, ISO 10377 Consumer product safety – Guidelines for suppliers
ISO/TC 173, Assistive products for persons with disability, Subcommittee SC 3, Aids forostomy and incontinence – as they deal with products that are very similar to somemenstrual products, they most likely have a lot of knowledge to be gained for the
standardization of menstrual products such as testing methods on materials and theireffects on vaginal health, so communication is important to avoid overlap and inefficiency.
ISO/TC 157, Non-systemic contraceptives and STI barrier prophylactics – the relevance of
this committee is dependent on the degree to which the standards pertains to condoms’
effects on the vagina.
ISO/PC 325 Sex Toys- Design and safety requirements for products in direct contact withgenitalia, the anus, or both – As this group also deals with a consumer product in sensitive
parts of the body.
ISO/TC 194 Biological and clinical evaluation of medical devices – and especially parts of
the ISO 10993-series.
ISO/TC 61/SC 11 Products, especially related to ISO 19699-1 Superabsorbent polymer -Sodium polyacrylate resin for absorbing blood -- Part 1: Test methods- ISO/TC 210 Quality management and corresponding general aspects for medical devices
especially relating to ISO 13485 Medical devices -- Quality management systems -Requirements for regulatory purposes-

3 UNFPA. (2019). Menstruation is not a girls' or women’s issue – it’s a human rights issue. Available online:

https://www.unfpa.org/news/menstruation-not-girls-or-womens-issue-%E2%80%93-its-human-rights-issue
UNICEF.
(2019).
Guidanceon
Menstrual
HealthandHygiene.
Available
https://www.unicef.org/wash/files/UNICEF-Guidance-menstrual-health-hygiene-2019.pdf

4

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online:Form 1: Proposal for a new field of technical activity
Page 9A simple and concise statement identifying and describing relevant affected stakeholder
categories (including small and medium sized enterprises) and how they will each benefit
from or be impacted by the proposed deliverable(s).
A wide range of stakeholders should be involved in this work, we see it as important that bothindustry, NGOs, international organisations, testing institutes, governmental agencies, medical
professions, and consumer organizations are represented.
Manufacturers - both large and small can by participating in this work show transparency andrespect to their consumers. Standards can facilitate innovation by providing a foundation ofsafety requirements on which to build new products, enabling for companies to spend theirresources more efficiently on product development rather than figuring out how to deal withproduct safety.
Consumers - it will be easier for consumers to distinguish between products that hold certain
quality. Consumers must assess whether products suit one’s needs in terms of access to
privacy, time and hygienic possibilities to change and dispose of alternatively empty one’s
product. Standards would facilitate such an assessment.
NGO and international aid organizations - international standards can facilitate the procurementof menstrual products by for instance relief organizations. Today, a lack of such standards
instead inhibits efficient procurement thereof, placing menstruators in especially vulnerable
positions without proper access to menstrual products.
Governments - at the moment there are several countries who have decided to supply menstrual
products for free to their citizens (e.g. Scotland, New Zeeland). A clear international standard
could support this too, as there would be clear quality requirements for governmental
procurement bodies to request.
Another instance where an international standard can alleviate procurement issues is by simply
specifying the nature and use of products, which enables countries to import them. There havebeen occurrences where countries have burned menstrual products at border customs due tothe lack of standards.
An expression of commitment from the proposer to provide the committee secretariat if
the proposal succeeds.
The Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) commits to provide the necessary secretariat
support and leadership for this TC if approved.
We also propose Mrs Gerda Larsson as chair for the future TC.

UNHCR. (2019). Institutional Survey on Menstrual Hygiene Management.
Available online:
https://wash.unhcr.org/download/institutional-survey-on-menstrual-hygiene-management/.
6
Plan International. (2020). Menstruation. Available online: https://plan-international.org/sexual-health/menstruation
7
Wash United. (2020). WASH advocacy and education, with a focus on menstrual hygiene and human rights.
Available online: https://www.wash-united.org/.
5

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Form 1: Proposal for a new field of technical activity
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Purpose and justification for the proposal. (The purpose and justification for the creationof a new technical committee shall be made clear and the need for standardization in thisfieldshall be justified. Clause C.4.13.3 of Annex C of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1
contains a menu of suggestions or ideas for possible documentation to support andpurpose and justification of proposals. Proposers should consider these suggestions,but they are not limited to them, nor are they required to comply strictly with them. Whatis most important is that proposers develop and provide purpose and justification
information that is most relevant to their proposals and that makes a substantial businesscase for the market relevance and the need for their proposals. Thorough, well-developed
and robust purpose and justification documentation will lead to more informed
consideration of proposals and ultimately their possible success in the ISO IEC system.)
Please see the attached justification, submitted, and approved by ISO Copolco.
Signature of the proposer
Dan Nilsson, Head of Standardization, SIS dan.nilsson@sis.se
Dana Kissinger-Matray, Secretary of ISO/COPOLCO, kissinger@iso.org

Further information to assist with understanding the requirements for the items above can befound in the Directives, Part 1, Annex C.

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© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

ISO/TC /SC N
Date: 2021-04-14

ISO/WD :2021(E)
ISO/TC /SC /WG
Secretariat:

Menstrual products — General safety, performance, and healthrequirementsÉlément introductif — Élément central — Élément complémentaire

Warning
This document is not an ISO International Standard. It is distributed for review and comment. It is
subject to change without notice and may not be referred to as an International Standard.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patentrights of which they are aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Document type: International Standard
Document subtype:
Document stage: (20) Preparatory
Document language: E
STD Version 2.9p

WORKING DRAFT

ISO/WD :2021(E)Copyright noticeThis ISO document is a working draft or committee draft and is copyright-protected by ISO. While thereproduction of working drafts or committee drafts in any form for use by participants in the ISO
standards development process is permitted without prior permission from ISO, neither this document
nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form for any other purpose
without prior written permission from ISO.
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be addressedas shown below or to ISO's member body in the country of the requester:[Indicate the full address, telephone number, fax number, telex number, and electronic mail address,
as appropriate, of the Copyright Manager of the ISO member body responsible for the secretariat of
the TC or SC within the framework of which the working document has been prepared.]
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.
Violators may be prosecuted.

© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

1

Contents

Page

Foreword ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
1

Scope ............................................................................................................................................................. 42

Normative references .............................................................................................................................. 4

3

Terms and definitions.............................................................................................................................. 5

4

Risk analysis ............................................................................................................................................... 6

5
5.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.3
5.4
5.5

Health and safety requirements ........................................................................................................... 6
General ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Materials ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Material safety ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Chemicals .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Scents, bleach, and, dyes ......................................................................................................................... 6
Biocompatibility ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Material release ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Sterilization and contamination ........................................................................................................... 6

6
6.1
6.2

Performance requirements.................................................................................................................... 6
Fitness to purpose..................................................................................................................................... 6
Performance evaluation and labelling ................................................................................................ 6

7
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6

User information ....................................................................................................................................... 6
General ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Packaging and labelling........................................................................................................................... 6
Instructions of use .................................................................................................................................... 6
Ingredient disclosure ............................................................................................................................... 6
Information of disposable ...................................................................................................................... 6
Cleaning and maintenance of multi-use products ........................................................................... 6

Bibliography............................................................................................................................................................. 7

2© ISO 2021 – All rights reservedForeword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technicalcommittee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. Internationalorganizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters ofelectrotechnical standardization.

The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance aredescribed in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for thedifferent types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with theeditorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject ofpatent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any
patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on
the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does notconstitute an endorsement.

For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms andexpressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.

This document was prepared by Technical Committee [or Project Committee] ISO/TC [or ISO/PC] ###,
[name of committee], Subcommittee SC ##, [name of subcommittee].

This second/third/… edition cancels and replaces the first/second/… edition (ISO #####:####), which
has been technically revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows: xxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxx

A list of all parts in the ISO ##### series can be found on the ISO website.

Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

3Introduction
Most people who menstruate do so between three to seven days each month for about 40 years, whichamounts to around 2400 days in a lifetime meaning a person is expected to use between 12,000 and
15,000 sanitary pads, tampons, and panty liners in a lifetime. To manage menstruation menstrual
products, exist to enable menstruaters to carry on with their normal lives, as much as possible. Menstrual
products are used on or inside the body by those who have access to and can afford them. However,important to remember is that access is not guaranteed anywhere in the world, including developing
countries.
While most other products that are intended for such intimate use, such as incontinence products,
condoms, plasters and wound dressings, are highly regulated, tested and monitored, there is a lack ofregulation and standards that ensure the safety of the contents and physical properties of menstrual
products for both people and the planet.
This international standard is one step among other initiatives worldwide to ensure consumers have thepossibility to make informed choices when choosing the products which fit their purpose the best, always
knowing it is safe to use.

Standards can facilitate innovation by providing a foundation of safety requirements on which to build
new products, enabling for companies to spend their resources more efficiently and focus on otheraspects of product development then product safety. In turn this enables new companies and products toaccess the market.
Additionally, international standards can facilitate the procurement of menstrual products by for
instance relief organizations. Today, a lack of such standards instead inhibits efficient procurement
thereof, placing menstruators in especially vulnerable positions without proper access to menstrual
products.

Menstrual products — General safety, performance and healthrequirements
1 ScopeThis document specifies safety, performance, and health requirements for menstrual products from auser perspective.
This document covers products intended both for single and multiple use, regardless of material.

2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO ab-c:201x, General title of series of parts — Part c: Title of partISO xyz (all parts), General title of the series of parts

4© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

There are no normative references in this document.

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
 ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
 IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/

3.1
menstrual productmanufactured products intended for collecting or absorbing menstrual blood or discharge during themenstrual cycle

3.2
menstrual healthstate of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity, in relation to the menstrual cycle
3.3
user
text of the definition[SOURCE: EN xyz:199x, term number]© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

5

4 Risk analysis
5 Health and safety requirements
5.1 General
5.2 Materials and physical properties
5.2.1

Material safety

5.2.2

Chemicals

5.2.3

Scents, bleach, sensation, and, dyes

5.3 Biocompatibility
5.4 Material release
5.5 Sterilization and contamination

6 Performance requirements
6.1 Fitness to purpose
6.2 Performance evaluation and labelling

7 User information
7.1 General
7.2 Packaging and labelling
7.3 Instructions of use
7.4 Ingredient disclosure
7.5 Information of disposable
7.6 Cleaning and maintenance of multi-use products

6© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

Bibliography

[1]
[2]

Lättöppnade förpackningar

Julie Hennegan, Inga T. Winkler, Chris Bobel, Danielle Keiser, Janie Hampton, Gerda Larsson, Venkatraman
Chandra-Mouli, Marina Plesons & Thérèse Mahon (2021) Menstrual health: a definition for policy, practice,and research, Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 29:1

© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved

7

ANNEX to ISO/COPOLCO N605

Annex B – Template for new key area submissions

New Suggestions for
ISO/COPOLCO Activity
Template
SUBJECT:ISO COPOLCO welcomes all suggestions for topics of consumer
concern which might be addressed by International Standardization.
This template allows us to more easily consider these.
It may be that, at this stage, not all aspects are relevant to yourproposal. However, the more you complete, the better. If you are
unsure or need help, please contact the ISO COPOLCO Secretariat
who will assist you.
Please fill Part B if you would like the project to become a new
COPOLCO Key Area.

Please submit the template to the ISO COPOLCO
Secretariat (copolco@iso.org).
Thank you

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas

SUGGESTING NEW ISO COPOLCO ACTIVITY – GUIDANCE

A. Complete a pre-submission check to ensure that:✓ All sections of the form are complete as far as practicable.
✓ The need for the standard and its benefit to the public interest are
fully articulated.
✓ Personnel, resources and timeline are shown.
✓ Any supporting documentation is attached to the proposal.
B. Seek guidance from the ISO/COPOLCO Secretariat to ensure all sections of
the template have been completed to requirements.
C. Submit the completed proposal with all supporting documents by e-mail to
the ISO/COPOLCO Secretariat.

TEMPLATE

Part A.

New suggestions for COPOLCO activity

Standard for menstrual product safety

1. Proposer's Details
Name: Anna Sjögren
Email: anna.sjogren@sis.se
Telephone: +46855552087
Associated National Standards Body (NSB)/Organization: Swedish Institute for Standards, SIS

2. Description of consumer issue
What is the consumer issue?
What evidence do you have (for example: statistics, consumer detriment)
What is the consumer interest(s), such as: safety and health, performance, fitness for purpose, likely
stakeholders (for example children, older persons and persons with disabilities), information,
environment, and developing countries?
Does this issue require action at the international level?
In short, the consumer issue is that a lack of standards limits consumers’ ability to determine thesafety and health, performance and fitness of purpose of menstrual products. This consumer groupis substantial, as half of the world’s population are potential menstruators and are likely to be usersof commercially manufactured menstrual products. And estimated 300 million people menstruate
every day. Menstrual products are manufactured products intended for collecting or absorbing
menstrual blood or discharge during the menstrual cycle.

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas
A. Product safety and health: The safety of these products is of significant concern, as they areintended for use inside the body in contact with mucous membranes, alternatively in contact
with sensitive skin for long periods of time and for repeated use for up to 40 years.
Today there are no overarching standards that address all the different types of menstrual
products available on the global market although the market is made up of a few (1-4) large
producers who sell their products all over the world 1. Due to the lack of a global standard,
consumers have limited or no ability to make an informed choice regarding the safety,
performance or fitness to purpose of the products. It is highly noteworthy that such products
are not standardized.2
B. Product performance and fitness for purpose: Menstruators require products that ensure thatmenstruation does not interfere with one’s regular life when menstruating. Otherwise
menstruators will be subject to inequalities such as limited attendance at school or decreased
income due to absence from work. Consumers must assess whether products suit one’s needs
in terms of access to privacy, time and hygienic possibilities to change and dispose of,alternatively empty one’s product. Standards would facilitate such an assessment, as the only
option currently is trial and error. Since ‘error’ may imply that the product leaks causing visible
staining, which can lead to public disgrace due to the unfortunate stigma on menstruation, thisis a large social risk to take.
C. Destigmatization and gender equality: The stigma on menstruation and menstrual products has
detrimental effects on menstruators both mentally and structurally, as the discovery of a person
as menstruating often causes them to be seen as discredited 3. According to for instance
Carvalho (1997), “[…] the very fact that women were menstruating was used to keep them ‘intheir place’” Furthermore, research shows that standardization can have a destigmatizing effecton stigmatized products4. Thus, standardization can contribute to destigmatization, which inturn can facilitate greater gender equality.
D. Environmental considerations and benefits: with growing awareness of the environmental
impact of our everyday behavior, consumers continuously search for more sustainable
alternatives including in the area of menstrual products. There are a large number ofenvironmental concerns regarding especially disposable menstrual products, which holdaround 97 % of the world market. To name a few, these include the chemicals used in thedevelopment process, in plastic applicators and polyester linings, including pesticides in cotton
plantations (25 % of all pesticides in the USA are used on cotton), which have harmful longterm effects on the ecosystem. Further, the vast amount of resources that go into a productused for 5-8 hours and that is thereafter thrown out for good are overwhelming 5.. Additionally,in order to stimulate the development of more sustainable menstrual products, disposable andre-usable alike, and to facilitate for consumers to distinguish between more or less sustainable
alternatives, a standard that incorporates comparison in terms of sustainability parameters
would be beneficial.

1 Euromonitor International. 2020. Sanitary Protection in World – Datagraphics. Available

Online: https://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab
2 The Swedish Chemicals Agency. 2018. Survey of hazardous chemical substances in feminine hygiene products. Available
Online: https://www.kemi.se/en/publications/reports/2018/report-8-18-survey-of-hazardous-chemical-substances-infeminine-hygiene-products
3 Carvalho. 1997. The Social Construction of Menstruation: A Historical Study of Menstrual Product Advertising. Available
Online: http://journals.cambridge.org/abstract_S0165115300023299.
4 Clair, Daniel & Lamont. 2016. Social Science & Medicine Destigmatization and health: Cultural constructions and thelong- term reduction of stigma. Available Online:
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/lamont/files/destigmatization_and_health_lamont_clair_daniel.pdf
5Especially when considering that takes 20,000 liters of water to grow 1kg of cotton and that it takes 500-800 years for adisposable menstrual product to decompose while more than 12 billion pads and tampons are disposed of annually. Not
to mention the huge number of menstrual products that are flushed down the toilet, blocking sewers and ending up
along coastlines or as microplastics contaminating the sea. According to a study performed by Anglian Water, 41 % of UK
women flush their tampons down the toilet without knowing that they should not. Newman, L. & Cogdell, C. (2018). Raw
Materials in Sanitary Pads, Design Lifecycle, Available Online: http://www.designlife-cycle.com/sanitary-pads/.

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas
E. Access and innovation: because of the homogeneity among menstrual products on the market
today, for those with access to menstrual products at all, it is not uncommon that they are
dissatisfied by available options. Large companies tend to develop products for the greater
mass, thus those consumers with needs that go beyond the general public have difficult time
finding such options. Hence, innovation in order to meet smaller, more specific consumer
segments is needed. Standards can facilitate innovation by providing a foundation of safety
requirements on which to build new products, enabling for companies to spend their resources
more efficiently on product development rather than figuring out how to deal with product safety.

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas

3. Need for an international standard
Why do you think an international standard might be useful in addressing the issue?
An international standard would be useful in addressing the issues identified above, as
requirements of testing and transparency can reduce the information asymmetry between
producers and consumers regarding product safety (pertaining to health as well as environmental
safety), performance and fitness to purpose. This should increase consumers’ ability to make an
informed choice, with the fundamental principle that all consumers should have this right.
Additionally, standardizing menstrual products can have a destigmatizing effect, which can increase
gender equality. These matters should be addressed on an international level, since, as previously
mentioned, they apply to all consumers of these products, globally.
Simultaneously, specifying the requirements for producers to place safe products on the market
might contribute to lowered entry barriers for producers wanting to enter the market and stimulateinnovation by reducing the resources they need to spend on searching for safety requirements.
This further reduces the time to market, which is likely to increase the profitability and ability for
producers to place more products on the market, that are increasingly adapted and segmented todifferent user groups’ needs and preferences. Hence, international standards can be beneficial for
consumers, not least directly through increased product safety, but also indirectly through apotentially increased number and variation of products on the market that suit them better. 6
Further, international standards can facilitate the procurement of menstrual products by for instancerelief organizations. Today, a lack of such standards instead inhibits efficient procurement thereof,
placing menstruators in especially vulnerable positions without proper access to menstrual
products7. Another instance where an international standard can alleviate procurement issues is bysimply specifying the nature and use of products, which enables countries to import them. There
have namely been occurrences where countries have burned menstrual products at border customs
due to the lack of standards. While national standards can address this, it can be argued that it ismuch less efficient that each and every country, alternatively region, around the world creates its
own standard.
Furthermore, due to the stigma on menstrual products and historical neglect of issues pertaining tothis product category, it is unlikely that countries, regions or producers will in fact initiate such a
process, further reinforcing the lack of standards and ability for consumers to assess and accessproduct safety, performance, and fitness to purpose.
Finally, standards on menstrual products can aid both companies and governments in their work
toward a number of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unfortunately, menstruation is
not mentioned, specifically, under any of the SDGs, nonetheless, the matter can be connected toseveral of them and standards on menstrual products can drive the sustainable development inthese areas. The most significant points include SDGs 1 (no poverty), 3 (health and well-being), 4(quality education), 5 (gender equality), 6 (clean water and sanitation), 10 (reduced inequalities)
and 12 (responsible consumption and production)8. Increasing all consumers’ access to safe
menstrual products and helps to reduce period poverty9 and/or inequality.

6 Klintner. Forthcoming in 2021. Normalizing the Natural: A study of menstrual product destigmatization (Unpublisheddoctoral dissertation. Lund University. Lund. Sweden. Available from https://www.lub.lu.se/en/lund-university-libraries.
7 Roeckel, Cabrera-Clerget, Yamakoshi. 2019. Guide to menstrual hygiene materials. Online Access:https://www.unicef.org/wash/files/UNICEF-Guide-menstrual-hygiene-materials-2019.pdf.
8 ISO. 2020. How ISO Standards Help Meet the SDGs. ISO: Standards. Available online: https://www.iso.org/sdgs.html.
9 ‘Period poverty’ means being unable to access menstrual products and having poor knowledge of menstruation often
due to financial constraints. In the UK, 1 in 10 girls cannot afford to buy menstrual products, while 1 in 7 have struggled
to afford them, according to a representative survey of 1,000 girls and young women aged 14-21 (Plan International UK,2017).

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas

4. Benefit to consumers or the public interest
What is the added value for consumers/public interest of the work? Check that your proposal fits
COPOLCO’s terms of reference:•Terms of referenceo To study means of helping consumers to benefit from standardization, and means of improving
consumer participation in national and international standardization.
o To provide a forum for the exchange of information on the experience of consumer participationin the development and implementation of standards in the consumer field, and on otherquestions of interest to consumers in national and international standardization.
o To advise ISO Council as to the consolidated viewpoints of consumers on matters relevant toISO's current and potential standardization and conformity assessment work.
o To advise ISO Council on the need for new or revised policies or actions within ISO as they
relate to consumers' needs.

Most people who menstruate do so between three to seven days each month for about 40 years, 10
which amounts to around 2400 days in a lifetime meaning a person is expected to use between
12,000 and 15,000 sanitary pads, tampons, and panty liners in a lifetime. In order to manage
menstruation these (and other) products exist to enable menstruaters to carry on with our normal
lives, as much as possible. Menstrual products are used on or inside the body by those who haveaccess to and can afford them. What may be important to remember is that access is notguaranteed anywhere in the world, including developing countries. For example, one in ten
menstruators in the UK lack such access 11. While most other products that are intended for such
intimate use, such as incontinence products, condoms, plasters and wound dressings, are highly
regulated, tested and monitored, there is a lack of regulation or standards that ensure the safety of
the contents and physical properties of menstrual products for both people and the planet. 12
A major problem with this is the lack of information about the relation between vaginal health andthe use of menstrual products, due to the limited third-party testing and research conducted, which
could be rectified with appropriate standards in place. Furthermore, the vaginal mucous membranes
are much more absorbent, and hence, sensitive to exposure than the traditionally tested mannersof exposure such as airways, skin and oral intake. 13 Therefore, leaving it up to each country andproducer to determine e.g. which methods of testing are needed and what limit values of different
chemicals are acceptable can be considered inefficient and rather unusual for products used so
intimately.
Furthermore, some of the existing industry standards are in need of updating with regards to e.g.
the labels of absorption capacity of mini, normal/regular and super/super plus etc. These labels
tend to inhibit proper usage of tampons, as the majority of women want to be “normal”. Labelling ina way that encourages the use of different sized tampons during for instance different days of theperiod in accordance with the heaviness of the flow would be more beneficial. Incorrect use of
tampons, namely using too absorbent a tampon when not bleeding enough that it is filled before it
needs to be changed in relation to the recommended time, can result in issues such as yeast
infections, as they can dry out the mucous membranes causing a bacterial imbalance. 14
The public interest and added value for consumers of menstrual product standardization lays in, as
mentioned, their increased ability to assess product safety, performance and fitness for purpose.
This will in turn facilitate for consumers to compare products and select a most suitable product for
their needs, which can be difficult in the current status of the marketplace. Further this will increase
consumers’ general comfort when menstruating, which can contribute to increased participation by
10 Friedmann, I. 2017. Mens. 1177 Vårdguiden. Available online: https://www.1177.se/Skane/Fakta-och-rad/Sjukdomar/Mensbesvar/.
11 Plan International UK. 2017. Plan International UK’s Research on Period Poverty and Stigma. Available online:

https://plan-uk.org/media-centre/plan-international-uks-research-on-period-poverty-and-stigma.
12 Nicole, W. (2014). A Question for Women’s Health: Chemicals in Feminine Hygiene Products and Personal Lubricants,
Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 122, no. 3, pp.70–75.
13 Ibid.
14 Hanssoon, M. (2010). Forskare: ‘Tamponger Absorberar För Bra’, Testfakta.

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas
menstruators in school and in the workforce. Research shows that by increasing the number of girls
who graduate secondary school by one per cent, GDP in that country can increase by acorresponding 0.3 % per capita15.
Moreover, as increased comfort is likely to contribute to greater confidence regarding menstruation,these aspects are together also likely to contribute to destigmatization 16 of menstruation andmenstrual products, which enables greater gender equality.
Finally, it is noteworthy that there is a current momentum regarding both the matter of menstruation,
especially in terms of destigmatizing it and raising it to the public agenda as an important question
to discuss, as well as in terms of standardization. For example, menstrual product standardization
is discussed within and between organizations, both non-governmental and corporations aroundthe globe(Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, 2020)17. This momentum has been going on fora number of years, most markedly since 2015, which was deemed the year of the period 18. The
same year WASH United established the international Menstrual Hygiene Day and since thenseveral large international organizations have emphasized the importance of taking menstrual
health seriously including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 19, the 2019 UN Commission on
Human Rights20 the World Bank2122 and the UN has started a Sanitation and Hygiene fund which
will include a focus on menstruation23.

15 Chaaban, J. & Cunningham, W., 2011. Measuring the Economic Gain of Investing in Girls – the girl effect dividend. The

World Bank Human Development Network Children and Youth Unit. Available online:
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/730721468326167343/pdf/WPS5753.pdf
16 Mirabito, Otnes, Crosby, Wooten, Machin, Pullig, Ross Adkins, Dunnet, Hamilton, Thomas, Yeh, Davis, Gollnhofer,
Grover, Matias, Mitchell, Ndichu, Sayarh and Velagaleti. 2016. The Stigma Turbine: A Theoretical Framework forConceptualizing and Contextualizing Marketplace Stigma. Available
Online: http://journals.ama.org/doi/10.1509/jppm.15.145.
17 Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition. 2020. Standards for Disposable Sanitary Pads (Menstrual Health Standards
Webinar Series). Available online: https://www.rhsupplies.org/activities-resources/webinars/standards-for-disposablesanitary-pads-menstrual-health-standards-webinar-series-149/.
18 Gharib, M. (2015, December 31). Why 2015 Was The Year Of The Period, And We Don’t Mean Punctuation. NPR, 1–9.
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/12/31/460726461/why-2015-was-the-year-of-the-period-and-we-dontmean-punctuation.
19 Amaya, L., Marcatili, J., & Bhavaraju, N. (2020). Advancing Gender Equity by Improving Menstrual Health.
https://www.fsg.org/publications/advancing-gender-equity-improving-menstrual-health
20 WASH United. (2020). Significant new language on MHM in Human Rights Council resolution. Menstrual Hygiene Day.
https://menstrualhygieneday.org/significant-new-language-mhm-human-rights-council-resolution-ahrc39l-11/
21 Kiefer, T., Sara, J., Davis, J., & Ljungberg, C. (2019, May 24). #ItsTimeForAction: Invest in Menstrual Hygiene
Management. The World Bank, 1–8. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/05/24/menstrual-hygiene-day2019.print
22 Plesons et al. Reprod Health 2021. The state of adolescent menstrual health in low-and middle-income countries andsuggestions for future action and research. Available online: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-01082-2
23Stengthening the Weakest Link. The Sanitation and hygiene fund investment case.
https://www.shfund.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/SHF%20Investment%20Case%20Nov20.pdf

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas

5. Possible existing relevant standards work
Include any existing standards or standards development activity which is – or could be – relevantto the issue, such as:
1. Are there any relevant national, regional, international standards or ISO/IEC deliverables?
2. Are any Technical Committees (TCs) of ISO/IEC already addressing this issue?
2-1 If yes, is this issue properly addressed by the TC in your opinion? 2-2 If, no, how should the
TC address the issue?
3. Can any Technical Committee of ISO/IEC address this issue?
3-1 If so, why should they do so?
4. Should there be consumer participation in the TC to raise the issues?
5. Is there any other organization besides ISO/IEC which addresses the issue?
6. Is there any relevant regulation related to this issue?

There are no ISO/IEC TCs currently addressing this issue and no international standards that
address this specific issue. There are, however, a number of national, regional and industry levelstandards that address the issue to an extent, albeit, on a level that arguably is insufficient both interms of scope of the standards and their areas of application (the types of products they include),
the reach of the standards themselves (what and how they guides) and geographically (the numberof consumers they protect worldwide). A list of relevant standards and groups can be seen below:---

ISO/PC 243, ISO 10377 Consumer product safety – Guidelines for suppliers
https://isotc.iso.org/livelink/livelink/Open/16474221
ISO/TC 173, Assistive products for persons with disability, Subcommittee SC 3, Aids forostomy and incontinence – as they deal with products that are very similar to some menstrual
products they most likely have a lot of knowledge to be gained for the standardization of
menstrual products such as testing methods on materials and their effects on vaginal health,so communication is important to avoid overlap and inefficiency.
ISO/TC 157, Non-systemic contraceptives and STI barrier prophylactics – as previously
mentioned, the relevance of this committee is dependent on the degree to which the standard
pertains to condoms’ effects on the vagina.
ISO/PC 325 Sex Toys- Design and safety requirements for products in direct contact withgenitalia, the anus, or both – As this group also deals with a consumer product in sensitive
parts of the body.
ISO/TC 194 Biological and clinical evaluation of medical devices – and especially parts of theISO 10993-series.

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas

Source: Webinar on standardization of disposable menstrual products hosted by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition,
Menstrual Hygiene Day – WASH United and Menstrual Health Alliance India

Additionally, published standards:
SANS 1812, the manufacture of washable, reusable sanitary towels was published 2020.
AS 2869:2008 Tampons – Menstrual. This standard is also referenced in the national regulation 24.
Regulations: Menstrual products are categorised as Medical device, therapeutic goods orconsumer products in different countries and regions. For example, in most European countries
they fall under the General Product Safety Directive which means there is no obligation for
manufactures to list the composition of the product or perform biocompatible testing. Whereas in
the USA menstrual products are considered a medical device, with additional testing requirements.
International standards can help bridge the gap were regulations are not clear or strong enough.
A wide range of stakeholders should be involved in this work, we see it as important that bothindustry, NGOs, international organisations, testing institutes, governmental agencies, medical
24 Guidance on the regulation of tampons in Australia” https://www.tga.gov.au/book/export/html/4403

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas
professions and consumer organizations are represented. There are different organisations aroundthe world that work extensively with breaking stigma around menstruation, highlighting theimportance of talking about this openly, the right for all to access safe products and being able toparticipate fully in society. To mention a few, UNFPA 25, UNICEF26, UNHCR27, Plan International28
and WASH United29 work with such matters. By bringing the issue to ISO we lift the status and takethe next step in the process of making a practical difference for consumers around the world. Workis also being conducted in specific countries where the issues of the lack of rules and standards
have surfaced30.

6. Personnel & Resources
If ISO/COPOLCO approves the proposal, would you be able to contribute to the work?
1. Mention any consumer representatives, technical experts or national standards bodies who you
think may wish to be involved.
National Standards bodies: SIS
Consumer representatives: The Swedish Consumers’ Association,
Technical Experts: The experts part of drafting this proposal are: Gerda Larsson, Louise Klintner,
Magnus Fransson, Louise Berg, Linda Bergh Kristina von Dolwitz, Marie Walleberg, Jessica
Laneborg, Jens Henriksson and Catrin Lindblad. Representing manufacturers, consumers,
academia, testing institute and advocacy organization. In addition, we hope and expect that national
experts from all participating members will contribute. We also see the need and possibility to liaison
with international organizations such as UNFPA and of course other relevant ISO groups.

2. What kinds of resources (time, talent, research, funds and expertise) are needed?
We think it is important that this standardization area is initiated by COPOLCO so that the consumer
perspective is clearly highlighted.
In order to make this work of as high quality and of as great a global relevance as possible, a wide
range of stakeholders should be involved. This includes preferably a diverse group where manydifferent varieties of menstrual products are represented, medical experts, public health experts,
consumer representatives, NGOs, researchers, material experts and manufacturers.
The future TC/PC secretariat needs funding. We may be of assistance in finding potential solutions
but are not in a position to fund it on our own.

25 UNFPA. (2019). Menstruation is not a girls' or women’s issue – it’s a human rights issue. Available online:

https://www.unfpa.org/news/menstruation-not-girls-or-womens-issue-%E2%80%93-its-human-rights-issue
26 UNICEF. (2019). Guidance on Menstrual Health and Hygiene. Available online:

https://www.unicef.org/wash/files/UNICEF-Guidance-menstrual-health-hygiene-2019.pdf
27 UNHCR. (2019). Institutional Survey on Menstrual Hygiene Management. Available online:
https://wash.unhcr.org/download/institutional-survey-on-menstrual-hygiene-management/.
28 Plan International. (2020). Menstruation. Available online: https://plan-international.org/sexual-health/menstruation
29 Wash United. (2020). WASH advocacy and education, with a focus on menstrual hygiene and human rights.
Available online: https://www.wash-united.org/.
30 ANSES (Agence Nationale Sécurité Sanitaire Alimentaire Nationale- National Food and Health Security Agency) on «Sécurité des produits de protection intime » (Safety of intimate protection products)
https://www.anses.fr/fr/content/evaluation-de-la-s%C3%A9curit%C3%A9-des-produits-deprotections-intimes
A Parliamentary information report (N° 2691 By Mme Romeiro-Dias et Mme Taurine on menstruations)
http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/15/pdf/rap-info/i2691.pdf- An article of ALLDC (Association Léo Lagrange pour la défense des consommateurs) on « Couches, protection intime:
des produits sous surveillance! » (Nappies, intimate protection: products under surveillance) https://www.leolagrangeconso.org/couches-protection-intime-des-produits-sous-surveillance/

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas

3. Other information

We are able to nominate a chairperson for the future ISO group.

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas

Next steps
What do you propose as the next steps for COPOLCO? For example;• Conduct a feasibility/justification study• Prepare a scoping document/paper summarizing the project or project objectives with appropriate
references and facts• Propose a new area of work for ISO
Given the complexity, the specific nature of the topic, the number of standards that may be needed
and the potential impact standardisation can have within the topic of menstrual products we suggest
creating a new area of technical work, a new TC/PC. In terms of suggesting a priority among thedifferent aspects of menstrual products we suggest that the first standard proposal to be developed isa general requirement standard focusing on the safety and health of the consumers. Following that
other aspect should be handled, such as for example environmental aspects, disposal, andmanufacturing.
• A specific recommendation for ISO to address the problem• Monitor the technical work (If you think monitoring is the next step, please go to Part B).

Recommendation – To be completed by the Chair's Group

Date submitted:

Date of initial review:

Date of recommendation:

Part B.

PROPOSAL FOR KEY AREA

1. Do you wish this suggestion to be considered a new Key Area?
If so, why do you believe this should be added to the list of Key Areas?
Note: Once the subject is approved as a new Key Area within COPOLCO, monitoring by
COPOLCO will start. To become a Key Area, the subject has to be an area of standards workwithin the ISO/IEC fora and of interest to consumers. In effect, the Key Areas for Consumers
WG will propose the Key Areas and Key Persons for decision by COPOLCO.
The Key areas for consumers WG’s mandate is, in effect, to inform on key areas of work instandardization relevant to consumers, working towards continuous improvement in the delivery ofthis mandate, while taking account of the needs of developing countries and emerging economies:••

To identify and monitor key areas of standards work in ISO and IEC of interest to consumers
including emerging areas, horizontal issues, and mature technical committee work;
To raise awareness of these areas and disseminate information to the ISO membership, the
ISO/COPOLCO members, consumer organizations and consumer representatives, standards
development organizations, and members of technical committees and subcommittees;COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas•

To facilitate networking amongst individuals interested in areas of consumer interest.

2. Do you wish to revise or delete the existing area? If so, why do you wish to do so?

Potential Key Person ………………….

COPOLCO WG 2 Key areas

Recommendation – To be completed by COPOLCO WG 2 Key Areas for
consumers

Date submitted:

Date of initial review:
Date of recommendation:

Result of voting
Ballot Information
Ballot reference

COPOLCO N605

Ballot type

CIB

Ballot title

Safety and performance of menstrual
products

Opening date2021-05-19

Closing date2021-06-16

NoteThis CIB is to invite COPOLCO members
to indicate their position on this proposal(submitted as a COPOLCO template), and if
applicable, to cite relevant national examples
of standards and/or regulations affecting
menstrual products.

Member responses:
Votes cast (73)

Algeria (IANOR)
Argentina (IRAM)
Australia (SA)Austria (ASI)
Bahrain (BSMD)
Bangladesh (BSTI)
Barbados (BNSI)
Bolivia, Plurinational State of (IBNORCA)
Botswana (BOBS)
Brazil (ABNT)
Bulgaria (BDS)
Canada (SCC)
Chile (INN)
China (SAC)
Colombia (ICONTEC)
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the (OCC)
Costa Rica (INTECO)
Czech Republic (UNMZ)
Denmark (DS)
Ecuador (INEN)
Ethiopia (ESA)
Fiji (DNTMS)France (AFNOR)
Germany (DIN)
Ghana (GSA)
India (BIS)
Indonesia (BSN)
Iran, Islamic Republic of (INSO)
Ireland (NSAI)Israel (SII)
Italy (UNI)
Jamaica (BSJ)
Japan (JISC)
Kazakhstan (KAZMEMST)
Kenya (KEBS)
Korea, Republic of (KATS)
Malawi (MBS)Malaysia (DSM)
Mali (AMANORM)
Malta (MCCAA)
Mauritius (MSB)
Mexico (DGN)
Mongolia (MASM)
Morocco (IMANOR)
Netherlands (NEN)
Nigeria (SON)
Norway (SN)Panama (COPANIT)
Peru (INACAL)
Philippines (BPS)
Portugal (IPQ)
Romania (ASRO)
Russian Federation (GOST R)
Rwanda (RSB)
Saudi Arabia (SASO)
Serbia (ISS)Singapore (SSC)
Slovenia (SIST)
South Africa (SABS)
Spain (UNE)
Sri Lanka (SLSI)
Sudan (SSMO)
Sweden (SIS)
Switzerland (SNV)
Thailand (TISI)
Trinidad and Tobago (TTBS)
Tunisia (INNORPI)
Turkey (TSE)
Uganda (UNBS)
United Arab Emirates (ESMA)
United Kingdom (BSI)
United States (ANSI)
Zimbabwe (SAZ)
Comments submitted (3)ANEC
CI
Jordan (JSMO)

Votes not cast (6)Egypt (EOS)
Finland (SFS)
Namibia (NSI)
Oman (DGSM)
Pakistan (PSQCA)
Uruguay (UNIT)

Questions:Q.1"Do you support the proposal for standardization of menstrual products?"

Q.2"Do you have national standards covering any aspects of menstrual health orproducts? "Q.3"Is there any legislation in your country covering this area?"

Q.4"Have you had resistance to this project from national stakeholders? "Q.5"Do you have any additional comments?"

Votes by members

Q.1

Q.2

Q.3

Q.4

Q.5

Algeria (IANOR)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Argentina (IRAM)

Yes

Yes

Yes

AbstainNo

Australia (SA)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Austria (ASI)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstain

Bahrain (BSMD)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Bangladesh (BSTI)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainBarbados (BNSI)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Bolivia, Plurinational
State of (IBNORCA)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Botswana (BOBS)

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Brazil (ABNT)

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Bulgaria (BDS)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstain

Canada (SCC)

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Chile (INN)

Abstain

No

No

No

No

China (SAC)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Colombia (ICONTEC)

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Congo, The
Democratic Republicof the (OCC)

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Costa Rica (INTECO)

Yes

AbstainAbstainAbstainNo

Czech Republic(UNMZ)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainDenmark (DS)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Ecuador (INEN)

Yes

Yes

AbstainAbstainNo

Ethiopia (ESA)

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Fiji (DNTMS)

Yes

No

No

No

No

France (AFNOR)

Yes

No

AbstainNo

No

Germany (DIN)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Ghana (GSA)

Abstain

Yes

No

AbstainAbstainIndia (BIS)

Yes

Yes

AbstainNo

No

Indonesia (BSN)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Iran, Islamic Republic No
of (INSO)

Yes

Yes

AbstainNo

Ireland (NSAI)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainIsrael (SII)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstain

Italy (UNI)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainJamaica (BSJ)

Yes

Yes

No

AbstainAbstainJapan (JISC)

Abstain

No

Yes

No

Yes

Kazakhstan(KAZMEMST)

Yes

No

No

AbstainNo

Kenya (KEBS)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Korea, Republic of(KATS)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Malawi (MBS)

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Malaysia (DSM)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Mali (AMANORM)

Yes

No

AbstainAbstainAbstain

Malta (MCCAA)

Abstain

No

No

No

No

Mauritius (MSB)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Mexico (DGN)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Mongolia (MASM)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Morocco (IMANOR)

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Netherlands (NEN)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainNigeria (SON)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Norway (SN)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Panama (COPANIT)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Peru (INACAL)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstain

Philippines (BPS)

Yes

Yes

Yes

AbstainNo

Portugal (IPQ)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainRomania (ASRO)

Yes

No

AbstainAbstainNo

Russian Federation(GOST R)

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Rwanda (RSB)

Yes

Yes

No

No

AbstainSaudi Arabia (SASO)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainSerbia (ISS)

Yes

No

No

No

Abstain

Singapore (SSC)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Slovenia (SIST)

Yes

No

No

No

No

South Africa (SABS)

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Spain (UNE)

AbstainAbstainAbstainAbstainAbstain

Sri Lanka (SLSI)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Sudan (SSMO)

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Sweden (SIS)

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Switzerland (SNV)

Yes

AbstainAbstainAbstainNo

Thailand (TISI)

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Trinidad and Tobago(TTBS)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Tunisia (INNORPI)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Turkey (TSE)Yes

Abstain

Yes

AbstainNo

Uganda (UNBS)

Yes

Yes

Abstain

No

No

United Arab Emirates Abstain(ESMA)

Yes

AbstainAbstainAbstain

United Kingdom (BSI) Yes

No

Abstain

No

No

United States (ANSI)

Yes

Yes

No

AbstainYes

Zimbabwe (SAZ)

Yes

No

No

No

No

Answers to Q.1: "Do you support the proposal for standardization of menstrual products?"
55 x

Yes

Algeria (IANOR)
Argentina (IRAM)
Australia (SA)Bahrain (BSMD)
Barbados (BNSI)
Bolivia, Plurinational State of (IBNORCA)
Botswana (BOBS)
Brazil (ABNT)
Canada (SCC)
China (SAC)
Colombia (ICONTEC)
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the (OCC)
Costa Rica (INTECO)
Denmark (DS)
Ecuador (INEN)
Ethiopia (ESA)
Fiji (DNTMS)France (AFNOR)
Germany (DIN)
India (BIS)
Indonesia (BSN)
Jamaica (BSJ)
Kazakhstan (KAZMEMST)
Kenya (KEBS)
Korea, Republic of (KATS)
Malawi (MBS)Malaysia (DSM)
Mali (AMANORM)

Mauritius (MSB)
Mexico (DGN)
Mongolia (MASM)
Morocco (IMANOR)
Nigeria (SON)
Norway (SN)Panama (COPANIT)
Philippines (BPS)
Romania (ASRO)
Russian Federation (GOST R)
Rwanda (RSB)
Serbia (ISS)Singapore (SSC)
Slovenia (SIST)
South Africa (SABS)
Sri Lanka (SLSI)
Sudan (SSMO)
Sweden (SIS)
Switzerland (SNV)
Thailand (TISI)
Trinidad and Tobago (TTBS)
Tunisia (INNORPI)
Turkey (TSE)
Uganda (UNBS)
United Kingdom (BSI)
United States (ANSI)
Zimbabwe (SAZ)
1x

No

Iran, Islamic Republic of (INSO)

17 x

Abstain

Austria (ASI)
Bangladesh (BSTI)
Bulgaria (BDS)
Chile (INN)
Czech Republic (UNMZ)
Ghana (GSA)
Ireland (NSAI)
Israel (SII)
Italy (UNI)
Japan (JISC)
Malta (MCCAA)
Netherlands (NEN)
Peru (INACAL)
Portugal (IPQ)
Saudi Arabia (SASO)
Spain (UNE)
United Arab Emirates (ESMA)

Answers to Q.2: "Do you have national standards covering any aspects of menstrual healthor products? "
27 x

Yes

Algeria (IANOR)
Argentina (IRAM)
Australia (SA)
Botswana (BOBS)
China (SAC)
Colombia (ICONTEC)

Congo, The Democratic Republic of the (OCC)
Ecuador (INEN)
Ethiopia (ESA)
Ghana (GSA)
India (BIS)
Indonesia (BSN)
Iran, Islamic Republic of (INSO)
Jamaica (BSJ)
Kenya (KEBS)
Malawi (MBS)
Morocco (IMANOR)
Philippines (BPS)
Russian Federation (GOST R)
Rwanda (RSB)
South Africa (SABS)
Sri Lanka (SLSI)
Sudan (SSMO)
Thailand (TISI)
Uganda (UNBS)
United Arab Emirates (ESMA)
United States (ANSI)
31 x

No

Bahrain (BSMD)
Barbados (BNSI)
Bolivia, Plurinational State of (IBNORCA)
Brazil (ABNT)
Canada (SCC)
Chile (INN)
Denmark (DS)Fiji (DNTMS)France (AFNOR)
Germany (DIN)
Japan (JISC)
Kazakhstan (KAZMEMST)
Korea, Republic of (KATS)
Malaysia (DSM)
Mali (AMANORM)
Malta (MCCAA)
Mauritius (MSB)
Mexico (DGN)
Mongolia (MASM)
Nigeria (SON)
Norway (SN)Panama (COPANIT)
Romania (ASRO)
Serbia (ISS)Singapore (SSC)
Slovenia (SIST)
Sweden (SIS)
Trinidad and Tobago (TTBS)
Tunisia (INNORPI)
United Kingdom (BSI)
Zimbabwe (SAZ)

15 xAbstain

Austria (ASI)
Bangladesh (BSTI)
Bulgaria (BDS)
Costa Rica (INTECO)

Czech Republic (UNMZ)
Ireland (NSAI)
Israel (SII)
Italy (UNI)
Netherlands (NEN)
Peru (INACAL)
Portugal (IPQ)
Saudi Arabia (SASO)
Spain (UNE)
Switzerland (SNV)
Turkey (TSE)

Answers to Q.3: "Is there any legislation in your country covering this area?"
15 x

Yes

Algeria (IANOR)
Argentina (IRAM)
Australia (SA)Brazil (ABNT)
Canada (SCC)
China (SAC)
Indonesia (BSN)
Iran, Islamic Republic of (INSO)
Japan (JISC)
Kenya (KEBS)
Philippines (BPS)
Sri Lanka (SLSI)
Sweden (SIS)Thailand (TISI)
Turkey (TSE)

36 x

No

Bahrain (BSMD)
Barbados (BNSI)
Bolivia, Plurinational State of (IBNORCA)
Botswana (BOBS)
Chile (INN)
Colombia (ICONTEC)
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the (OCC)
Denmark (DS)
Ethiopia (ESA)
Fiji (DNTMS)
Germany (DIN)
Ghana (GSA)
Jamaica (BSJ)
Kazakhstan (KAZMEMST)
Korea, Republic of (KATS)
Malawi (MBS)Malaysia (DSM)
Malta (MCCAA)
Mauritius (MSB)
Mexico (DGN)
Mongolia (MASM)
Morocco (IMANOR)
Nigeria (SON)
Norway (SN)Panama (COPANIT)
Russian Federation (GOST R)
Rwanda (RSB)

Serbia (ISS)Singapore (SSC)
Slovenia (SIST)
South Africa (SABS)
Sudan (SSMO)
Trinidad and Tobago (TTBS)
Tunisia (INNORPI)
United States (ANSI)
Zimbabwe (SAZ)
22 xAbstain

Austria (ASI)
Bangladesh (BSTI)
Bulgaria (BDS)
Costa Rica (INTECO)
Czech Republic (UNMZ)
Ecuador (INEN)
France (AFNOR)
India (BIS)
Ireland (NSAI)
Israel (SII)
Italy (UNI)
Mali (AMANORM)
Netherlands (NEN)
Peru (INACAL)
Portugal (IPQ)
Romania (ASRO)
Saudi Arabia (SASO)
Spain (UNE)
Switzerland (SNV)
Uganda (UNBS)
United Arab Emirates (ESMA)
United Kingdom (BSI)

Answers to Q.4: "Have you had resistance to this project from national stakeholders? "1x

Yes

Sweden (SIS)

46 x

No

Algeria (IANOR)
Australia (SA)Bahrain (BSMD)
Barbados (BNSI)
Bolivia, Plurinational State of (IBNORCA)
Botswana (BOBS)
Brazil (ABNT)
Canada (SCC)
Chile (INN)
China (SAC)
Colombia (ICONTEC)
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the (OCC)
Denmark (DS)
Ethiopia (ESA)
Fiji (DNTMS)France (AFNOR)
Germany (DIN)
India (BIS)
Indonesia (BSN)Japan (JISC)

Kenya (KEBS)
Korea, Republic of (KATS)
Malawi (MBS)Malaysia (DSM)
Malta (MCCAA)
Mauritius (MSB)
Mexico (DGN)
Mongolia (MASM)
Morocco (IMANOR)
Nigeria (SON)
Norway (SN)Panama (COPANIT)
Russian Federation (GOST R)
Rwanda (RSB)
Serbia (ISS)Singapore (SSC)
Slovenia (SIST)
South Africa (SABS)
Sri Lanka (SLSI)
Sudan (SSMO)
Thailand (TISI)
Trinidad and Tobago (TTBS)
Tunisia (INNORPI)
Uganda (UNBS)
United Kingdom (BSI)
Zimbabwe (SAZ)
26 xAbstainArgentina (IRAM)
Austria (ASI)
Bangladesh (BSTI)
Bulgaria (BDS)
Costa Rica (INTECO)
Czech Republic (UNMZ)
Ecuador (INEN)
Ghana (GSA)
Iran, Islamic Republic of (INSO)
Ireland (NSAI)
Israel (SII)
Italy (UNI)
Jamaica (BSJ)
Kazakhstan (KAZMEMST)
Mali (AMANORM)
Netherlands (NEN)
Peru (INACAL)
Philippines (BPS)
Portugal (IPQ)
Romania (ASRO)
Saudi Arabia (SASO)
Spain (UNE)
Switzerland (SNV)
Turkey (TSE)United Arab Emirates (ESMA)
United States (ANSI)

Answers to Q.5: "Do you have any additional comments?"
8x

Yes

Australia (SA)China (SAC)
Indonesia (BSN)Japan (JISC)
Sudan (SSMO)
Sweden (SIS)Thailand (TISI)
United States (ANSI)
47 x

No

Algeria (IANOR)
Argentina (IRAM)
Bahrain (BSMD)
Barbados (BNSI)
Bolivia, Plurinational State of (IBNORCA)
Botswana (BOBS)
Brazil (ABNT)
Canada (SCC)
Chile (INN)
Colombia (ICONTEC)
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the (OCC)
Costa Rica (INTECO)
Denmark (DS)
Ecuador (INEN)
Ethiopia (ESA)
Fiji (DNTMS)France (AFNOR)
Germany (DIN)
India (BIS)
Iran, Islamic Republic of (INSO)
Kazakhstan (KAZMEMST)
Kenya (KEBS)
Korea, Republic of (KATS)
Malawi (MBS)Malaysia (DSM)
Malta (MCCAA)
Mauritius (MSB)
Mexico (DGN)
Mongolia (MASM)
Morocco (IMANOR)
Nigeria (SON)
Norway (SN)Panama (COPANIT)
Philippines (BPS)
Romania (ASRO)
Russian Federation (GOST R)
Singapore (SSC)
Slovenia (SIST)
South Africa (SABS)
Sri Lanka (SLSI)Switzerland (SNV)
Trinidad and Tobago (TTBS)
Tunisia (INNORPI)
Turkey (TSE)
Uganda (UNBS)
United Kingdom (BSI)
Zimbabwe (SAZ)

18 xAbstain

Austria (ASI)
Bangladesh (BSTI)

Bulgaria (BDS)
Czech Republic (UNMZ)
Ghana (GSA)
Ireland (NSAI)
Israel (SII)
Italy (UNI)
Jamaica (BSJ)
Mali (AMANORM)
Netherlands (NEN)
Peru (INACAL)
Portugal (IPQ)
Rwanda (RSB)
Saudi Arabia (SASO)
Serbia (ISS)Spain (UNE)
United Arab Emirates (ESMA)

Comments from Voters
Member:Comment:

Australia (SA)Date:Comment File2021-06-10
00:42:03

Comment

2021-06-15
22:12:12

CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_SA.doc
Brazil (ABNT)

Currently, we already have an Anvisa regulation dealing specifically with these products, so it would not beinteresting to have standards that compete with the same scope. However, if this discussion opens, the CB-57
wishes to lead and contribute to the development of standards.
Canada (SCC)

Comment

2021-06-16
22:07:35

There are no National Standards of Canada covering menstrual health or products (below for additional
information in response to question 3 for government regulation). Legislation and regulation is managed
by Health Canada under their medical devices regime. In Canada, menstrual tampons are regulated as
medical devices. Health Canada makes sure that the tampons sold in Canada are safe, effective, and ofhigh quality based on requirements for licensing, quality manufacture, and post-market surveillance. Before adevice license is given to a manufacturer, tampon-package labelling must contain specific information aboutabsorbency. Labels must also provide details about the risks and symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome, andinstructions on what to do if you have these symptoms
China (SAC)

Comment File2021-06-02
04:31:52

Comment

2021-05-25
16:26:26

CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_SAC.docx
Denmark (DS)We do not have national standards but one of our stakeholders (test and marking) have informed us that they
use the EN/ISO12625 series regarding tissue paper and tissue products
France (AFNOR)
Not identified at this stage.

Comment

2021-06-11
09:02:01

Indonesia (BSN)

Comment File2021-06-16
12:07:08

Comment File2021-06-16
09:42:55

Comment

2021-06-15
05:19:37

CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_BSN.doc
Iran, Islamic Republicof (INSO)
CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_INSO.docx
Japan (JISC)

Not resistance but there was a reaction that ISO standards in this field is not necessary because of related
legislation already exists.
Japan (JISC)

Comment File2021-06-15
05:19:37

Comment File2021-06-15
13:56:20

Comment File2021-06-11
15:43:55

Comment File2021-06-16
06:15:41

Comment File2021-06-16
16:37:40

CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_JISC.docx
Sudan (SSMO)
CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_SSMO.docx
Sweden (SIS)
CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_SIS.doc
Thailand (TISI)
CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_TISI.doc
United States (ANSI)
CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_ANSI.docx

Comments from Commenters
Member:Comment:

ANEC

Date:
Comment

2021-05-27
15:17:33

Comment File2021-05-27
15:17:33

Comment

2021-06-15
13:51:25

ANEC submits the attached positive comments.
ANEC
CommentFiles/COPOLCO N605_ANEC.doc
CI

Consumers International support the development of a standard for menstrual product safety
Jordan (JSMO)

Comment

2021-06-15
07:59:51

JSMO support the proposal for standardization of menstrual products The safety of these products isof significant concern, as they are intended for use inside the body in contact with mucous membranes,alternatively in contact with sensitive skin for a long and repeated periods of time, regarding to what mentioned
an international standard would be useful to regulate the product globally (pertaining to health as well as
environmental safety and product performance)

We Have Jordanian Standard no. 1732:2013 Hygienic paper Ladies sanitary pads, based on the Gulf standard
GSO 751:1997 SANITARY PADS FOR LADIES.

the Jordanian Standard covering the aspects of menstrual products is JS 1732:2013 Hygienic paper Ladies
sanitary pads, and as an addition SMIIC recently published a new standard covering this topic : OIC/SMIIC 16:
2020 Disposable Sanitary Pads – Specifications and Test Methods.

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TH001

Date:2021-06-17
Comments--

Document:
Proposed change

Project:
Observations of thesecretariat

We have developed TIS 295-2560 (2017)
Sanitary napkins as a national standard
covering the aspects of menstrual healthor products.
The legislation in Thailand covering thisarea is the Ministry of Public Health’s
Cosmetic Act of B.E. 2558 (2015).

AU002

ge

Tampons are required to comply with Therapeutic
Goods (Standards for Tampons) (TGO 103) Order2019 before they can be supplied in Australia. Thisorder states that the Australian Standard "AS2869:2008 Tampons - Menstrual" is currently theapplicable standard for menstrual tampons inAustralia. This standard is currently undergoing
revision with an expected publication date in 2021

JISC003ge

Japan abstained from the vote, for the following
reasons
As a result of enquiries made to domestic
stakeholders, the majority of respondents were infavour of the direction of the project itself.
However, there were some problemsa) The scope of the proposal is not clear.
b) If the proposal is for a product standard, there isno need for an international standard because
national legislation already exists.
Detailed explanation
Details about a)
The scope of the standard is too broad to beclearly understood.
The following specific points are unclear
Is it a technical standard (standards for hygienic
quality, absorption, retention, etc.)?
Is it a guideline that focuses on the "consumer
perspective" (i.e. product labelling, consideration
for people with disabilities, ease of choice, gender

1
2

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Observations of thesecretariat

equality, environmental considerations, etc.)?
If the above two criteria are included, the proposal
should be divided into "technical standards" and"consumer issues arising from the product". A TC
instead of a PC shall be proposed.
The number of product types is also quite large if
peripheral products are included. Do the products
covered include 'liners', 'sanitary panties', 'washwater' and 'washers'?
b) Links
Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of
Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical
Devices
PMD Act : Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act
https://www.jhpia.or.jp/product/napkin/napkin5.html
https://www.jhpia.or.jp/site_en/standard/napkin/img/the_standards_for_marketing_approval_of_sanitar
y_napkins.pdf
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/file/06-Seisakujouhou11120000-Iyakushokuhinkyoku/seiri_zairyou.pdf
US004

1. Do you havecomments?
YES:

any

additionalmadesafe.org is a source, as is
FDA and OSHA of work in thisarea mostly as a result of the
toxic shock issue and forthe disposal as regulated waste.
New Zealand and other countries haverecently addressed providing free products
to students and education campaigns.
•

1
2

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2. Are you aware of any national
standards covering any aspects ofmenstrual health or products?
YES:

US005

There are national standards tohelp prevent toxic shock
syndrome• Both FDA and OSHA haveregulations
Also, it appears that there are alreadyexisting voluntary international standards
•

ANEC
-006

ge

ANEC
supports
theproposalforstandardization of menstrual products.

SE007

Do you haveany additionalcomments?

YES. We are excited for this new area ofstandardization finally being proposed and very
happy to be part in the coming developments.

SE008

Have you had
resistance tothis projectfrom national
stakeholders?

YES. 1 stakeholder has expressed concerns about
the necessity of international standards. However,
the other stakeholders are on the contrary
convinced international standards in this area
really can benefit users all over the world.

SE009

Is there any
legislation inyour country
covering thisarea?

YES. These products fall under the Product Safety
Act in Sweden.

ID010

1
2

Part A. 3

ge

Indonesia encourage the proposal of Safety andperformance of menstrual products, since there is nointernational standard to be a reference for countries
to make their national standard. Some countries

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Observations of thesecretariat

already have their national standard, but it varies
widely from country to country. To have the same
platform of consumers safety, health, security andenvironment protection as well, particularly on the
product safety caused by the use of hazardous
chemicals, Indonesia strongly recommends ISO
COPOLCO to make an international standard ofmenstrual products.

1
2

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Document:

Comments

File: COPOLCO N605_INSO.docx
We do not support the proposal for standardization of menstrual products.

File: COPOLCO N605_SAC.docx
China’s national standard related to this area:
GB/T 8939-2018 Sanitary absorbent pads (panty liner)
Legislation：
Currently, Consumer Protection Law, Product Quality Law and Criminal Law ofChina have some principle regulation.
File: COPOLCO N605_SSMO.docx

No.

Questions

Possible Answers

1

Do you support the proposal
for standardization of
menstrual products?

Yes
No *
Abstain2

Do you have national
standards covering any
aspects of menstrual healthor products?

Yes
No
Abstain3

Is there any legislation inyour country covering this
area?

Yes
No
Abstain4

Have you had resistance toYes *1 MB = Member body / NC = National Committee (enter the ISO 3166 two-letter country code, e.g. CN for China; comments from the ISO/CS
editing unit are identified by **)2 Type of comment:ge = generalte = technical ed = editorial
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Propo

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Comments

this project from national
stakeholders?

No
AbstainDo you have any additionalcomments?

Yes *Abstain(*) A Comment is required for this answer value.
*The most popular types of product are the most detrimental to the natural environment, particularly due
to the hidden plastic in disposable items.
*Awareness is very important especially for women who felt that menstruation was is something toashamed of , a feeling that is still prevalent in society and popular culture*Menstrual products have an environmental cost at the end use.
*Menstrual product in toilets, latrines affects the sewerage system.

1 MB = Member body / NC = National Committee (enter the ISO 3166 two-letter country code, e.g. CN for China; comments from the ISO/CS
editing unit are identified by **)2 Type of comment:ge = generalte = technical ed = editorial
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COPOLCO N605_ANEC.doc: Collation successful
COPOLCO N605_ANSI.docx: Collation successful
COPOLCO N605_BSN.doc: Collation successful
COPOLCO N605_JISC.docx: Collation successful
COPOLCO N605_SA.doc: Collation successful
COPOLCO N605_SIS.doc: Collation successful
COPOLCO N605_TISI.doc: Collation successful
Collation of files was successful. Number of collated files: 10
SELECTED(number of files): 10

PASSED TEST

(number of files conformed to CCT table model): 7

FAILED TEST

(number of files conformed to CCT table model): 0

COPOLCO N605_INSO.docx: Collation successful
COPOLCO N605_SAC.docx: Collation successful
COPOLCO N605_SSMO.docx: Collation successful
PASSED OTHER FILES
CCT table model): 3
CCT - Version 2020.1(number of files to be collated at the end of the result file not conformed to