Sanitary napkins are essential hygiene products for millions of women in India, and their quality directly impacts public health and consumer trust. To ensure that these products meet safety, performance, and hygiene requirements, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made it mandatory for sanitary napkins to comply with specific Indian Standards. This compliance is demonstrated through the ISI Mark for sanitary napkins, which acts as a seal of trust and quality assurance.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of BIS for sanitary napkins, the certification process, applicable standards, and why manufacturers must prioritize obtaining the ISI mark.

Importance of BIS for Sanitary Napkins

The sanitary napkin market in India is rapidly expanding due to rising awareness of menstrual hygiene and increasing product availability. However, the industry has faced challenges related to substandard products that can cause irritation, infections, or discomfort.

To address these concerns, BIS has introduced mandatory certification under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for sanitary napkins, ensuring that every product sold in the market meets the IS 5405:2019 standard.

This ensures:

• Proper absorbency levels for effective protection.

• Use of safe, non-toxic, and skin-friendly materials.

• Maintenance of hygiene during manufacturing and packaging.

• Durability and comfort for end-users.

Applicable BIS Standard for Sanitary Napkins

The key Indian Standard for sanitary napkins is:

• IS 5405:2019 – Sanitary Napkins – Specification
  This standard specifies requirements for materials, absorbency, pH value, microbiological safety, packaging, and labelling. It also sets guidelines for testing methods to verify product compliance.

Some crucial requirements under IS 5405:2019 include:

• Absorbency rate – Minimum absorbent capacity to prevent leakage.

• pH value – To avoid skin irritation and maintain comfort.

• Adhesive strength – To ensure secure placement during use.

• Microbiological safety – Free from harmful microorganisms.

• Packaging quality – Proper sealing to prevent contamination.

ISI Mark for Sanitary Napkins

The ISI mark for sanitary napkins signifies that the product complies with the BIS standard IS 5405:2019. This mark is mandatory for all manufacturers—domestic and foreign—selling sanitary napkins in India.

Benefits of having the ISI mark:

• Consumer trust – Customers are more likely to choose ISI-marked products.

• Market acceptance – Helps gain entry into retail and institutional supply chains.

• Legal compliance – Avoids penalties and product recalls.

• Brand value enhancement – Signals commitment to quality and safety.

BIS Certification for Sanitary Napkins – Process Overview

Obtaining BIS certification for sanitary napkins involves several steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Application Submission

Manufacturers (domestic or foreign) must apply to BIS under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to liaise with BIS.

2. Document Preparation

Required documents generally include:

• Factory licence and company registration.

• Manufacturing process details.

• Product specifications.

• Test reports from BIS-approved laboratories.

• Packaging and labelling designs.

3. Product Testing

Samples of sanitary napkins must be sent to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing as per IS 5405:2019. Tests cover absorbency, pH, microbiological safety, and material quality.

4. Factory Inspection

BIS officials may conduct on-site inspections to verify production facilities, quality control measures, and hygienic practices in manufacturing.

5. Grant of Licence (GOL)

Once the product passes testing and inspection, BIS issues a licence to use the ISI mark on sanitary napkins.

Key Compliance Requirements

Manufacturers must ensure that:

• Only BIS-approved raw materials are used.

• Production follows proper hygiene and quality control protocols.

• Packaging is tamper-proof and protects against contamination.

• Labelling includes the ISI mark, licence number, manufacturer details, and essential usage information.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Selling sanitary napkins in India without the ISI mark is a violation of the BIS Act, 2016. Penalties may include:

• Monetary fines.

• Seizure of non-compliant stock.

• Licence suspension or cancellation.

• Legal action against the manufacturer or importer.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Manufacturers

1. Enhanced Consumer Confidence

An ISI mark assures customers that the product has passed stringent safety and quality checks.

2. Competitive Advantage

With BIS certification, your brand stands out in a market flooded with low-quality products.

3. Regulatory Approval

Compliance with BIS norms avoids legal hurdles, import restrictions, and supply chain issues.

4. Export Opportunities

An ISI mark can help manufacturers tap into markets that recognize Indian quality standards.

Role of BIS Consultants in Certification

Navigating the BIS certification process can be complex, especially for first-time applicants or foreign manufacturers. A professional BIS consultant can assist by:

• Guiding in documentation and application filing.

• Coordinating with BIS-approved laboratories.

• Ensuring product and packaging compliance.

• Managing communication with BIS and arranging inspections.

Conclusion

The mandatory BIS certification for sanitary napkins is a vital step toward ensuring menstrual hygiene products in India are safe, reliable, and of high quality. The ISI mark for sanitary napkins is not just a legal requirement—it is a symbol of trust that benefits both consumers and manufacturers.

By complying with IS 5405:2019 and obtaining BIS approval, manufacturers can enhance their brand image, gain consumer confidence, and contribute to public health. Investing in BIS compliance today means securing long-term success in the sanitary napkin industry.