As the U.S. member body to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is seeking comments on a proposal for a new ISO technical committee on menstrual products.
ISO COPOLCO (ISO Committee on Consumer Policy) submitted the proposal for a new ISO technical committee on menstrual products, with the following scope statement:
“Standardization in the field of menstrual products, covering all products intended for both single and multiple use, regardless of material.”
According to the proposal, menstrual products are primarily categorized as medical devices, therapeutic goods, or consumer products in different countries and regions. For example, in most European countries, these products fall under the “General Product Safety Directive,” which means there is no obligation for manufacturers to list the composition of the product or perform biocompatible testing. By comparison, in the U.S., menstrual products are considered a medical device, with additional testing requirements. Moreover, there are also countries that classify menstrual products in other categories.
Given the complex and different classifications of menstrual products around the world—and in many instances lack of clear requirements—international standards in this field can help bridge the gap where regulations are not clear or strong enough, the proposal asserts.
Review the proposal for additional information and submit comments to Steven Cornish, ANSI senior director of international policy and strategy, [email protected], by close of business on November 19, 2021. Based on input received from U.S. stakeholders, a recommended ANSI position and any comments will be developed and presented at the ANSI ISO Committee (AIC) for approval before ISO's voting deadline of December 31, 2021.
ANSI has published an explanatory information document outlining the process used to develop U.S. positions in issues and activities under consideration by ISO and IEC.