As the U.S. member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) encourages relevant U.S. members to get involved in a newly formed ISO Technical Committee (TC) on menstrual products. ANSI is actively seeking a U.S. Administrating Organization and interested U.S. Technical Advisory Group (U.S. TAG) members to participate. Submit feedback to ANSI by March 9, 2022.
Menstrual products are used by half of the world's population. Different organizations around the world are working extensively to break stigma around menstruation, highlighting the importance of talking about it openly, and championing the right for all to access safe products.
Last year, the ISO COPOLCO (ISO Committee on Consumer Policy) submitted a proposal for a new ISO TC on menstrual products, which noted that these products are primarily categorized as medical devices, therapeutic goods, or consumer products in different countries and regions. As an example, in European countries, menstrual products fall under the “General Product Safety Directive,” and 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 classification situations around the world, and . . . lack of clear requirements, international standards in this field can help bridge the gap where regulations are not clear or strong enough,” the proposal explains.
According to the ISO scope statement, the TC will focus on: “Standardization in the field of menstrual products, covering all products intended for both single and multiple use, regardless of material.”
Interested U.S. TAG stakeholders and prospective administrating organizations are encouraged to contact Kristen Califra ([email protected]) by March 9, 2022.
Read more on the benefits of Becoming a TAG Member and Becoming a TAG Administrator.
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Menstrual Products: ANSI Seeks Comments on Proposed New ISO Technical Committee