Standards for Health: International Committee Guides Global Standards for Menstrual Products

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 338, Menstrual Products, held a series of meetings in Kenya earlier this month, making significant progress on the first-ever ISO standards for menstrual products.

The meeting was held in advance of Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed globally on May 28. Attendees, including a delegation from the ANSI-administered U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to TC 338, discussed an advanced framework for single- and multiple-use product standards; enhanced provisions to limit harmful chemicals; and how standards promote broader access to safe products worldwide.

The scope of TC 338 encompasses all manufactured menstrual products and covers items intended for single or multiple uses. The TC aims to:

• improve product safety and quality of life during menstruation
• make these products more accessible and available globally
• foster positive global conversations
• improve consumer access to information
• initiate pathways for adoption of standards in low- and middle-income countries, including identifying common challenges, engaging policymakers and regulators, and supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises—particularly for reusable product implementation

The lack of harmonized global standards for the safety and quality of menstrual products is contrasted with regulations for other products used on or inside the body. The TC works to address this gap, promoting broader access to safe and effective menstrual products. Work on two standards is currently underway, with additional standards slated to be developed in the future.

ANSI encourages stakeholders to join the U.S. TAG to TC 338. Getting involved in the early stages of the TC’s work offers participants the opportunity to have a powerful impact on the development of these critical standards. Contact Rachel Hawthorne ([email protected]) to join the U.S. TAG.

Learn more about the work of TC 338 from the U.S. TAG and the Technical Committee.