International Menstrual Standards: A Vital Need
It might surprise you to learn that while there are international standards for almost everything we use –i.e. paper clips, screws, and nails – there has never been an international standard for menstrual products. This oversight was only discovered in 2018, when a PhD student in Sweden went searching for such a standard and found none. The reason? Most people simply assumed one existed. This gap reflects the stigma surrounding menstruation, as it is an issue often overlooked in major initiatives like the development of standards.
After identifying the gap, the Swedish Institute of Standards (SIS) stepped up to lead the development of a menstrual product standard with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), known as ISO TC 338. Their goal is to create standardization in the field of menstrual products, covering all products intended for single or multiple use, regardless of material.
Why are Standards Needed?
The absence of standards has real consequences. About seven years ago, members of our DfG team saw this firsthand. In a southern African country, reusable pads distributed by another organization failed to meet basic safety and quality benchmarks because there was no standard to test them. Contrary to promises, these pads were not adequately absorbent, and without clear instructions, users wore them too long, leading to discomfort and health risks. Women and girls' health was compromised, governments became wary of reusable pads, and skepticism toward new menstrual products grew. Having an international standard could have prevented this.
What Will the ISO TC 338 Standard Cover?
This standard will set a minimum requirement for safety, absorbency, material safety, durability, and clear instructions for use and disposal. It will ensure all products meet a baseline of safety and effectiveness while supporting fair trade by harmonizing regulations across borders. For manufacturers, clear standards create a level playing field and reduce barriers to entry. For governments, they make procurement safer and more transparent. For consumers, standards mean safer, more reliable products as well as greater choice.
What We Are Doing About It
To advance this work, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), in partnership with SIS, hosted the ISOTC 338 Menstrual Products meetings from May 12-16, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. These meetings brought together international experts, government representatives, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to help shape the first-ever global standards for menstrual products.
Days for Girls’ (DfG) Global Advocacy Director, Diana Nelson, attended these meetings and was honored to represent the United States as the Head of Delegation, working to ensure safe, high-quality menstrual products for millions worldwide.
DfG was also excited to participate in an open seminar on Friday, May 16th. In partnership with Arundati Muralidharan of MHAi, Diana presented on “Implications of Menstrual Product Waste Management: Insights from India and South Africa.” This session highlighted how standards can address the entire life cycle of menstrual products—from design and use to responsible disposal—ensuring health and environmental impacts are considered every step of the way.
Key achievements from the Nairobi meetings included:
- Advancing the framework for both single-use and multiple-use product standards
- Enhancing safety provisions to limit harmful chemicals
- Focusing on ensuring that standards promote broader access to safe products worldwide
Looking Ahead
As demand for menstrual products rises globally, standards are essential for consumer protection, market growth, and environmental responsibility. Days for Girls is proud to be part of this historic process, working alongside partners to ensure that the new ISO TC 338 standard will protect consumers, support manufacturers, and create more equitable and sustainable menstrual health solutions worldwide.
By working together to establish and enforce strong international standards, we can help ensure that everyone who menstruates has access to safe, effective, and dignified products, no matter where they live.
