Sanitary napkins are essential hygiene products that directly impact women’s health, comfort, and dignity. Since they come into direct contact with sensitive areas of the body, their quality and safety cannot be compromised. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates the quality of sanitary napkins under IS 5405:2019, ensuring they meet the necessary safety, hygiene, and performance standards.

Obtaining BIS certification for sanitary napkins is not just a legal requirement in certain cases but also a mark of trust for consumers. Manufacturers—both domestic and international—must follow the relevant standards to display the ISI mark for sanitary napkins, a symbol that assures quality and compliance.

1. Understanding BIS for Sanitary Napkins

The Bureau of Indian Standards is the national standards body of India, responsible for formulating quality benchmarks for various products, including sanitary napkins. For this category, BIS ensures that every product meets parameters such as:

• Absorbency levels

• pH value suitable for skin

• Biocompatibility (non-irritant and safe for contact)

• Freedom from harmful chemicals and toxins

• Secure and hygienic packaging

The BIS for sanitary napkins framework ensures that every product reaching the consumer is safe for long-term use and manufactured under controlled hygienic conditions.

2. ISI Mark for Sanitary Napkins

The ISI mark for sanitary napkins is granted to products that meet the specifications outlined in IS 5405:2019. The ISI logo is not just a regulatory stamp—it’s a reassurance for consumers that the product has been tested and approved as per the highest safety and hygiene standards.

Manufacturers who obtain this mark enjoy several benefits:

• Market trust – Consumers prefer ISI-marked products over uncertified alternatives.

• Regulatory clearance – Helps meet state and central government compliance requirements.

• Competitive advantage – Builds brand reputation and widens market reach.

3. Importance of BIS Certification for Sanitary Napkins

Sanitary napkins are intimate health products, and poor-quality materials can lead to skin irritation, infections, or allergic reactions. BIS certification addresses these risks by enforcing strict quality checks.

Key reasons why ISI certification for sanitary napkins is important:

• Health and hygiene protection – Prevents use of substandard or harmful materials.

• Consumer confidence – The ISI mark signifies reliability.

• Legal compliance – Helps manufacturers avoid penalties or product recalls.

• International acceptance – Certified products have better export potential.

4. BIS Certification Process for Sanitary Napkins

Obtaining BIS certification for sanitary napkins involves a structured process. Whether you are an Indian manufacturer or a foreign supplier targeting the Indian market, the following steps generally apply:

Step 1: Application Submission

The manufacturer must submit an application to BIS with complete details of the product, manufacturing facility, and quality control processes.

Step 2: Documentation

The application must be supported by:

• Manufacturing license and registration documents

• Factory layout and machinery details

• Raw material specifications

• Quality control procedures

• Product test reports (from BIS-recognized labs)

Step 3: Product Testing

Samples of the sanitary napkins are sent to a BIS-approved laboratory. They are tested for absorbency, pH level, safety parameters, microbiological safety, and compliance with IS 5405:2019.

Step 4: Factory Inspection

BIS officials inspect the manufacturing facility to verify hygienic production conditions, storage arrangements, and quality control measures.

Step 5: Grant of License

Once the product passes all tests and the facility meets BIS standards, the license to use the ISI mark for sanitary napkins is issued.

5. Key Quality Requirements Under IS 5405:2019

The BIS standard for sanitary napkins outlines detailed specifications that manufacturers must follow, such as:

• Absorbency – Adequate capacity to prevent leakage.

• pH value – Between 5.5 and 8.0 to match skin sensitivity.

• Free from harmful chemicals – No chlorine bleaching or toxic dyes.

• Microbial safety – Must be free from harmful microorganisms.

• Secure packaging – Individually wrapped and sealed to prevent contamination.

6. Renewal and Compliance

The BIS license is generally valid for two years, after which it must be renewed. Regular product testing and periodic factory inspections ensure ongoing compliance. Any deviation from standards can lead to suspension or cancellation of the license.

7. BIS Consultant for Sanitary Napkins

The process of getting BIS certification can be complex, especially for manufacturers new to the compliance framework. A BIS consultant for sanitary napkins plays a vital role by:

• Guiding manufacturers through documentation and application procedures.

• Coordinating with BIS and testing laboratories.

• Ensuring the product design and manufacturing meet ISI specifications.

• Managing audits and inspections smoothly.

Choosing an experienced BIS consultant saves time, reduces the risk of rejection, and ensures a faster approval process.

8. Challenges in BIS Certification for Sanitary Napkins

While the benefits are significant, the certification process can pose challenges:

• Strict testing criteria – Even minor deviations can delay approval.

• Documentation gaps – Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to reapplication.

• Facility readiness – Factories must meet hygiene and quality control standards before inspection.

These hurdles can be easily managed with proper planning and expert guidance.

9. Advantages for Manufacturers and Consumers

BIS certification offers a win-win situation:

• For manufacturers – Boosts brand credibility, opens new markets, and ensures regulatory compliance.

• For consumers – Guarantees product safety, quality, and performance.

Conclusion

EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. The BIS certification for sanitary napkins is more than a legal requirement—it is a commitment to women’s health and hygiene. Displaying the ISI mark for sanitary napkins reflects a manufacturer’s dedication to quality and safety.

With increasing consumer awareness, compliance with ISI certification for sanitary napkins is becoming essential for market acceptance. Working with a professional BIS consultant for sanitary napkins can make the certification journey faster, smoother, and more efficient.

Ultimately, BIS certification ensures that every sanitary napkin reaching the consumer meets the highest standards—delivering comfort, protection, and trust.