This article explains the certification framework associated with IS 5405:2019. However, the BIS standards catalogue now lists IS 5405:2025 \u2014 Disposable Sanitary Napkin\/Panty Liner\/Maternity Pad\/Period Panty \u2014 Specification (Third Revision)<\/strong> and identifies it as mandatory certification. IS 5405:2025 supersedes IS 5405:2019.<\/p>\n Manufacturers planning a new BIS application in 2026 should therefore confirm the applicable product manual, testing requirements, licence scope and implementation position for IS 5405:2025 before proceeding. The technical details below that specifically refer to the 2019 edition are identified as such and should not automatically be treated as the current requirements for the 2025 edition. <Cite refs={[“turn614900search0″,”turn699036search17”]}\/><\/p>\n Sanitary napkins are essential personal hygiene products designed to absorb menstrual fluid while providing comfort, leakage protection and hygienic use. They are manufactured using combinations of a top sheet, absorbent core, bottom sheet and other components selected to meet the product’s performance requirements.<\/p>\n Because sanitary napkins come into prolonged contact with sensitive skin, manufacturers must pay attention to product safety, absorbency, hygiene, pH, construction, workmanship and other applicable quality parameters.<\/p>\n In India, sanitary napkins are regulated under the Medical Textiles Quality Control framework. The earlier certification standard was IS 5405:2019 \u2014 Sanitary Napkins \u2014 Specification<\/strong>. The BIS catalogue now lists the revised IS 5405:2025<\/strong>, whose scope includes disposable sanitary napkins, panty liners, maternity pads and period panties. <Cite refs={[“turn699036search6″,”turn614900search0”]}\/><\/p>\n For manufacturers, importers and private-label brands, understanding the applicable standard and BIS licensing requirements is important before placing products on the Indian market.<\/p>\n IS 5405 is an Indian Standard addressing product requirements for sanitary napkins and, under its 2025 revision, additional disposable menstrual hygiene products.<\/p>\n The 2019 edition was titled Sanitary Napkins \u2014 Specification<\/em>. Its BIS product manual, issued under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, identifies product classification, sampling, test equipment, inspection and testing, and licence-scope requirements. <Cite refs={[“turn699036search17″,”turn614900view0”]}\/><\/p>\n The 2025 revision is titled Disposable Sanitary Napkin\/Panty Liner\/Maternity Pad\/Period Panty \u2014 Specification<\/em>. Manufacturers should review the complete current standard to establish the requirements for the product they intend to manufacture. <Cite refs={[“turn614900search0”]}\/><\/p>\n Compliance helps establish that the product meets the applicable specification for its intended use. Depending on the applicable edition and product category, the assessment may address:<\/p>\n The precise requirements and acceptance criteria must be verified against the current edition of IS 5405.<\/p>\n Yes. Sanitary napkins are covered by the Medical Textiles Quality Control Order framework, which requires covered products to conform to the applicable Indian Standard and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a licence issued in accordance with Scheme-I, subject to the order’s provisions and exemptions. <Cite refs={[“turn614900search7″,”turn614900search1”]}\/><\/p>\n The Ministry of Textiles notified the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023 on 27 September 2023. The order was subsequently replaced or amended through further notifications, including the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2024 and amendments issued in 2025. <Cite refs={[“turn614900search7″,”turn699036search6″,”turn614900search5″,”turn614900search6”]}\/><\/p>\n The original implementation schedule specified:<\/p>\n Subsequent government notifications extended the compliance date for specified small and medium enterprises and provided for the clearance of certain declared legacy stock. Those transitional arrangements had defined conditions and deadlines; they should not be treated as a continuing general exemption. <Cite refs={[“turn699036search3″,”turn614900search2″,”turn614900search6”]}\/><\/p>\n Before applying, manufacturers should:<\/p>\n The official BIS catalogue lists IS 5405:2025 as mandatory certification and confirms that it supersedes IS 5405:2019. <Cite refs={[“turn614900search0”]}\/><\/p>\n The BIS product manual for IS 5405:2019 identifies two principal types of sanitary napkins for licence grouping.<\/p>\n These are classified as thick napkins under the 2019 product manual. Manufacturers intending to cover this category must declare the relevant product varieties and demonstrate conformity under the applicable certification requirements.<\/p>\n Thin napkins form a separate group under the 2019 product manual. The grouping guidance specifies a sample from each of the thick and thin groups for the corresponding licensing assessment. <Cite refs={[“turn614900view0”]}\/><\/p>\n The 2019 manual identifies the following design-related variations:<\/p>\n The manual also identifies size categories based on pad length, including Regular, Large, Extra-Large and XXL. These categories should be interpreted in accordance with the manual’s stated dimensions and the applicable standard. <Cite refs={[“turn614900view0”]}\/><\/p>\n The 2025 standard’s title expressly includes:<\/p>\n Manufacturers should not assume that the grouping or sampling rules for sanitary napkins under the 2019 edition automatically apply to all products covered by the 2025 revision. The current standard and product manual must be consulted for each product category. <Cite refs={[“turn614900search0”]}\/><\/p>\n Raw materials play an important role in sanitary napkin performance and product safety. Manufacturers should establish material specifications, supplier controls, incoming inspection and traceability for the components used in production.<\/p>\n The 2019 product manual specifies that, if cotton gauze is used, it shall conform to IS 758. It also refers to requirements for the cover or top sheet, absorbent core and bottom sheet under the relevant clauses of IS 5405:2019. <Cite refs={[“turn699036search17″,”turn699036search20”]}\/><\/p>\n Depending on the applicable standard and product design, manufacturers may need to maintain information concerning:<\/p>\n The current requirements for IS 5405:2025 must be checked directly. The 2019 material provisions should not be used as a substitute for the revised standard.<\/p>\n Testing is a central part of BIS product certification. The required tests depend on the applicable edition of IS 5405, the product type, the manufacturing process and the requirements applicable to the proposed licence scope.<\/p>\n The BIS product manual for the 2019 edition identifies the following tests as possible to complete in one day:<\/p>\n The manual also identifies hygiene testing and biocompatibility-related requirements in its test-equipment section.<\/p>\n The product is checked against its declared type, shape and dimensions. The manufacturer’s declared varieties should be consistent with the proposed licence scope and actual production capability.<\/p>\n The product should meet the applicable construction and finish requirements. Manufacturing defects that affect the product’s intended use or conformity must be controlled through inspection and quality procedures.<\/p>\n The 2019 product manual specifies pH testing and identifies a pH meter, buffer solutions, distilled or deionised water and related laboratory equipment. The applicable method and acceptance limits must be taken from the standard. <Cite refs={[“turn614900view0”]}\/><\/p>\n The 2019 manual identifies this as a performance test and lists apparatus including a flat transparent surface, standard weight, weighing balance, thermometer, coloured distilled water and a controlled-flow burette unit. <Cite refs={[“turn614900view0”]}\/><\/p>\n The 2019 manual identifies bacterial and fungal bioburden testing and testing for the common skin pathogen Staphylococcus aureus<\/em>. It also lists relevant microbiological laboratory equipment and media. <Cite refs={[“turn614900view0”]}\/><\/p>\n The 2019 product manual addresses biocompatibility evaluation, including cytotoxicity, irritation and skin sensitisation. The manual identifies this as an optional requirement for the scope of the licence. If a manufacturer intends to include biocompatibility in that licence scope, the corresponding conformity requirements must be established. <Cite refs={[“turn614900view0″,”turn699036search20”]}\/><\/p>\n The 2019 product manual lists biodegradability and compostability as optional requirements. Manufacturers must verify whether and how these requirements apply to the product and claims they intend to make, and whether the current standard contains revised provisions. <Cite refs={[“turn614900view0”]}\/><\/p>\n Important:<\/strong> The list above describes the 2019 product manual. It is not a confirmed complete test matrix for IS 5405:2025. Applicants must obtain the current product manual and confirm the complete testing programme with BIS and the laboratory.<\/p>\n For the 2019 edition, the BIS product manual specifies a sample size of 50 sanitary napkins<\/strong>. <Cite refs={[“turn699036search17″,”turn614900view0”]}\/><\/p>\n The manual divides sanitary napkins into two groups for licensing purposes:<\/p>\n1. Introduction<\/h2>\n
2. What Is IS 5405?<\/h2>\n
Why is the standard important?<\/h3>\n
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3. Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Sanitary Napkins?<\/h2>\n
Regulatory background<\/h3>\n
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What should manufacturers do in 2026?<\/h3>\n
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4. Types of Sanitary Napkins and Product Classification<\/h2>\n
4.1 Thick sanitary napkins<\/h3>\n
4.2 Thin sanitary napkins<\/h3>\n
4.3 Shape and design variations<\/h3>\n
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4.4 Product scope under IS 5405:2025<\/h3>\n
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5. Raw Material Requirements<\/h2>\n
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6. Testing Requirements for Sanitary Napkins<\/h2>\n
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6.1 Type, shape and size<\/h3>\n
6.2 Manufacture, workmanship and finish<\/h3>\n
6.3 pH value<\/h3>\n
6.4 Ability to withstand pressure after absorption<\/h3>\n
6.5 Hygiene and microbiological testing<\/h3>\n
6.6 Biocompatibility evaluation<\/h3>\n
6.7 Biodegradability and compostability<\/h3>\n
7. Sample Requirements and Grouping Guidelines<\/h2>\n