BIS Certification for Sanitary Napkins, Diapers and Sanitary Pads / Napkins / Period Panties as per IS 5405:2019, 17509:2021 AND IS 17514:2021

In the realm of personal hygiene products, ensuring the safety and quality of products like sanitary napkins, disposable baby diapers, and reusable sanitary pads is of paramount importance. To achieve this, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established rigorous standards that manufacturers must adhere to. In this article, we will delve into the significance of BIS certification for these products, focusing on three key standards: IS 5405:2019 for sanitary napkins, IS 17509:2021 for disposable baby diapers, and IS 17514:2021 for reusable sanitary pads, also known as sanitary napkins or period panties. Additionally, we will highlight how Omega QMS Pvt Ltd plays a crucial role in helping manufacturers obtain BIS certification.

IS 5405:2019 SANITARY NAPKINS

Sanitary napkin is an absorbent material used to absorb fluid discharged during menstruation. As compared to cloth and other materials (husks, ashes, etc.) used during menstruation, it provides better hygiene and protection against leakage. This standard covers the requirements for disposable (non-reusable) sanitary napkins for external use. Sanitary napkins can be of various shapes and design such as wings/no wings, tab/tab-less etc. or as per purchaser’s needs. Size of sanitary napkins shall be as agreed to between the purchaser and the supplier. Sizes of sanitary napkins shall be variable depending on the absorbent capacity, purchaser’s needs and wing features. pH value, ability to withstand pressure after absorption, hygiene, biocompatibility and biodegradability are some of the major requirements specified for sanitary napkins.

IS 17509:2021 DISPOSABLE BABY DIAPERS

Baby diapers are personal hygiene products that allows the baby to defecate or urinate without the use of a toilet, by absorbing or containing waste products to prevent soiling of outer clothing or the external environment. This standard covers the requirements for disposable (non-reusable) baby diaper for external use. On the basis on the weight of infant and/or toddler the baby diapers are classified as New Born (2 – 5 kg),  Small (3 – 8 kg),  Medium (6 – 11 kg),  Large (9 – 11 kg) and   X Large 13 + kg. pH value, rate of absorption, rewet under load, minimum absorption capacity, hygiene, biocompatibility and biodegradability and antimicrobial requirements are some of the major requirements specified for sanitary diapers.

IS 17514:2021 REUSABLE SANITARY PADS/SANITARY NAPKINS/PERIOD PANTIES 

Reusable sanitary pad/sanitary napkin/period panties are hygiene products that are worn by menstruators (children and adults) to absorb blood and other fluids during menstrual periods. Reusable sanitary pads, also known as sanitary napkins or period panties, have gained popularity for their eco-friendly and cost-effective nature. This standard covers the requirements for reusable (multiple use) sanitary pad/sanitary napkin/period panties for external use. Sizes of reusable sanitary pad/sanitary napkin/period panties may be variable depending on the absorbent capacity or as per buyer requirement. The raw material/fabric used for manufacturing the product shall meet the general requirements of colour fastness to washing, perspiration, rubbing as well as dimensional stability to washing. pH value, ability to withstand pressure after absorption, hygiene, biocompatibility and biodegradability are some of the major performance requirements specified in the standard.

QUALITY CONTROL ORDER (TECHNICAL REGULATION) ISSUED BY MINISTRY OF TEXTILES, GOVT. OF INDIA ON 27 SEPTEMBER 2023 FOR MANDATORY BIS CERTIFICATION

The Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, has issued an order, making it mandatory for all sanitary napkins, diapers to be used in India, whether manufactured in India or imported from foreign countries, shall mandatorily carry the Standard Mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards under a valid BIS licence.  In short, it has become obligatory for all the manufacturers of sanitary napkins and diapers, whether in India or overseas, to immediately apply for BIS licence and obtain a valid BIS certification licence before that the last date of implementation of the order, i.e., 01 Oct 2024 for Small and Micro Enterprises and 01 April 2024 for others.

BIS CERTIFICATION SCHEME

The BIS Standards, IS 5405, IS 17509 and IS 17514, establishes a comprehensive framework encompassing various quality parameters that sanitary napkins and diapers must adhere to. The Bureau of Indian Standards Certification Scheme is a vital framework established by the Indian government to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of products available in the market. This scheme aims to safeguard consumer interests by setting stringent benchmarks and guidelines that products must meet before they can be deemed compliant. BIS certification covers a wide range of industries and products, encompassing the entire gamut of industrial and manufacturing activity.  Various steps involved in the BIS Certification process are enumerated below:

• Standard Identification: Manufacturers identify the relevant BIS standard that applies to their chosen product category. These standards outline the specific quality, safety, and performance requirements that the product must meet.
• Application Submission: Manufacturers submit an application for BIS certification to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), providing details about the product, its specifications, and the desired certification mark.
• Factory Inspection: BIS conducts an inspection of the manufacturer’s production facility to assess the quality control processes, infrastructure, and adherence to relevant standards.
• Sample Testing: BIS collects samples of the product from the manufacturer for testing in authorized BIS laboratories or recognized testing centers. These tests evaluate various parameters specified by the BIS standard.
• Certification Decision: Based on the satisfactory test results and compliance with standards, BIS decides whether to grant certification to the product. If approved, the manufacturer is issued a BIS certification license.
• Regular Monitoring: BIS monitors the manufacturing process of certified products through periodic audits and market surveillance to ensure ongoing compliance with quality control processes and standards.

OMEGA QMS PVT. LTD. – PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS

In the pursuit of achieving BIS certification and maintaining the highest levels of product quality, Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. emerges as an invaluable partner for manufacturers. Backed by a global presence and a stellar track record of successful collaborations with Fortune 500 companies, Omega QMS provides an extensive array of services designed to streamline the certification process and ensure compliance with industry standards.

• Expert Guidance: Omega brings together a team of seasoned experts who possess in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and intricacies of certification process. These experts guide manufacturers through the complex landscape, offering insights and strategies to navigate the process efficiently.
• Testing and Validation: Omega assists manufacturers in planning and executing necessary tests and validations required for BIS certification.
• Documentation and Compliance: The journey toward BIS certification demands meticulous documentation of processes, materials, and testing procedures. Omega aids manufacturers in creating comprehensive and accurate documentation that aligns with BIS requirements, reducing the risk of errors and rejections.
• Audit Support: Omega prepares manufacturers for BIS audits, which are a crucial part of the certification process. With its expertise, the organization ensures that manufacturers are well-prepared for audits, addressing any issues that may arise and increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
• Customized Approach: Each manufacturer’s journey toward BIS certification is unique. Omega understands this and tailors its services to fit the specific needs, challenges, and goals of individual manufacturers, ensuring a personalized and effective approach.
• Global Experience: With presence in over 40 countries, Omega brings global experience to the table. This international exposure allows the organization to offer insights into varying regulatory environments and industry practices, enabling manufacturers to excel globally.

Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. functions as a strategic partner for manufacturers aiming to achieve BIS Certification. Its multifaceted approach encompasses expert guidance, process control, testing and validation support, documentation assistance, audit preparation, training, and a global perspective. By collaborating with Omega, manufacturers gain a competitive edge in their pursuit of certification while upholding the highest standards of product quality and consumer satisfaction.

For more details you can reach out to Omega at info@globalomega.com

BIS certification for sanitary napkins, disposable baby diapers, and reusable sanitary pads is essential to ensure the safety and quality of these personal hygiene products. Manufacturers that obtain BIS certification demonstrate their commitment to delivering products that meet the highest standards.

Omega QMS Pvt Ltd plays a crucial role in simplifying the BIS certification process, providing expert guidance, documentation support, and testing assistance. By partnering with Omega QMS Pvt Ltd, manufacturers can navigate the certification process efficiently, ensuring their products meet the stringent BIS standards and gaining the trust of consumers.