Medical Textiles
Reusable Sanitary Pad / Sanitary Napkin / Period Panties (IS 17514:2021)
Strategic Recommendations for Reusable Sanitary Pad / Sanitary Napkin / Period Panties
Begin BIS Certification Process Immediately
Mandatory from 1 Jan 2025 for large/medium enterprises and 1 Apr 2025 for small/micro units. Delay may risk non-compliance penalties.
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Partner with the ERA Compliance Team to handle BIS application, product testing, and ISI mark labeling
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Track Notifications & Circulars
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Ensure Labeling with ISI Mark
Every reusable sanitary pad or period panty must show the ISI mark on the product or its packaging before being sold.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Reusable Sanitary Pad / Sanitary Napkin / Period Panties |
| IS Standard | IS 17514:2021 |
| Title of IS | Reusable Sanitary Pad / Sanitary Napkin / Period Panties – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2024. |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 4634(E), dated 23 October 2024, Amended via S.O. 04(E), dated 1 January 2025 , Second Amendment: S.O. 3526(E), dated 30 July 2025 Supersedes: Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023 |
| Final Enforcement Date | For Large & Medium Enterprises: 1 January 2025, For Small & Micro Enterprises: 1 April 2025. |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure the safety, hygiene, washability, and durability of reusable menstrual hygiene products under BIS standardization. |
| Products Covered | Reusable menstrual products including sanitary pads, napkins, and period panties intended for repeated use. |
| Exemptions | Products meant exclusively for export, Pre-manufactured stock (Schedule A) can be sold without ISI mark until 31 Dec 2025. |
| Industries Impacted | Women’s Hygiene Product Manufacturers, Technical Textiles & Eco-friendly Product Developers, Healthcare, NGOs, CSR Distributors. |
| Mandatory Compliance | Must comply with IS 17514:2021, BIS license mandatory under Scheme-I, ISI mark required on packaging or product. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS certification, Conduct testing through BIS-approved labs, Ensure compliant labeling and declaration of pre-certified stock. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 by BIS and Textiles Committee with full inspection and certification authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant goods- Suspension or cancellation of license, Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years or both. |
| Conclusion | Certification under IS 17514:2021 is mandatory from 1 Jan/1 Apr 2025. The 2024 QCO ensures hygiene standards and replaces the 2023 regulation for reusable menstrual products. |
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Notification
Reusable menstrual hygiene products have been notified under the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2024, issued via S.O. 4634(E) dated 23 October 2024 by the Ministry of Textiles under the BIS Act, 2016. This Order superseded the earlier QCO of 2023. The notification has undergone two amendments:
- First Amendment via S.O. 04(E) dated 1 January 2025, and
Second Amendment via S.O. 3526(E) dated 30 July 2025, which revised the exemption timeline for non-marked stock.
Enforcement Timeline
- Large and Medium Enterprises must comply by 1 January 2025,
- Small and Micro Enterprises must comply by 1 April 2025.
Overview
Reusable sanitary pads, napkins, and period panties are designed to be washed and reused over multiple menstrual cycles, offering an eco-friendly and economical alternative to disposable products. IS 17514:2021 standardizes the safety, hygiene, durability, and user comfort of these products, ensuring consistent quality across manufacturers. These products are critical for menstrual health management, particularly in rural and sustainability-focused sectors.
Objective & Scope
IS 17514:2021 lays down specifications for reusable sanitary products to ensure they are safe for repeated use, hygienic, comfortable, and durable under Indian climatic and usage conditions. It defines performance requirements such as absorption efficiency, rewet resistance, pH levels, colorfastness, and wash durability.
Products Covered
The standard applies to reusable menstrual products, including; Sanitary pads, Sanitary napkins, Period panties etc.
These are made from multiple layers of absorbent and barrier materials that can withstand multiple wash cycles without losing efficacy.
Exemptions Provided
- Products meant exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification,
- Pre-manufactured stock, as listed in Schedule A of the QCO, can be sold without the ISI mark until 31 December 2025.
Industries Impacted
- Sustainable Menstrual Product Manufacturers
- Technical Textiles and Eco-Innovation Startups
- Women’s Health NGOs, CSR Programs, Rural Distribution Initiatives
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Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All reusable sanitary products covered under this standard must conform to IS 17514:2021 and obtain certification under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Products must display the ISI mark on the product or packaging to indicate compliance.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS certification against IS 17514:2021
- Submit samples for testing at BIS-recognized laboratories
- Ensure proper product labeling and ISI marking
- Declare pre-manufactured stock as per Schedule A for transitional sale until 31 December 2025
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Compliance is monitored and enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, and supported by the Textiles Committee Act, 1963. BIS and the Textiles Committee have authority to conduct inspections, withdraw licenses, and prosecute offenders. Penalties for non-compliance include seizure of products, fines, license suspension, and up to two years of imprisonment, or both.
Conclusion
Effective from 1 January 2025 for larger manufacturers (and 1 April 2025 for MSMEs), all reusable sanitary napkins, pads, and period panties must be BIS-certified under IS 17514:2021. This mandate ensures uniform quality and safety, enabling users to access reliable and sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions across the country.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.