UPCOMING QCO ON TEXTILE GOODS BY MINISTRY OF TEXTILE
BIS Certification for Disposable Sanitary Napkins IS 5405
Indian Standard IS-5405 specifies the quality, safety, and performance requirements for disposable sanitary napkins manufactured or sold in India. Sanitary napkins are personal hygiene products that come in direct and prolonged contact with the skin, making material safety, comfort, and absorbency critical factors for user health and hygiene.
The standard lays down requirements related to absorbent efficiency, leakage protection, pH value, softness, and freedom from harmful substances. All raw materials used in disposable sanitary napkins must be safe during normal use and must comply with the applicable provisions of IS 5405 to ensure skin compatibility and user comfort.
IS 5405 Specifies the Quality Parameters of Disposable Sanitary Napkins
- (i) Top sheet for skin comfort and softness
- (ii) Absorbent core for efficient fluid absorption and retention
- (iii) Leak-proof back sheet and protective barrier
- (iv) Shape, size, and thickness of sanitary napkins
- (v) pH value to ensure skin friendliness
- (vi) Absorption capacity, strike-through time, and rewet performance
- (vii) Adhesive or fastening mechanism for proper placement
- (viii) Limits for bacterial and fungal contamination
Mandate for ISI Mark Certification of Disposable Sanitary Napkins (IS 5405)
The Government of India has made compliance with Indian Standard IS- 5405 mandatory for disposable sanitary napkins to safeguard public health and hygiene. Manufacturers and importers are required to obtain ISI Mark Certification before selling sanitary napkins in the Indian market. Certification ensures consistent product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance as per BIS guidelines.
Process Required for BIS ISI Mark Certification for Disposable Sanitary Napkins (IS 5405)
To obtain the BIS ISI Mark for disposable sanitary napkins under Indian Standard IS-5405, manufacturers must comply with the Product Certification Scheme (Scheme I) of BIS. The certification process ensures that sanitary napkins meet prescribed quality, hygiene, absorbency, and safety requirements before being manufactured or sold in the Indian market.
Estimated Timeline: The BIS ISI certification process for domestic manufacturers generally takes around 30 to 45 days, depending on factory preparedness, inspection scheduling, and laboratory test results.
Step-by-Step Certification Process
- Application Submission: Submit Form-V through the BIS Manak Online portal along with product details, applicable Indian Standard (IS 5405), factory layout, manufacturing process, and list of machinery.
- In-House Testing Facility: Establish an in-house testing laboratory with mandatory equipment required under IS 5405. All testing instruments must be calibrated and supported by valid NABL calibration certificates.
- Factory Inspection & Audit: A BIS officer visits the manufacturing unit to verify production processes, hygiene controls, testing facilities, and competency of quality control personnel.
- Sample Drawing & Testing: Product samples are sealed during inspection. One set is tested in the manufacturer’s laboratory, while another set is sent to a BIS-recognized laboratory for independent testing.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon satisfactory audit and conforming test results, BIS grants the Certification Marks License (CM/L), authorizing the manufacturer to use the ISI Mark on sanitary napkins.
Requirements to Obtain BIS License for Disposable Sanitary Napkins (IS 5405)
- Compliance of raw materials with the requirements specified under Indian Standard IS-5405.
- Availability of an in-house testing laboratory capable of conducting mandatory tests such as absorbency, pH value, leakage resistance, and microbiological limits.
- Appointment of qualified Quality Control personnel to monitor production quality and testing activities.
- Strict adherence to BIS guidelines and the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) applicable to disposable sanitary napkins.
For obtaining BIS ISI certification under Product Certification Scheme-I, manufacturers of disposable sanitary napkins are required to submit documents broadly classified into the following categories:
- Administrative Details: Company incorporation or registration documents, factory address proof, GST registration, PAN, and related legal records.
- Technical Details: Product specifications, raw material details, manufacturing process flow chart, and test parameters as per IS 5405.
- Quality Control Personnel Details: Qualification, experience, and appointment records of QC staff.
- Commercial Details: Brand name, trademark details, authorization letters, and labeling information.
Cost of BIS Certification for Disposable Sanitary Napkins (IS 5405)
Below are indicative government charges involved in obtaining BIS ISI certification for disposable sanitary napkins under Product Certification Scheme-I. All statutory fees are payable directly to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
| S. No. | Particular | Amount (INR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application Fee | ₹1,000 | Payable to BIS |
| 2 | Audit Fee | ₹7,000 | Payable to BIS |
| 3 | Sample Testing Fee | As applicable | Depends on lab |
| 4 | Marking Fee | As per actual | As per IS 5405 |
Important Note: Product testing is the most critical stage of BIS certification for sanitary napkins. Manufacturers must invest in adequate in-house testing facilities. In some cases, a pre-inspection visit may be conducted to assess factory readiness and compliance with BIS requirements.
Benefits of Getting ISI Mark Certification for Disposable Sanitary Napkins
Obtaining the ISI Mark for disposable sanitary napkins under Indian Standard IS 5405 provides manufacturers with essential legal approval, improved market credibility, and enhanced consumer trust. ISI certification confirms that sanitary napkins comply with prescribed quality, hygiene, and safety standards required for sale in the Indian market.
1. Mandatory Legal Compliance
Disposable sanitary napkins are a regulated product in India, and ISI Mark certification is mandatory for lawful manufacturing and sale. Certified manufacturers can operate without legal risk, while non-compliant products may face penalties, fines, or market seizure.
2. Wider Market Acceptance
ISI-certified sanitary napkins are preferred by retailers, pharmacies, hospitals, government procurement agencies, and online marketplaces. Certification helps manufacturers access organized retail and expand their distribution network across India.
3. Consumer Safety and Hygiene Assurance
The ISI Mark assures consumers that sanitary napkins meet stringent hygiene, absorbency, pH, and microbiological requirements. This builds confidence among users by ensuring safety during prolonged skin contact and regular use.
4. Improved Brand Credibility and Trust
ISI certification enhances brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to quality and compliance with Indian Standards. Positive user experience and trust contribute to strong brand recall and long-term customer loyalty.
5. Competitive Advantage in the Indian Market
ISI-marked sanitary napkins gain a competitive edge over uncertified products. Certification helps manufacturers differentiate their offerings, justify pricing, and position their products as reliable, safe, and standard-compliant.
