Govt Enforces Strict Quality Standards for Medical Textiles from Oct 2024

Ministry of Textiles has taken a major step towards strengthening public health and safety by introducing the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023. Set to be enforced on October 1, 2024, this order mandates stringent quality standards for key medical textile products, such as sanitary napkins, baby diapers, reusable sanitary pads, and dental bibs.

This regulation introduces mandatory certifications to ensure these products consistently meet vital quality benchmarks. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors will be required to comply with these standards, with non-compliance leading to potential fines or penalties. However, recognizing the unique challenges faced by small-scale enterprises, the government has exempted Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from adhering to these requirements.

Sanitary napkins and baby diapers are essential products that play a critical role in maintaining both human health and environmental safety, particularly during their disposal. To guarantee public safety and satisfaction, comprehensive testing during the manufacturing and import processes is essential.

The relevant specifications for sanitary napkins (IS 5404:2019) and baby diapers (IS 17509:2021) address important performance factors such as pH levels, hygiene standards, bacterial and fungal contamination, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Additionally, special attention has been given to testing for phthalate levels in baby diapers, as these chemicals can pose significant risks to users and the environment.

The Quality Control Order is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve the safety and quality of essential consumer products. Once in effect, any product covered by this QCO will require a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license for activities such as manufacturing, importing, distributing, and selling.

This regulatory move is intended to ensure that widely used products meet the highest safety standards, providing protection for both children and adults.