DATA & TOOLS
Menstrual Product Standards Database
Public Access
For Supply Chain Professionals
A database of national standards for menstrual products in LMICs. Originally launched in 2021, the updated Menstrual Product Standards Database now includes additional products (tampons and cups), updated national and regional standards, and improved functionality for searching and comparing different standards.
On this page:
What the Tool Enables
This tool aggregates different national-level standards for menstrual products, serving as an important resource for advocates promoting the adoption of standards in different country contexts.
Identify Countries with Standards
See which countries have already developed and adopted menstrual product standards.
Explore Key Characteristics
Explore key characteristics of existing menstrual product standards for a range of different menstrual products.
Country Comparison
Easily compare product standards from country to country.
Effective Advocacy
Draw upon examples of existing product standards to advocate for the development and adoption of menstrual product standards.
Key Features
The database presents different interactive ways to view and compare regional-level and national-level standards for menstrual products: clickable map, database search, filterable drop-down menus.
An interactive map allows users to see countries or regions that have menstrual product standards, enabling the users to click into individual countries for additional details on key characteristics of different standards.
Search the full database for a specific standard, product, or country and navigate search results to easily identify the information you are looking for.
Select up to three standards to easily compare key characteristics, similarities, and differences across them.
Use a range of different drop-down filters to group different countries or products.
About the Database
The data in the Menstrual Product Standards Database is qualitative, providing easy-to-access details about different national-level and regional-level standards, based on publicly available published standards.
Methodology
The data included in the Menstrual Product Standards Database was collected through a comprehensive mapping and desk review exercise to identify national and regional standards for menstrual products. The scope focuses on the full range of menstrual products, though there are a greater number of standards available for single-use and reusable pads.
Each standard card includes key details about the specific standard. Not all details are consistently available, either due to limitations in what is published and/or because not all standards detail each of these elements. The cards track the following details, where available:
- Manufacturing requirements
- Material requirements
- Requirements on size, absorbency, and pH
- Microbiological requirements and testing
- Biocompatibility requirements and testing
- Color fastness requirements and testing
- Requirements on packaging, labeling, and usage instructions
- Details on usage and durability, drying time, and disposal
- Requirements on biodegradability and compostability
- A link to the official standard
Related Resources
Ready to dive deeper? Check out these helpful resources designed to complement the tool:
Quick Actions
Access the Tool
Ready to get started? Launch the tool to explore menstrual product standards.
Advocate for Standards
Check out our Menstrual Product Standards Advocacy Toolkit for helpful advocacy resources.
Engage with NSBs
Explore the National Standards Body Engagement Checklist to learn how to get started.
Have Questions About the Tool?
We want to hear from you. If you have questions about the database or need clarification on how to use it, let us know.