Sanitary pads are a daily necessity for women worldwide, and their safety standards have long been a focal point for consumers and manufacturers alike. As China rolls out updated mandatory and recommended national standards, the EU continues to tighten its eco-label and safety regulations. This article compares the two regimes—focusing on which is stricter, core differences, and critical compliance tips for businesses selling domestically or exporting to Europe.
EU Standards: Eco-First, Full-Lifecycle Control
The EU’s sanitary pad market is governed primarily by the EU Ecolabel (voluntary, for environmental excellence) and the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) (mandatory, for basic safety). Its core principle? “Cradle-to-Grave” lifecycle management—covering materials, production, packaging, and disposal.
1. Material Sustainability: Non-Negotiable
*Pulp: Must come from sustainably managed forests (FSC certification preferred); chlorine bleaching is banned.
*Cotton: Prioritizes organic cotton for the base material.
*Plastics: Strict limits on plastic usage; biodegradable/eco-friendly materials are encouraged.
*Chemicals: A “zero-tolerance” approach for harmful substances.
2. Strict Chemical Risk Management
The EU is renowned for its rigorous chemical controls. Substances strictly prohibited include:
*Formaldehyde
*Parabens (preservatives)
*Phthalates (plasticizers)
Restricted substances:
*Fragrances and lotions (skin-care ingredients) are generally banned to minimize allergy risks.
*Compliance with REACH and POPs Regulations is mandatory for all chemicals used.
3. Production & Emissions
*Clean production required: Wastewater and air emissions must meet strict limits.
*Energy efficiency: Manufacturers must comply with energy-consumption standards.
*Waste control: Production waste must not exceed 5% of the product’s weight.
4. Packaging & Transparency
*Closed-loop eco-packaging: Materials must be recyclable.
*Consumers' right to know: Clear labeling is mandatory, including:
1)Full ingredient list
2)Correct usage instructions
3)Disposal guidelines (e.g., how to sort sanitary pads)
China’s New GBs: Safety & Performance Dual Focus
China enforces two national standards for sanitary pads, creating a “safety baseline + performance upgrade” dual system.
1. GB 15979-2024 (Mandatory, Effective July 2025)
This is the minimum safety threshold all sanitary pads must meet.
Raw materials: No recycled materials allowed; production water must meet drinking-water standards.
Fluorescent agents: No migratory fluorescent whitening agents permitted.
Microbiology:
Regular grade: Total bacterial count ≤ 200 CFU/g
Disinfectant grade: Total bacterial count ≤ 20 CFU/g
Labeling: Disinfectant-grade products must clearly state “disinfectant grade” and disinfection date.
2. GB/T 8939-2025 (Recommended, Effective January 2027)
This standard elevates product quality beyond basic safety.
Dimensional accuracy: Length tolerance tightened from ±4% to ≥-2% (eliminating significant under-sizing).
Core performance:
Absorption speed: ≤ 50 seconds
Re-wet amount: ≤ 3.0 grams
Chemical safety upgrades:
Formaldehyde ≤ 6 mg/kg
Phthalates ≤ 0.1%
New limits for heavy metals and carcinogenic aromatic amines that can be decomposed.
EU vs China: Which Is Stricter?
Aspect | EU Standards | China New GBs | Stricter Regime |
Core Focus | Environmental sustainability + chemical safety | Product safety + performance improvement | Depends on priority |
Chemical Bans | Formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, etc. | No migratory fluorescent agents; formaldehyde ≤6mg/kg | EU (zero-tolerance vs. limits) |
Material Rules | FSC pulp, organic cotton, plastic reduction | No recycled materials, drinking-water production | EU (sustainability focus) |
Dimensional Tolerance | No specific mandate | Length ≥-2% (tighter) | China |
Waste Control | Production waste ≤5% | No specific limit | EU |
Labeling Transparency | Full ingredients, disposal guide | Standard usage, disinfection date | EU (more detailed) |
Verdict: The EU sets a higher bar for environmental sustainability and chemical safety, while China’s new standards prioritize product quality and dimensional accuracy. For businesses, compliance with both regimes requires distinct strategies.
Compliance Guide for Manufacturers
For EU Exports
EU Ecolabel Application: This label boosts product premium value—apply via the official EU Ecolabel portal.
Safety Certifications: Ensure compliance with GPSR, REACH, and conduct biocompatibility and micro-biological tests.
Document Traceability: Maintain records of raw material sourcing (e.g., FSC certificates) and emissions data.
For Domestic Sales (China)
1.Deadline Compliance:
July 2025: Fully switch to GB 15979-2024 (mandatory).
January 2027: Align with GB/T 8939-2025 (performance upgrades).
2.Pre-emptive Layout: Produce in line with new standards early to gain market share before the deadlines.
3.Labeling Accuracy: Clearly mark “GB 15979” (mandatory) and “GB/T 8939” (recommended) on packaging, along with the Wei Xiao Zheng Zi (disinfectant license number) for disinfectant-grade products.
Final Thoughts
The EU standards act like an eco-warrior, overseeing every stage from raw materials to disposal with a strong focus on planetary sustainability. China’s new GBs, on the other hand, are like a strict quality inspector—first securing the safety baseline, then progressively raising the bar for product performance.
For businesses, mastering both standards is key to succeeding in global and domestic markets. Stay ahead of compliance deadlines, invest in sustainable materials, and prioritize transparency to build trust with consumers worldwide.
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