As of July 1, 2025, a new era has dawned for the disposable hygiene products industry with the implementation of the GB 15979 - 2024 "Hygiene Requirements for Disposable Hygiene Products". This updated standard, replacing the 2002 version, brings comprehensive and far - reaching changes that redefine the safety and quality benchmarks for these essential daily - use items.
1. Scope Expansion and Definition Refinement
The new standard significantly broadens the scope of disposable hygiene products. It not only encompasses traditional categories like menstrual hygiene products and excrement hygiene products (excluding toilet paper) but also formally includes "hygiene wipes", "antibacterial agents", and "bacteriostatic agents". Clearer definitions of these product types provide a more precise regulatory framework, ensuring that all relevant products are now under the purview of strict safety standards.
2. Raw Material Safety Upgrades
• Prohibition of Recycled Materials: To eliminate potential contaminants, the use of waste or previously used disposable hygiene products as raw materials or semi - finished products is strictly prohibited. This measure ensures that the starting materials for all products are pure and free from harmful residues.
• Zero - Tolerance for Migratable Fluorescent Whitening Agents: In response to health concerns, non - woven fabrics, textiles, and other raw materials are now forbidden from containing migratable fluorescent whitening agents. This ban effectively removes a potential source of harm, safeguarding consumers from exposure to these potentially dangerous substances.
3. Enhanced Physical and Chemical Indicators
• Newly Added Indicators: The new standard introduces several key physical and chemical indicators, including pH, migratable fluorescent whitening agent residues, and heavy metal content (such as lead, arsenic, and mercury). These additions provide a more comprehensive assessment of product safety.
• pH Value Regulation: For hygiene products with a labeled pH value, the new standard requires that the actual pH value fall within ±1 of the labeled average. For example, the pH value of sanitary napkins (pads) typically ranges from 4.0 to 9.0, ensuring a moderate pH level that minimizes skin irritation.
• Fluorescent Whitening Agent Restrictions: In products containing paper, migratable fluorescent whitening agents are now prohibited. This addresses concerns about the use of these agents in sensitive - contact products, eliminating potential health risks.
• Heavy Metal Limits: The standard sets clear limits for the residual amounts of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury. These elements, if present in products, can enter the body through the skin or mucous membranes and accumulate over time, leading to significant health hazards. The new limits ensure that long - term exposure risks are minimized.
• Antibacterial/ Bacteriostatic Component Labeling: For products containing antibacterial or bacteriostatic ingredients, the new standard mandates clear labeling of the active ingredient content. This transparency allows consumers to make informed choices and use the products with greater confidence.
4. Stricter Microbiological Standards
• Tighter Limits for Sanitary Tampons: For regular - grade sanitary tampons (internal tampons), the new standard significantly tightens microbiological limits. The limit for total bacterial colony count has been reduced from ≤200 CFU/g to ≤100 CFU/g, and the limit for total fungal colony count has been lowered from ≤100 CFU/g to ≤20 CFU/g. These reductions greatly reduce the risk of gynecological infections, providing better protection for users.
5. Updated Testing Methods
•Comprehensive Method Upgrades: The new standard updates and supplements relevant testing methods. It adjusts the fungal testing method for greater accuracy, optimizes the detection method for ethylene oxide residues, and adds new methods for physical and chemical indicators as well as some antibacterial/ bacteriostatic tests. These improvements enhance the reliability of product testing, forcing manufacturers to improve product quality.