BIS QCO FOR THE MEDICAL TEXTILES (SANITARY NAPKINS)

OVERVIEW

27^th SEPTEMBER 2023

The Ministry of Textiles in India has issued an important rule, exercising powers granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The Central Government, after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, believes it's necessary for the public good. This rule, officially called the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, will be effective immediately after being published in the Official Gazette.

This rule named BIS QCO for the medical textiles (sanitary napkins) focuses on specific items listed in Schedule A and Schedule B. These items need to adhere to certain Indian Standards mentioned in the same schedule and carry a Standard Mark. To obtain this mark, a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards is required, following Scheme – I of Schedule – II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. It's essential to note that this rule doesn't apply to items made for export and those produced by Self Help Groups (SHGs).

According to this BIS QCO for the medical textiles (sanitary napkins) for clarification, SHGs are small groups of 10 to 20 individuals with similar social and economic backgrounds. They voluntarily come together to promote savings and work for a common cause, managing resources for the benefit of group members. In hilly or tribal areas, smaller SHGs with a minimum of 5 members are also formed.

According to this BIS QCO for the medical textiles (sanitary napkins) for compliance, Sanitary Napkins must adhere to the corresponding Indian Standard IS 5405:2019.  The Bureau of Indian Standards is responsible for ensuring that items listed in Schedule A and Schedule B follow this rule. Anyone breaking these rules can face penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

This rule aims to maintain quality standards in medical textiles for public safety. It ensures that these products meet specific criteria, safeguarding the interests of the public and enforcing fair practices in the textile industry.

QCO - Quality Control Order