Core Viewpoint - The new national standard for sanitary napkins, considered the strictest in history, officially took effect on July 1, 2024, addressing significant industry issues and enhancing product safety and quality [3][4]. Summary by Sections New National Standard Overview - The new standard, titled "Hygienic Requirements for Disposable Sanitary Products" (GB 15979—2024), replaces the previous standard from 2002, marking the first update in 22 years [4][5]. Key Revisions in the New Standard - The new standard revises five main areas: 1. **Scope Adjustment**: Clarifies that "disposable sanitary products" include menstrual hygiene products, incontinence products, sanitary wipes, and antimicrobial agents, adding definitions for new categories [5]. 2. **Raw Material Requirements**: Introduces restrictions on prohibited substances in raw materials and specifies production water quality [6]. 3. **Production Process Hygiene**: Merges initial contamination monitoring with production hygiene requirements [6]. 4. **Product Hygiene Standards**: Enhances hygiene requirements based on health risks, including pH levels and allowable residue of fluorescent whitening agents [7]. 5. **Testing Methods Update**: Revises fungal testing methods and improves detection methods for ethylene oxide residues and other physical and chemical indicators [7]. Addressing Industry Pain Points - The new standard directly tackles three major issues: 1. Prohibition of recycled materials, eliminating substandard cotton [7]. 2. Introduction of identification for sanitary tampons [7]. 3. Elimination of misleading product claims [7]. Brand Responses to New Standard - Various brands have responded to the new standard: - **Dove**: Committed to producing products that meet the new standards, with new products expected by 2025 [8]. - **Kimberly-Clark**: Confirmed that current products comply with the new standards [9]. - **Sofy**: Assured that products produced from July 2023 will adhere to the new standards [9]. - **ABC Brand**: Acknowledged the need for time to fully comply with the new standards [9]. Transition Period for Old Products - Products manufactured or imported before the new standard can still be sold until their expiration date, provided they meet the old standard [11]. Consumers are advised to prioritize purchasing products labeled with the new standard [11].