ETHIOPIAN ES 6346:2018

STANDARD

First edition
23-07-2018

Sanitary Pads —Specification—

Part 2: Reusable

ICS: 59.080.01
Published by Ethiopian Standards Agency
©ESA
 ES 6346:2018

Foreword

This Ethiopian Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Technical Committee for Textile-
Fabrics (TC 70 ) and published by the Ethiopian Standards Agency (ESA).

Acknowledgment has been made to the UNICEF Ethiopia for its concern to contribute to the effort of
national standardization.

The standard has been developed to address observed needs and to support the local industry in order to make
progress through uprising competitiveness and maintain comparative market advantage both domestically and
internationally. Information has been gathered from various relevant resources in developing it.

ii ©ESA
ETHIOPIAN STANDARD ES 6346: 2018

Sanitary Pads —Specification— Part 2: Reusable

1. Scope
This Ethiopian standard specifies the requirements for reusable sanitary pads also called sanitary
towels/ sanitary napkins that includes
a) removable absorbent insertion that can be washable and changed regularly
b) Non-removable absorbent pad.
This standard does not apply to disposable sanitary pads, tampons & menstrual cups.

2. Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this Ethiopian standard.
Only the latest edition of the documents ( including any amendments) shall be applicable.

ES ISO 139, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing

ES 926 Methods for Identification of Textile Fibers

ES ISO 3071, Textiles -- Determination of pH of aqueous extract

ES ISO 22198, Textiles — Fabrics — Determination of width and length

ES ISO 105-C10, Textiles- Tests for colour fastness Part C10: Colour fastness to washing with
soap or soap and soda
ES ISO 105-X12, Textiles-Tests for colour fastness-Part X12:Colour fastness to rubbing

3. Terms and Definition

For the purpose of this standard the following definitions shall apply:
3.1 Absorbent pad
Pad containing absorbent filler material
3.2 Absorbency rate
Rate at which the liquid is dispersed into the pad
3.3 Reusable
Pads which can be washed, dried and reused

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3.4 Base pad

A pad which is placed at the bottom of insert pad which hold and secure the insert pad
3.5 Removable
Pad which is the inserted absorbent can be removable, washable and changed regularly
3.6 Non removable
Pad which has a non-removable a bsorbent insert and the whole pad can be washable and
changed regularly

4. Requirements

4.1 General requirements

Sanitary pads shall
4.1.1 Have reliable pr evention o f leakage t hat exhibit no leakage and have a dry feel for
the wearer.
4.1.2 Have no unpleasant odour either in dry state immediately after sampling from the
packages or after wetting the sample with distilled water.
4.1.3 Be smooth, soft when felt by hand and pleasant wearing with no skin irritations
4.1.4 Be free from defects with visual examination.
4.1.5 Have fabric free from any water soluble co louring ma tter when tested in accordance
with Annex A
4.1.6 A single sanitary pad should last and resist for 4 to 6 hours usage per day
4.1.7 Be washable with water, dried and reused.

4.2 Specific requirements

4.2.1 Components and Materials for removable
4.2.1.1 Base pad/Pad holder
Bottom winged design two layers of cotton or bamboo velour, hemp fleece, cotton
flannel, cotton jersey and cotton fleece poly jersy material sewn together. It can be
changed less frequently but should be changed if it be comes stained.

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4.2.1.2 Securing strap / Securing mechanisms

• Those with wings/holders shall have a fastening mechanism of sufficient length in such a
manner as to form folds a round the panty/brief for securing the sanitary pad when in use.

• The security strap shall have appropriate extended wing length, smooth, comfortable and
align length from both sides.

• It should be m ade from sewing thread, Snap Button or press-stud (size less than 20 mm diameter)
and flexible and smooth Velcro ( the Velcro should be shift 6 mm from the edge)

4.2.1.3 Removable insert Pad-

The removable Pad should be changed every 4-6 hours
The components of removable pads are:
Outer cover
• Shall be fluid transmitter as per the requrement
• Shall be made of organic topped cotton or bamboo velour, hemp fleece, cotton flannel,
cotton jersey and cotton fleece poly jersy.

Core Absorbent
• Shall be fully absorbent
• Shall be made of cotton Terry Toweling, Sherpa ,Cotton fleece, Hemp
Fleece, Bamboo fleece and Bamboo Terry, Cotton jersey, zorb,
Microfiber terry.

4.2.1.4 Barrier film

The barrier film should be p laced either in t he removable insert pad or in t he pad holder.
The protective barrier on one side, if not clear, shall have an identifying mark or colour indicate
clearly the out side of the barrier.

The materials

• Shall be water proof

• Shall be made of PUL (polyurethane laminate (which free from lead,
BPA, Phthalates)), Ripstop nylon , Felted wool interlock, jersey or crepe
makes a natural water resistant barrier (tested accordance with Annex B),
High quality fleece such as polar fleece or Wind bloc, Nylon and/or
Procare ,Wool, Polyester anti pill Fleece, Ultrex, Heavy polyester fleece

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4.2.2 Components and materials for non removable

4.2.2.1 Top layer fabrics-

• Shall be fluid transmitter

• Shall be made of organic topped cotton or bamboo velour , hemp fleece , cotton
flannel, cotton jersey and cotton fleece poly jersy.

4.2.2.2 Absorbent Layer-

• Shall be fully absorbent

• Shall be made of Cotton T erry Toweling, Sherpa ,Cotton Fleece ,Hemp Fleece ,
Bamboo Fleece and Bamboo Terry ,Cotton jersey, Zorb, Microfiber terry

4.2.2.3 Backing Layer-

• Shall be water proof
• Shall be made of PUL (polyurethane laminate (which free from lead, BPA,
Phthalates), Ripstop nylon , Felted wool interlock, jersey or crepe makes a
natural water resistant barrier (tested accordance with Annex B ), High
quality f leece such a s Polar fleece or Wind bloc, Nylon and/or Procare,
Polyester anti pill Fleece, Ultrex, Heavy pol yester fleece.

4.2.2.4 Securing mechanisms

The following shall be used as securing mechanisms
• Sewing thread
• Snap Button or press-stud (size less than 20 mm diameter )
• Flexible Velcro
• The snap and Velcro shall be made from a type of pl astic called polyacetal
resin, shall be strong and more durable than other types of plastic, And snap
and are BPA-free

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4.3. Performance requirements

Table 1 Characteristics

Characteristics Requirement Test method

Heavy Normal Light flow

flow/Super flow/Regular

Absorbency capacity (ml), min 30 20 15 Annex C

Absorbency rate (Sec) >10 >10 >10 Annex D

pH value 6-8.5 6-8.5 6-8.5 ES ISO

3071(Method B)
Moisture content of filler material, % 8 8
m/m, max. 8 Annex E
None None Annex F
4 Fluorescence of filler material None
ES ISO 20471
Ash content of filler material (%), max 0.6 0.6 0.6 Annex G
5 Water soluble extract of filler material,
(%), m/m, max. 1.0 1.0 1.0 Annex H ;
Rubbing Fastness a) Wet Rubbing 3 and above 3 and above 3 and above
ES ISO 105-X12
6 b) Dry Rubbing 4 and above 4 and above 4 and above

7 Washing Fastness 4 and above 4 and above 4 and above ES ISO 105-C10
Abrasion Resistance/5000 Rubs/ 4-5 4-5 4-5 ES ISO 12947-1

Formaldehyde < 16 mg/kg < 16 mg/kg < 16 mg/kg ES ISO 14184-1

Heavy metals

• Antimony (Sb) < 0.2 mg/kg < 0.2 mg/kg < 0.2 mg/kg

• Arsenic (As) < 0.2 mg/kg < 0.2 mg/kg < 0.2 mg/kg ES ISO 17294-2

• Cadmium (Cd) < 0.1 mg/kg < 0.1 mg/kg < 0.1 mg/kg

• Chromium (Cr) < 1.0 mg/kg < 1.0 mg/kg < 1.0 mg/kg

• Chromium VI (Cr-VI) < 0.5 mg/kg < 0.5 mg/kg < 0.5 mg/kg ES ISO 11083
• Cobalt (Co) < 1.0 mg/kg < 1.0 mg/kg < 1.0 mg/kg

• Copper (Cu) < 25 mg/kg < 25 mg/kg < 25 mg/kg

• Lead (Pb) < 0.2 mg/kg < 0.2 mg/kg < 0.2 mg/kg

• Nickel (Ni) < 1.0 mg/kg < 1.0 mg/kg < 1.0 mg/kg

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Characteristics Requirement Test method

• Mercury (Hg) < 0.02 mg/kg < 0.02 < 0.02 mg/kg
mg/kg

• Selenium (Se) < 0.2 mg/kg < 0.2 mg/kg < 0.2 mg/kg ES ISO 11083

• Tin (Sn) < 2.0 mg/kg < 2.0 mg/kg < 2.0 mg/kg

Phthalates (DINP, DNOP, DEHP, < 100 mg/kg < 100 mg/kg < 100 mg/kg ES ISO 14389
DIDP, BBP, DBP, DIBP)

Table 2 Size
Size Pad Length (mm) Width (mm)
Regular 180 – 220 60 - 75
Large 220 – 260 60 - 75

Extra large above 260 60 - 75

5. Packaging
5.1 Package
Sanitary pads shall be supplied in pa ckages made o f suitable materials, which are sealed so
as to protect them from moisture, soiling and contamination during storage and
transportation and environment friendly. T he sanitary pa ds shall be packed in polyethylene
or any other water resistant material or bags having similar water resistant properties and
which does not affect human health.

5.2 Bulk packaging

When supplied in bulk, the bulk package shall be made of materials, which are strong enough to hold the
number of declared packages and protect the quality of the product during handling, transportation and
storage. It shall be properly sealed to prevent the packages from spilling. Only packages with the same batch
number shall be packed together in a bulk package

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6. Labeling
The following information shall appear legibly and indelibly on the outside of each package:

a) the manufacturer’s name and/or registered trade mark;

b) the words “Sanitary pads/sanitary napkins/sanitary towels”

c) number of sanitary pads in a package;
d) batch identification number;
e) country of origin of manufacture;
f) disposal instructions;
g) storage instructions
h) date of manufacture.
i) service life time
j) size of sanitary pads
k) using and washing instruction
l) any other cautions

7. Sampling
7.1 Lot
In any consignment all packages of the sanitary pads of the same size and type belonging to one batch of
manufacture or supply shall constitute a lot.
7.2. Scale of sampling
7.2.1. Samples shall be tested from each lot a scertaining its conformity to the requirements of this
specification.
7.2.2. The number of packages to be selected from a lot shall be in accordance with Table 3.

Table 3 –scale of sampling

Number of packages in a lot Number of packages to be selected

Up to 250 6

251-500 8

501-1000 11

1001-2500 15

2501-5000 20

5001 and above 30

7.2.3. The bulk packages and packages shall be selected at random.

7.3 Number of tests
7.3.1. Each package selected as per table 3 shall be inspected for packaging and marking
requirements
7.3.2. Sanitary pads selected as per table 3 shall be examined for requirements stipulated in clause 4

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Annex A
(Normative)

Determination of water soluble colouring matter

A.1 Principle
Absorbent filler material is extracted in ethanol and then viewed for any colouring matter.

A.2 Apparatus
A.2.1 Weighing balance

A.2.2 Narrow percolator

A.2.3 Cylindrical glass tube

A.3 Procedure
Extract 10 g of absorbent filler material in 100 mL ethanol in a narrow percolator until 50 mL of the
extract are obtained. Pour the liquid into a clean cylindrical glass tube at least 20 cm wide and view the
layer on a white background.

A.4 Test report

Indicate the presence or absence of coloring substance

Annex B
(Normative)
Determination of water-resistance of protective barrier (cone test method)
B.1 Apparatus
B.1.1 Funnel, metallic, glass or plastic of sufficient size for holding the test piece with water.

B.1.2 Glass, container for collecting water under the glass funnel

B.1.3 Burette, for introducing water into the test piece

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B.2 Test piece preparation

Cut a square test piece of approximately 6.5 mm in length from the protective barrier and fold into a
cone without creasing the folds (see Figure B.1).

Figure B.1 — Folding of specimens

Figure B.2 — Test apparatus

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B.3 Procedure
Assemble the apparatus as shown in Figure B.2. Pour slowly approximately 5 mL of distilled
water into the cone assembly. Let it stand for 24 h

B.4 Test report

Observe for water in the glass container and wetness of the outer surface of the cone

Annex C
(Normative)

METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF ABSORBENCY CAPACITY

1. Apparatus

C.1.1. Flat level surface

C.1.2. Burette

C.1.3. Metallic block of mass 1 kg and dimensions 150 mm x 50 mm x 15 mm

C.2 .Reagent 1 % solution of potassium dichromate made by dissolving 1 g K2Cr2O7 in 100 ml distilled water.

3. Procedure

3.1. laid the sanitary pads on a flat level surface.

3.2. D rip at the rate of 15 ml per min, the appropriate amount of fluid as shown in Table 1, page 5 (pERFORMANCE
REQUIREMENTS FOR SANITARY PADS ) on to the centre of sanitary pad from a height of approximately 2 mm.
3.3. After the pad has absorbed the full amount of fluid, place a metallic block of mass 1 kg (C.1.3) for 1 min on
the portion where the fluid was absorbed.

Test Report

Observe the back and sides of the sanitary pad for any leakage and excessive wetting of the metallic block

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Annex D
(normative)
METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF ABSORBENCY RATE

D.1. Apparatus

D.1.1 Water tub. Water tub of depth at least 100 mm and maintained at room temperature.

D.1.2. Stop watches with an accuracy of 0.2 s.

D.1.3. Cylindrical basket weighing 2.7 + 0.3 g of height 80 mm, diameter 50 mm with square opening of 15 to 20
mm, made of copper wire of 0.4 mm diameter.

D.1.4. Weighing machine

D.2. Preparation of T est Specimens Carefully isolates the absorbent filler material, weigh 5 g and insert into the
basket.

D.3. Procedure Drop the test specimen in a horizontal position into the water tub.

Using the s top watch, measure t he t ime i t t akes the ba sket a nd i ts c ontents t o sink b elow the water s urface in
seconds. Record the absorption period to the nearest 0.1 s. Repeat the test for at least two test specimens.

D.4. Test report

The arithmetic mean of the absorbency rate of the absorbent filler material tested.

Annex E
(Normative)
DETERMINATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

E.1.Principle. A specimen of a s pecified mass of f iller material of sanitary pad is dried in a n oven a t specified
temperature and the moisture content determined.

E.2. Apparatus

E.2.1. Balance, with an accuracy of 0.05 % of the weighed mass.

E.2.2. Sample container, waterproof when sealed, will be used for transfer of analyzed material and during
weighing.

E.2.3. Well ventilated oven with a temperature of 102 0C to 105 0C.

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E.3. Sample Preparation

E.3.1.Take a sufficient number of dr y s ample c ontainers, number them and take their ma sses after they are held
open for a short period of time so that they will have the same air pressure as the surrounding atmosphere. Then
leave them open until you take the test piece.

E.3.2. Take 5 random pieces from the absorbent filler material of sanitary pad, the test pieces shall weigh 5 g.

E.3.3. I f t he s urrounding a tmosphere i s hot a nd humid; prevent water condensation on t he internal a nd external
surfaces of the container.

E.3.4. Handle t he t est pieces gently to pr event dirt or changes i n water content. Don’t t ouch t he t est pi eces with
your bare hands. Put the test pieces in a container just after taking them and close the container immediately.

E.4. Procedure

E.4.1. Dry the t est pieces in an oven with a t emperature of 102 t o 105 0C. Open the container’s lid and dry the
specimen inside t he container. Open t he container for a moment, to balance t he air pressure inside t he container
with the surrounding pressure, weigh the container that holds the specimen again and calculate the weight of the
specimen.

E.4.2. First cycle of drying will last at least 30 min. Return the container that contains the test pieces to the oven,
for at least half the first cycles drying time. Take the container out and take the mass with the test pieces inside.
Repeat the drying and weighing cycles. When the drying time on every cycle is at least half of the total previous
drying cycle t ime continues the process until the difference between two consecutive masses will not exceed 0.1
% of the original mass of the specimen.
E.4.3. Calculate the water content using the following formula and round the results up to the nearest 0.1 %.
𝑎𝑎 −𝑏𝑏
𝑉𝑉 = 100 𝑏𝑏−𝑐𝑐
Where
a- is weight of the container with the specimen before drying (in grams);

b- is weight of the container with the specimen after drying (in grams);

c- is weight of the container (in grams);

V- is water content (in weight percentage).

Test report

Mean of moisture Content (in percentage)

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Annex F
(Normative)
DETERMINATION OF FLUORESCENCE IN SANITARY PADS (ES ISO 20471)

F.1 .Principle A layer of a bsorbent filler material is examined unde r u ltraviolet r adiation for t he pr esence of
fluorescent brightening agents.

F.2. Apparatus

F.2.1.Ultraviolet source

F.2.2. Scale graduated in mm.

F.3. P rocedure Examine a l ayer of a bsorbent filler material of a pproximately 5 mm thickness under ultraviolet
radiation of wave length 365 nm.

F.4. Test Report

Indicate of Bright fluorescence indicates the presence of fluorescence brightening agents.

Annex G
(Normative)
DETERMINATION OF ASH CONTENT

G.1.Apparatus

G.1.1. Crucible, silica or platinum

G.1.2. Muffle furnace, capable of being heated to 600 + 20 0C

G.1.3. Bunsen burner

G.1.4. Desiccator

G.1.5. Weight to the nearest gram.

G.2. P rocedure, take t hree Weigh sample, to t he nearest milligram, about 10 g for e ach of the absorbent f iller
material, Heat in t he crucible (G.1.1) with the flame of a Bunsen burner for about 1 h . Complete t he heating by
keeping in a muffle furnace (G.1.2) at 600 + 20 oC for 30 min. Cool in the desiccators (G.1.4) and weigh. Repeat
the pr ocess of heating, cooling a nd weighing until t he difference i n mass between t wo successive weightings is
less than one milligram.

G.3.Calculation
𝑚𝑚 1−𝑚𝑚 0
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴ℎ , % 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝑚𝑚 2−𝑚𝑚 0 x100

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Where
m0 is the mass in g, of the empty crucible;

m1 is the mass in g, of the crucible with the ash;

m2 is the mass in g, of the crucible with the material taken for the test.

Test report

Mean of ash content in Percentage

Annex H
(Normative)
DETERMINATION OF WATER SOLUBLE EXTRACT

H.1. Apparatus

H.1.1. Weighing machine sensitive to 1 mg

H.1.2. Conditioning chamber

H.1.3. Beaker of more than 200 ml capacity.

H.1.4. Measuring flask

H.1.5. Steam bath

H.1.6. Oven

H.2. Procedure

H.2.1. Take t hree Weigh sample, approximately 12 gm for each duplication from t he s ample a nd expose t o t he
standard atmosphere for testing textiles ES ISO 139.

H.2.2. Weigh, to the nearest milligram, the conditioned test specimen.

H.2.3. Cut the test specimen into small pieces and boils the pieces in 200 ml of distilled water in a beaker for half
an hour.

H.2.4. Filter into a 500 ml measuring flask. Extract the test specimen twice again for 15 min and filter the aqueous
extract into the same flask. Pour the solution into a beaker and concentrate it to a small volume. Then transfer to a
dish of known mass, washing the beaker with a little distilled water.

H.2.5. Evaporate the contents of the dish on to a steam bath and dry in an air oven at 105 0C to 110 0C. Cool the
dish in desiccators and weigh. H eat a gain a t 105 0C t o 11 0 0C i n dry oven f or 30 m in. C ool t he dish i n t he
desiccators and weigh.

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H.2.6. Repeat this pr ocess of heating, cooling and weighing until the difference in mass between two successive
weightings is less than one milligram.

H.3. Calculation
𝑚𝑚1−𝑚𝑚0
𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊𝑊 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒, % 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝑚𝑚2−𝑚𝑚0x100

Where

m0 is the mass in g, of the empty dish;

m1 is the mass in g, of the dish with the residue;

m2 is the mass in g, of the dish with the material taken for the test

Test report

Mean mass of water solubility in percentage

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Bibliography

1. African Standard, DARS 653:2017 Textiles — Sanitary towels —Specification

2. Indian Standard, IS 5405: Specification for sanitary Napkins

3. East Africa Standard, EAS 96-1: Sanitary towels Specification- Part 1: Disposable
4. Saudi Standard, SASO 29365: Single-Use Adult Diapers and Culottes
5. African Standard, DARS 1575Textiles — Reusable sanitary towels — Specification
6. Kenya Standard, KS 507: Sanitary towels - Specification for sanitary towels
7. African Standard, DARS 1566:2017 Disposable diapers for infants — Specification
8. Reusable pad Training Manual for Irise International

16 ©ESA
 Organization and Objectives
The Ethiopian Standards Agency (ESA) is the national standards body of Ethiopia
established in 2010 based on regulation No. 193/2010.ESA is established due to the
restructuring of Quality and Standards Authority o f Ethiopia ( QSAE) which was
established in 1998.

ESA’s objectives are:-

 Develop Ethiopian standards and establish a system that enable to

Ethiopian Standards Agency
የኢትዮጵያ የደረጃዎች ኤጀንሲ

check whether goods and services are in compliance with the

required standards,
 Facilitat the country’s technology transfer through the use of
standards,
 Develop national standards for local products and services so as to
make them competitive in the international market.
Ethiopian Standards
The Ethiopian Standards are developed by national technical committees which are
composed of different stakeholders consisting of educational institutions, research
institutes, government organizations, certification, inspection, and testing
organizations, regulatory bodies, consumer association etc. The requirements and/
or recommendations contained in Ethiopian Standards are consensus based that
reflects the interest of the TC representatives and also of comments received from
the public and other sources. Ethiopian Standards are approved by the National
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founding member of the African Regional Organization for standardization
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More Information?
Contact us at the following address.
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