SAHPRA is committed to protecting public health and ensuring the safety of all medical devices, including sanitary pads and panty‑liners as regulated under the Medicines and Related Substances Act.
Current scientific evidence shows no risk that requires these products to be withdrawn from the market, and no reason for users to change their normal practices. While trace levels of endocrine‑disrupting chemicals (EDCs) were detected in some products, no link has been established between these findings and health conditions such as hormonal disruption, cancer, infertility, or endometriosis.
SAHPRA continues to monitor product safety and encourages the public to report any unusual reactions or adverse events.
Below are responses to frequently asked questions to help provide clarity and assurance.
Does SAHPRA regulate sanitary pads?
Sanitary pads are classified as low-risk medical devices under the current regulatory framework of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). As such, manufacturers, distributors, and importers of these products are not required to obtain a SAHPRA medical device establishment licence, in accordance with Government Gazette No. 50164. Nevertheless, these entities are expected to ensure that their products comply with recognised international safety, quality, and performance standards to safeguard public health and ensure product reliability.
Are sanitary pads regarded as health products in South Africa?
Yes. Under the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965 as amended, sanitary pads and panty-liners are classified as low-risk medical devices. This classification recognises that these products are used for personal hygiene and health purposes, but their risk to users is considered low when manufactured according to recognised international standards.
What were the findings of the University of the Free State study?
A study conducted in South Africa by the University of the Free State on the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in sanitary pads identified trace levels of certain EDCs in some of the tested products. The concentrations detected were very low and within minimal exposure ranges, and the detection of these substances does not inherently indicate that the products pose a safety risk to users.
What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are natural or synthetic substances that are present in a wide range of everyday products, including cosmetics, personal care products, certain plastics, and food packaging materials. They can affect hormones, which control key body functions. While EDCs were found on the sanitary pads tested none posed any risk to the users. WHO has been monitoring EDCs for over 100 years and ever since, there has not been any evidence that suggests harm chemicals to the users.
Does being categorised as a low-risk medical device mean manufacturers do not need to follow Good Manufacturing Practices?
No. Even though these products are considered low-risk medical devices, manufacturers are still required to comply with internationally recognised manufacturing and safety standards.
Does the use of sanitary pads and panty-liners cause hormonal disruption or other health concerns?
There is no scientific evidence linking the EDCs found in these sanitary products to health conditions such as hormonal disruption, cancer, infertility, or endometriosis. Detecting a substance does not indicate harm, particularly at very low concentrations. Regulatory authorities and researchers continue to monitor new evidence to protect public health.
What should I do if I experience an unusual reaction/side effects after using sanitary pads or panty-liners?
Based on the available data and current scientific evidence, none of the tested products warrant withdrawal or recall from the market. At present, there is no reason for consumers to alter their regular use of sanitary pads or panty-liners. SAHPRA will continue to monitor emerging scientific evidence and product safety to ensure ongoing protection of public health
Does SAHPRA intend to withdraw or recall these products from the market?
Members of the public are encouraged to report any unusual reactions or side effects observed after using sanitary products as a precautionary measure. Reporting helps regulators monitor product safety and identify any potential risks early. To date, SAHPRA has not received any reports of adverse reactions associated with sanitary pads or panty-liners.
How can I report an adverse event or reaction?
If you experience or suspect an adverse reaction related to sanitary pads or panty-liners, you can report it to SAHPRA by emailing to:
All reports are reviewed and investigated as part of SAHPRA’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the safety of health products.