UK Code of Practice for Tampons
Version No. 12 published August 2025. Replaces Version No. 11 published April 2023
The AHPMA UK Code of Practice for Tampons (UK Tampon CoP) has been designed for single use menstrual tampons. It was developed in 1997 to provide guidelines for industry on tampon classification and how to provide consumer advice for instructions for use, safety, and the communication of the risk and symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). The UK Tampon COP further supported a Voluntary Notification Scheme for tampons (VNS) which operated between industry and the UK Government Department of Health (DoH) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) from 1985 to 2007. The VNS was put in place to ensure tampons were safe for use and to reduce the risk of cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome. AHPMA members successfully demonstrated self-regulation and in 2007 the DoH and the DTI advised that the VNS was no longer required.
The current UK Tampon COP is managed and regularly updated by AHMPA and details the information required when supplying tampons, e.g. on the packaging and within the instruction leaflet, or at any other point of supply to users including free provision and dispensers. AHPMA members take their responsibilities as manufacturers and distributors of menstrual tampons extremely seriously. The safety of products is AHMPA members’ number one priority. This UK Tampon COP is specific to the UK tampon market. There are separate regulatory requirements or codes of practice for products supplied elsewhere, for example in Europe, a Code of Practice is published by EDANA http://www.edana.org. Manufacturers and distributors should ensure they refer to the correct code for the UK.
The UK Tampon COP is voluntary and is available for use by any company, distributor or any other provider of tampons in the UK. AHPMA members stringently adhere to the UK Tampon COP and review it regularly.
This UK Tampon COP is shared with the UK Government Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) which is part of the Department for Business and Trade. Click here to view.
Contents
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1. Product Safety
2. Construction
3. Features of Tampons
4. Absorbency Classification & Droplet Scheme
5. Instruction Leaflet
6. Tampon Pack
7. Unpacked, Repacked Or Tampons Dispensed From Vending Machines Or By Other Means
Packaging and Leaflet Checklist
1. Product Safety
In the UK and across Europe, tampons are classified as consumer products and in the UK they are regulated by the General Product Safety Regulations (2005). Click here to view.
The UK has one of the most stringent consumer products regulatory frameworks for safety in the world which requires manufacturers to ensure safety. In some other parts of the world tampons are regulated as medical devices according to differing national policy and classification.
In order to meet the regulatory requirements, all manufacturers and distributors should have procedures and processes in place to:
- Evaluate the safety of both the raw materials and the finished tampons
- Include provision for traceability.
- Ensure that the user is provided with comprehensive instructions for use.
Documentation relating to the safety of tampons must be held by manufacturers and distributors and be made available to Trading Standards, and the UK Government Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) as necessary.
2. Construction
There are different constructions which are currently being used for tampons throughout the world, including the UK, for example:
1. Rectangle:
The absorbent material is in the form of a rectangular or square pad which is compressed in both length and width directions. This tampon expands in both length and width, but predominantly in the lengthways direction.
2. Chevron:
The absorbent material is in the form of a chevron shaped pad which is compressed primarily in the width direction. The tampon expands in both length and width, but predominantly widthways, mostly in one lateral plane.
3. Swiss Roll:
The absorbent material is rolled up like a Swiss roll and then compressed to produce a tampon which predominantly expands radially in the widthways direction.
4. Swiss Cross:
The absorbent material is in the form of two rectangular pads placed on top of each other at a 90-degree angle. A cord is centrally placed between the pads and the tampon is folded from the centre and compressed radially. Upon expansion the tampon opens in a similar way to that of a flower opening.
Many tampon brands have an additional nonwoven layer or perforated film covering the tampon, which can aid insertion and removal.
The absorbent material in a tampon is formed from viscose or cotton fibres or a mixture of the two.
Chlorine bleaching is never used for tampon fibres or any other part of a tampon. All fibres used in tampons are safely treated with ECF or TCF (elemental chlorine free or totally chlorine free) bleaching methods. This is an essential process for fibre purity and to enable fibres to absorb fluid.
Tampons should include provision for withdrawal with a suitably attached withdrawal cord to ensure safe and complete tampon removal.
3. Features of Tampons
Tampons are used for internally absorbing menstrual flow during the period. A range of absorbencies is available (please refer to section 4). These are designed to manage various menstrual flows (from very light to extremely heavy) which differ between individuals, during each period and menstrual lifetime.
Digital or non-applicator tampons are inserted into the vagina by using a finger. The tampon is packaged in a wrapper.
Applicator tampons are inserted into the vagina by using an applicator which typically consists of an outer and inner tube, with the inner tube fitting inside the outer one. Applicators are usually made from cardboard/paper or plastic, sometimes in a compact form. The combined applicator and tampon are packaged in a wrapper.
Manufacturers and distributors should consider all applicable UK regulations and industry standards if supplying tampons with accessories, additional features and/or ingredients.
4. Absorbency Classification and Droplet Scheme
Absorbency classifications are required on both the pack and in the leaflet – please refer to section 5 & 6.
Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual fluid and the in-vitro measure of this absorption is through the Syngina test method. The apparatus and test method is detailed in the EDANA test method which can be accessed by Clicking here.
The categories and classification of absorbency are divided into primary and secondary descriptors – see table below.
Each set of droplet symbols represent a range of 3g of Syngina absorbency and there are six classes in total.
All the Syngina ranges and droplets are consistent with the EU and other markets. The primary and secondary descriptor may not be defined in the codes of practices or regulations of these markets. Care should therefore be taken to label correctly when selling products across multiple markets or importing into the UK.
5. Instruction Leaflet
Tampons must be supplied with an instruction leaflet usually enclosed within the pack which gives clear advice and guidance on the use of tampons. The leaflet must include the following information:
1. To inform consumers about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS.) Optional to include weblink to further information on TSS such as The Toxic Shock Syndrome Information Service: www.tssis.com
2. To inform the user in the TSS statement that the illness can be fatal.
3. To provide a full description of the symptoms of TSS to include the following: a sudden high fever usually over 39°C, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle aches, a sun burn like rash, sore throat, dizziness and/or fainting. Optional to include severe flu-like feeling.
4. To inform the user that not all the symptoms of TSS may occur simultaneously.
5. To instruct the user that if symptoms of TSS occur, to remove the tampon, consult a doctor urgently and inform them that a tampon has been used.
6. To provide a frequency of use statement e.g. in the case of night time use, advise the user to insert a fresh tampon before going to sleep and to replace the tampon first thing in the morning. Regardless of when used, day or night, advise the user to change their tampon every 4 to 8 hours or more often if needed*.
7. To instruct the user to use the lowest absorbency for their flow as it changes throughout their period.
8. To provide a full description of absorbencies available within a brand’s product range (or sub range), including Syngina absorbency in grams e.g. 6 – 9g, 9-12g etc. and linking to menstrual flow via the primary and secondary descriptors and droplets.
9. To advise the user to alternate between tampons and towels/pads, liners from time to time during their period.
10. To emphasise the importance of hygiene, particularly the washing of hands before and after inserting a tampon.
11. To inform the user to only use tampons during menstruation, use only one tampon at any time, and to ensure the removal of the last tampon once menstruation has finished.
12. To instruct the user on the method for insertion and withdrawal.
13. To include brief details of the absorbent materials in the product.
14. To advise the user to correctly dispose of tampons, applicator tubes and wrappers in a waste bin. To advise the user not to flush tampons, applicator tubes or wraps.
* In April 2024 French authorities ruled length of wear advice should be 6 hours maximum for all internal menstrual products. UK length of wear advice is 4-8 hours for tampons. Some manufacturers use universal packaging, therefore some products in the UK may stipulate 6 hour length of wear.
6. Tampon Pack
Each tampon pack must display the following:
1. Clear wording to notify the consumer that tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) which may be fatal. The notice should advise the user to read and retain the instruction leaflet within the pack.
An example of the TSS wording on pack is as follows, “Tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but serious illness that may be fatal.” This statement should be prominent on pack and should have at least a minimum font size equivalent to ‘Arial 7’. Optional to include weblink to further information on TSS such as The Toxic Shock Syndrome Information Service: www.tssis.com
2. The appropriate number of droplets to denote the range of Syngina absorbency for the pack contents. The Syngina absorbency of the six classes is given in section 4.
3. Droplets and primary descriptors should be displayed in a prominent position either on the front or top of the pack. The droplets will have a minimum size of 3mm for the smallest packs and will be scaled up as appropriate for larger packs.
4. The full range of absorbencies available within a brand’s product range (or sub-range), including primary and secondary descriptors and the appropriate droplets.
5. Advice for the user to use the lowest absorbency for their flow and to change the tampon every 4-8 hours*.
6. Display the agreed ‘Do Not Flush’ symbol. Optional to include additional symbols and wording.
* In April 2024 French authorities ruled length of wear advice should be 6 hours maximum for all internal menstrual products. UK length of wear advice is 4-8 hours for tampons. Some manufacturers use universal packaging, therefore some products in the UK may stipulate 6 hour length of wear.
7. Unpacked, Repacked Or Tampons Dispensed From Vending Machines Or By Other Means
It is the responsibility of the person/organisation/business directly making tampons available to the end user to ensure this advice is applied.
Tampons must always be accompanied with safety instructions. This includes situations when tampons are supplied via vending machines, dispensers, or by other means including when provided free of charge.
At the point of supply the TSS warning and safety advice as listed below must be clear and visible:
“Tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS.) TSS is a rare but serious illness that may be fatal.”
“Before using a tampon for the first time, it’s important to know how to use them safely. Read the safety instructions.”
The remaining information outlined in sections 5 and 6 of this UK Tampon COP must be easily accessible either on packaging, in a leaflet or via a website link (it should be noted that not everyone has access to smartphones.)
When filling dispensers, vending machines and other means of supply, batch code information must be kept to ensure traceability to the manufacturing batch. A means must also be established of ensuring that tampons supplied are not outside of their expiration dates.
Packaging and Leaflet Checklist
