What Is This Project About?
It’s time to make tampons safe. This project is all about pushing for product-specific safety regulations on tampons — yes, tampons! The goal? To ensure rigorous safety testing, full ingredient labelling, and ongoing post-market monitoring, all while keeping tampons VAT-free. Because periods are not a luxury, and safety shouldn’t be either. Tampons are used internally, touching a sensitive, absorbent area, yet in the UK, they’re treated just like any other consumer goods. That means no mandatory clinical testing, no ingredient labelling, and no post-market safety checks. This project calls for a reclassification that would guarantee robust safety testing, transparent labelling, and ongoing monitoring to protect public health and help people make informed choices about what they put in their bodies.
Main Benefits of the Project
Here’s what this petition is asking the government to do:
- Ensure rigorous pre-market safety and performance testing.
- Mandate full, transparent ingredient disclosure on the pack, including a complete list of materials in contact with the body.
- Require ongoing safety monitoring and reporting, including post-market surveillance covering adverse events, safety signals, and recalls.
- Keep tampons VAT-free so affordability isn’t compromised.
Why Tampon Safety Matters
Tampons aren’t just any product — they’re used inside the body, in a super sensitive area. Yet, in the UK, they’re treated like regular consumer goods. That means no clinical testing is required before they hit the shelves, no clear ingredient labelling, and no system to monitor safety once they’re out there. This lack of regulation leaves a big gap in consumer protection. People deserve to know exactly what’s in their period products and be confident those products are safe. This project shines a light on that gap and demands change.
The Call for Transparency
One of the biggest issues? The lack of ingredient transparency. Without full disclosure, consumers can’t make informed choices about what they’re using. This project demands that every tampon pack lists all ingredients and materials that come into contact with the body. No more guessing games or hidden chemicals. Transparency isn’t just about honesty — it’s about empowering people to take control of their menstrual wellbeing with confidence.
Keeping Tampons Affordable
Safety is crucial, but so is affordability. Period products shouldn’t be a luxury, and this project makes sure of that by insisting tampons remain VAT-free. That means even with stricter safety regulations, tampons won’t become more expensive. It’s about balancing safety, transparency, and accessibility — because everyone deserves safe, affordable period care.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — by promoting safer menstrual products and protecting public health.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality — by addressing period product safety and affordability, supporting menstrual equity.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — through transparent ingredient labelling and sustainable product practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action — supporting eco-friendly, plastic-free period care options.
Connecting to Sustainable and Ethical Period Care
This project aligns perfectly with the growing movement toward sustainable period care. Think plastic-free period care, organic cotton, reusable menstrual cups, and other natural, eco-friendly menstrual products. It’s about more than just safety — it’s about embracing sustainability and menstrual wellbeing. By pushing for better regulations and transparency, this initiative supports a future where period products are not only safe but also kind to the planet and accessible to all.
