CAA makes SLS certification mandatory for sanitary towels under a new regulation that will require all locally manufactured and imported single-use sanitary towels sold in Sri Lanka to comply with national quality standards from October 2026.
CAA makes SLS certification mandatory for sanitary towels from October 2026
The new requirement, announced through a Gazette notification issued under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, is intended to strengthen product quality, consumer protection, and regulatory oversight for sanitary hygiene products available in the local market.
According to the Consumer Affairs Authority, the mandatory certification requirement will come into effect on 8 October 2026. From that date, all locally manufactured single-use sanitary towels must carry the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) Product Certification Mark before they can be manufactured, distributed, stored, or sold within the country.
The regulation was issued under Section 12(2) of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 9 of 2003, giving legal effect to the new compliance framework for manufacturers and importers.
The directive also extends to imported products. All imported sanitary towels falling under the relevant Sri Lanka Standards will be required to undergo inspection and obtain approval through the SLSI’s Import Inspection Scheme before they are released to the domestic market.
Authorities say the measure is designed to ensure that both locally manufactured and imported products meet the same quality and safety requirements, providing consumers with greater confidence in the products they purchase.
The CAA makes SLS certification mandatory for sanitary towels order applies specifically to products covered under SLS 1732, which relates to single-use sanitary towels, and SLS 1748, covering single-use ultra-thin or slim sanitary towels.
The Consumer Affairs Authority also noted that the requirements will remain aligned with any future amendments introduced by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution to the applicable standards. This means manufacturers and importers will be expected to comply with updated specifications whenever the national standards are revised.
The move reflects broader efforts by regulators to strengthen quality assurance across consumer goods sold in Sri Lanka. Mandatory standards are intended to improve consistency in manufacturing, reduce the circulation of substandard products, and ensure that consumers have access to products that meet nationally recognised safety and quality benchmarks.
For manufacturers, the regulation will require obtaining SLSI certification before products enter commercial distribution. Importers, meanwhile, will need to complete the required inspection and approval procedures before imported consignments can be cleared for sale in the local market.
Industry participants are expected to use the period before the regulation comes into force to review production processes, product specifications, and compliance documentation to ensure they meet the mandatory requirements by the October deadline.
The Consumer Affairs Authority said the order was issued by Acting Chairman S.M.D. Suriyakumara. The authority has not announced any exemptions to the regulation, indicating that all products covered under the specified Sri Lanka Standards will be subject to the new certification framework.
The CAA makes SLS certification mandatory for sanitary towels initiative represents another step in strengthening consumer protection and product quality regulation in Sri Lanka. By requiring compliance with nationally recognised standards through the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, authorities aim to improve confidence in sanitary hygiene products while ensuring that products entering the market meet established quality and safety requirements.