The World Trade Organization (WTO) is taking important steps toward improving how menstrual products are classified in the Harmonized System (HS), a development that could strengthen global trade, market transparency, and access to safe menstrual products.
The WTO’s Committee on Market Access has urged the World Customs Organization (WCO) to revise how menstrual products are categorized in the HS. Current HS classifications group these products together with unrelated hygiene items, limiting the visibility of global trade flows and making it difficult for policymakers to assess market needs. Members emphasized that clearer HS subheadings would support better trade data, improve access and affordability—particularly in low‑ and middle‑income countries—and reflect the growing market for both traditional and reusable menstrual products. The request will be considered in the ongoing HS review cycle leading to HS 2033.
Today, menstrual products are often grouped into broad categories together with items such as diapers and other hygiene products. Clearer HS categories would bring several improvements:
- Better trade transparency, as menstrual products would be distinguished from diapers, wipes, and other unrelated goods.
- Improved policymaking, enabling more effective trade, tariff, and public‑health policies.
- Enhanced access and affordability, supporting targeted measures and particularly in low‑ and middle‑income countries.
- Support for innovation, ensuring that new products such as menstrual cups become more visible in trade data.
In parallel, the WTO has noted growing global interest in addressing barriers affecting menstrual product trade. A recent Committee letter adopted by consensus and now forwarded to the World Customs Organization (WCO) underscores the importance of advancing this issue within the next Harmonized System Committee agenda.
These combined efforts like spanning standards, customs processes, and trade policy signal meaningful progress towards a more equitable and transparent global market for menstrual products.
Please, contact Sarah Sim ([email protected]), Director of Standardization at The Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) for more information.