Sanitary pads classified as low risk, exempt from SAHPRA regulation

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) had exempted sanitary pads from regulation due to them being classified as immensely low risk for public use.
The Minister was speaking at a joint media briefing to respond and clarify the implications of a research study on sanitary pads, published by the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State last month.
The study revealed that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in some sanitary products could pose long-term health risks for women.

WATCH | Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says sanitary products are classified as low-risk medical devices, which exempts manufacturers from requiring a licence. However, manufacturers must still comply with global standards. pic.twitter.com/VCfQfoC2IX
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 8, 2026

Motsoaledi says SAHPRA picked up no risks of clinical harm to women.
“SAHPRA tells us that sanitary pads, while falling in this category that aids physiological function, have been exempted by SAHPRA from regulation due to what they regarded as very low risk. They did not pick up any risk, so they exempted them from being regulated like all the other medicines. You are aware SAHPRA regulates medicines by registering them, by monitoring side effects and recalling them if they pick up anything but in this case, they exempted them.”
Motsoaledi responds to Sanitary Pad Study findings:

 
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