New York first state to require ingredient labels on menstrual products

ALBANY, N.Y. >> On the “Day Of The Girl,” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation requiring menstrual product packaging sold in New York State to contain a plain and conspicuous printed list of all the ingredients in the products.

This new law makes New York the first state in the nation to require ingredient labels on menstrual products.

The legislation will take effect in 180 days, and then product manufacturers will have 18 months to develop new packaging or labels with the ingredients.

Cuomo expressed his views on the significance of the new legislation:

“Practically every product on the market today is required to list its ingredients, yet these items have inexplicably evaded this basic consumer protection,” Cuomo said.

“It’s part of the pervasive culture of inequality in our society that has gone on for too long, and that injustice ends today as we become the first state in the nation to mandate ingredient disclosure and empower women to make their own decisions about what goes into their bodies.

“This builds on the reproductive health protections that New York has safeguarded for women and girls across our state and we are proud to lead the nation by advancing these critically important new protections.”

Tampons, pads and other menstrual products are widely used by women across the United States, but they are often marketed and sold with little or no information about the ingredients they contain.

These menstrual products may contain toxic and allergenic chemicals that can cause significant health concerns. Requiring the disclosure of ingredients in menstrual products will allow women and girls to make more informed decisions about the products they use.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul agrees, and stated: “We want to make sure the ingredients in menstrual products are transparent and safe for young girls and women.

“With this new law, New York is the first in the nation to require ingredient labels on menstrual products. This important step builds on our efforts to expand access to menstrual products, requiring schools with students in grades six through twelve to have feminine hygiene products available.

“With increased access to menstrual products and disclosure of ingredients, we are addressing the issue and the stigma, and continuing to ensure equality for all women and girls in New York.”

Across the world, periods are often stigmatized, and women and young girls who menstruate are often shamed. Today, New York becomes the first state in the nation to advance period equity through statute, in the process raising awareness about periods, how to access menstrual hygiene products and ensuring these products are safe.

Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to physical health risks, including reproductive and urinary tract infections. It may also prevent women from reaching their full potential because it causes them to miss out on school and other activities that are crucial to their growth and development.

In 2018, Cuomo signed legislation requiring all public schools to provide free feminine hygiene products in restrooms, as well as legislation to provide free feminine hygiene products to women in state and local correctional facilities.

In July 2016, Cuomo signed legislation to eliminate sales tax on feminine hygiene products.