An Act relative to menstrual product ingredient disclosure

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 21 co-sponsors

Massachusetts requires on-pack and online ingredient disclosure for all menstrual products, with a $1,000 fine per violation; effective 12 months after passage.

Purpose and intent

This bill seeks to increase transparency around the formulation of menstrual products sold or distributed in Massachusetts. By requiring a clear, ingredient-by-ingredient disclosure on product packaging and online, the measure aims to inform consumers about what is in tampons, pads, menstrual cups, disks, sponges, and menstrual underwear, including reusable options.

Key provisions

Definitions

“Ingredient”: an intentionally added substance present in the menstrual product.
“Menstrual product”: products used to collect menstruation and vaginal discharge (including disposable and reusable items such as tampons, pads, cups, disks, sponges, and menstrual underwear).
“Manufacturer”: (i) the entity that manufactures the product and whose name appears on the label; or (ii) the entity for whom the product is manufactured or distributed, as identified on the label under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 39).

Packaging labeling requirement

On every package/box of menstrual products sold or distributed in Massachusetts, manufacturers must print a label listing all ingredients, in order of predominance.
The label must be in visible print with a minimum font size of 10 points and displayed on the outside of the packaging.

Label updates

If an ingredient is changed or a new ingredient is added, the packaging label must be updated accordingly.

Online disclosure

Manufacturers must post the same ingredient information on an internet website in an electronically readable format.
If ingredients change, the online information must be revised to reflect the change/addition.

Non-exclusivity with other labeling

These requirements apply in addition to any other labeling obligations under existing General Laws.

Enforcement and penalties

Violations may result in a fine of $1,000 per violation.

Effective date

The act would take effect 12 months after passage.

Who and what is affected

Affects manufacturers and distributors of menstrual products sold or distributed in Massachusetts.

Scope includes a broad range of products: disposable pads and tampons, as well as reusable products like menstrual cups, disks, sponges, and menstrual underwear.

Consumers benefit from greater visibility into product ingredients, including potentially fragrance components, dyes, or other additives.

Procedural and timeline notes

The bill is introduced as "An Act relative to menstrual product ingredient disclosure" and would amend Chapter 94 of the General Laws by adding a new Section 330.

The stated effective date is 12 months after passage, giving manufacturers time to comply with labeling and online disclosure requirements.

Context

The bill builds on prior related work (similar matter filed in a previous session). It reflects ongoing legislative interest in consumer ingredient transparency for personal care and hygiene products.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections (e.g., compliance steps for manufacturers) or provide a side-by-side comparison with existing Massachusetts labeling requirements.

Bill