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SD 674

An Act relative to menstrual product ingredient disclosure

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 14 co-sponsors

Mandates Massachusetts menstrual products disclose all ingredients on packaging and online, update when ingredients change, enforceable with $1,000 fines per violation.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 674

SD 674 — An Act relative to menstrual product ingredient disclosure

Status: House concurred; proposed bill introduced February 27, 2025

Scope: Massachusetts General Laws; adds a new Section 330 to Chapter 94

Purpose and intent

  • To require transparent disclosure of ingredients in menstrual products sold in the Commonwealth.
  • Aims to inform consumers about intentionally added ingredients in menstrual products and ensure ongoing accuracy of disclosures.

Key provisions

  • Definitions

    • “Ingredient”: An intentionally added substance present in the menstrual product.
    • “Menstrual product”: Products used to collect menstruation and vaginal discharge, including tampons, pads, menstrual cups, disks, sponges, and menstrual underwear (disposable or reusable).
    • “Manufacturer”: An entity that manufactures a menstrual product and whose name appears on the product label, or a party 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.
    • Ingredients must be listed in order of predominance.
    • Label must use visible print with a minimum font size of 10 points.
    • Label must appear on the outside of the package/box.

  • Online disclosure

    • Manufacturers must post the same ingredient information online in an electronically readable format.
    • Online disclosure must be maintained and updated to reflect any ingredient changes or addition of new ingredients.

  • Updates to labeling

    • If an ingredient changes or a new ingredient is added, manufacturers must update both on-package labeling and online disclosures.

  • Relationship to existing labeling laws

    • The new requirements operate in addition to existing labeling requirements under the General Laws.

  • Enforcement and penalties

    • Violations may be punishable by a fine of $1,000 per violation.

  • Effective date

    • The act takes effect 12 months after passage.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Manufacturers of menstrual products sold or distributed in Massachusetts (including brands of tampons, pads, cups, disks, sponges, and menstrual underwear, whether disposable or reusable).
  • Secondary: Retailers and distributors who place labeled products on the Massachusetts market; entities maintaining online ingredient disclosures.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Filed: January 14, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 674)
  • Public Health referral: February 27, 2025
  • House action: Concurrently, House concurred (status shown as House concurred)
  • Related prior measure: Similar matter filed in previous session (Senate No. 145, 2023-2024)

Potential impact and considerations

  • Consumer transparency: Enhanced visibility into product ingredients, with information both on packaging and online.
  • Compliance costs: Manufacturers may incur labeling and website hosting/update costs, particularly to ensure online disclosures are current.
  • Accessibility: Minimum 10-point font may improve readability for shoppers.
  • Enforcement: The $1,000 penalty provides a mechanism for enforcement; practical impact depends on enforcement activity and number of violations detected.
  • Scope: Applies in addition to existing labeling requirements, potentially influencing product packaging design and labeling timelines.

This summary captures the bill’s core aims, requirements, affected parties, and timeline. If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar prior legislation or provide a side-by-side with current Massachusetts labeling rules.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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