What Is GB 15979 (Hygiene Standard)?
Direct Answer
GB 15979 is China's mandatory hygiene standard for disposable sanitary products, setting microbial limits and safety requirements for diapers, pads and wipes.
Key Takeaways
- GB 15979 is China's mandatory hygiene standard for disposable sanitary products, setting microbial limits and safety requirements for diapers, pads and wipes.
- How it works: GB 15979 is a mandatory (GB) standard, not recommended (GB/T).
- Wipes, pads and diapers sold in China must meet GB 15979 microbial limits
- Myth: GB 15979 covers product quality. It covers hygiene/microbial safety; physical quality comes from product standards
How GB 15979 (Hygiene Standard) Works
GB 15979 is a mandatory (GB) standard, not recommended (GB/T). It sets limits for bacterial and fungal colony counts, pathogenic bacteria and other hygiene indicators in disposable hygiene products. Products intended for the Chinese market must comply; factories test batches to verify. It is often cited together with product standards like GB/T 28004 or GB/T 8939.
Examples and Applications
- Wipes, pads and diapers sold in China must meet GB 15979 microbial limits
- GB 15979 distinguishes 'ordinary' and 'disinfected' hygiene grades
GB 15979 (Hygiene Standard) vs. Related Terms
| Term | What it is | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| GB/T 28004 | GB 15979 (Hygiene Standard) | GB/T 28004 covers diaper specs; GB 15979 is the mandatory hygiene/microbial baseline for all disposable hygiene products |
Limitations and Common Misconceptions
- Myth: GB 15979 covers product quality. It covers hygiene/microbial safety; physical quality comes from product standards
- Myth: Only Chinese brands need it. Any product sold in China needs compliance
Is GB 15979 mandatory?
Yes, it is a mandatory national standard (GB) for disposable hygiene products sold in China.
What does GB 15979 test?
Microbial limits: bacterial and fungal colony counts and absence of specified pathogens.
References
- EDANA - Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) Industry Overview — EDANA (accessed 2026-08-01)
- JP CIA (industry) - Baby diaper material: key components and their functions — 行业媒体 (accessed 2026-08-02)