Overview
EN ISO 22748:2021 - published by CEN and identical to ISO 22748:2021 - defines recommended product type names and example illustrations for absorbent incontinence products for urine and/or faeces. The document maps product categories to the classification in ISO 9999 (subclass 09 30) and provides a harmonized terminology to reduce confusion from varying local names and synonyms across markets.
Key topics
- Product type names and example pictures: Recommended names (e.g., Pads, All‑in‑ones, Pull‑ons, Washable all‑in‑ones) with example illustrations to clarify design and intended use.
- User groups: Distinct naming for products for children (pads for children, pull‑ons, tape‑type diapers) and adults (pads, male pouches/pads, belted pads, faecal pads, washable products).
- Hierarchy of descriptors: A consistent naming order - Product type, User group, To contain (urine/faeces/both), Features and purpose (e.g., with fastener system), Use case (single‑use or washable).
- Synonym listing: Recognizes established alternative names (e.g., diapers, nappies, training pants) to aid cross‑border and multidisciplinary understanding.
- Scope and limits: Provides classification names and visual examples; it does not include test methods, performance criteria or normative references.
Practical applications
- Standardizes product labeling, marketing and technical documentation for manufacturers and suppliers of absorbent incontinence products.
- Supports clinical communication and care plans by giving healthcare professionals a clear, shared vocabulary for prescribing and describing products.
- Aids procurement teams and care organisations in creating unambiguous tender specifications and product catalogs.
- Helps regulators and conformity assessors classify products consistently for registration and market surveillance.
- Facilitates research, epidemiology and health technology assessments by enabling consistent product categorization across studies and datasets.
Who should use this standard
- Manufacturers and product designers in continence care
- Clinical staff (nurses, continence specialists, occupational therapists)
- Healthcare procurement and supply chain managers
- Regulators, standards bodies and conformity assessment organisations
- Researchers and educators working on continence care and assistive products
Related standards
- ISO 9999 - Classification of assistive products (subclass 09 30 is referenced)
- Developed by ISO/TC 173 (Assistive products) in collaboration with CEN/TC 293 (Assistive products and accessibility)
Using EN ISO 22748:2021 improves clarity in product identification, supports safer patient care, and reduces misunderstandings across manufacturers, clinicians and buyers in the continence product ecosystem.
