A law paving the way for free period products on the Isle of Man has come into force.

The Period Products (Free Provision) Act 2026 took effect after receiving Royal Assent at Tynwald last month.

It promotes free products for those who need them and allows a provision scheme to be developed.

Introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by Joney Faragher MHK, it draws on schemes in Scotland and Northern Ireland to reduce stigma surrounding menstruation.

It also seeks to tackle period poverty and ‘promote dignity, health and wellbeing’.

In July, Ms Faragher said that although ‘surprisingly a couple of members chose not to sign’, enough signatures had been secured for the Bill to progress.

Ms Faragher said: ‘I’m really pleased to see this legislation receive Royal Assent.

‘Period products are an essential, not a luxury, and nobody should have to worry about whether they can afford them or miss out on school, work or other aspects of everyday life because they don’t have access to them.

‘Making period products freely available is a practical step towards tackling period poverty, removing barriers and ensuring people can manage their periods with dignity. I hope this legislation will make a real difference to people across our island.’

Free period products are available from The Foodbank and Douglas City Library through its period Pick n Mix station.

However, a scheme under the Act has yet to be finalised.

A government spokesperson said: ‘Public Health will promote the provision of free period products through its regular advice and messaging, and work to develop a scheme to implement the new legislation.

‘The scheme will be subject to consultation and Treasury concurrence before being presented to Tynwald for approval.’