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Bangladesh's national standards body will conduct its own tests on toothpaste after a local environmental group reported finding microplastics in most products. The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) announced it will independently verify the findings of the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), which detected microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste samples.

BSTI has requested the full research report, testing methodology, and raw data from ESDO. The agency also plans to gather information from manufacturers and importers about raw materials and the use of synthetic polymers. Samples will be collected from markets and production facilities for testing in accredited laboratories.

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Although Bangladesh's toothpaste standard does not explicitly prohibit microplastics, it provides a list of 81 permitted ingredients for toothpaste manufacturing, and microplastics are not included.

While Bangladesh's current toothpaste standard does not explicitly ban microplastics, it lists 81 permitted ingredients, none of which include microplastics. BSTI stated that manufacturers are required to adhere to this list, suggesting intentional inclusion is unlikely. However, the agency cautioned that detection alone does not prove intentional use or establish a health risk, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the particles' type, source, and quantity.

Globally, standards for microplastics in toothpaste are still developing. Some countries have banned intentionally added plastic microbeads in cosmetics, but specific limits for microplastics in toothpaste are not yet widely established internationally. BSTI is consulting with experts and stakeholders to review and potentially update the Bangladesh toothpaste standard.

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the mere detection of plastic particles in laboratory tests does not scientifically prove that manufacturers intentionally added them or that the products pose a health risk.