History of Durex Quality Control More About Durex Global Survey

    :LA Jackson establishes London Rubber Company and sells imported barber condoms and accessories.

    The London Rubber Company (LRC) has the Durex brand registered.

    Durex launches its first lubricated condom.

    Durex is the first brand to develop and use electronic testing.

    Durex launches the first anatomically shaped condom.

    Durex is the first condom brand in the world to advertise in many countries.

    Durex is the first condom brand to adopt a Global "quality seal" as standard.

    Durex launches a range of colourful and flavoured condoms.

    Durex is the first condom brand to set up a website. We now have 42 different websites for the countries in which we are represented.

    Durex launches latex-free condoms. A new, non-allergenic material is used for the new product: the synthetic polyurethane developed by Durex is softer and more elastic than natural rubber latex.

    Durex is the first condom brand to conduct and publish a worldwide sexual well-being survey.

    Durex introduces Pleasuremax. This makes Durex the first condom brand to market a condom that is both ribbed and dotted.

    Durex supports ground breaking social program to promote gender equity in Brazil 'Program H' This is followed by further projects in India.

    Durex launches an exciting range of Play® lubricants.

    Durex Network launches the Face of Global Sex reports, which explore aspects of sexual behaviour and are created for the information of academics and policymakers.

    To promote safe sex among young people, Durex encourages young people between the ages of 16 and 24 to create a unique poster on sexual health - a poster of adolescents for teens.

    Durex turns 80!

    Durex supports the initiative “Condomize!” of the United Nations Population Fund at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna through a donation of 220,000 condoms.

    Durex is bought by Reckitt Benckiser.

    Durex turns 90!

    Durex India - Quality Control

    Durex has over 80 years of experience of manufacturing condoms. So it’s safe to say that every single one is the product of a process that’s tried and tested.


    That starts with the bare basics. So all of our condoms use only the finest quality raw materials. Then each is tested electronically.

    "There are stringent International Standards for condoms to meet. Our samples go through the air inflation test to check for burst strength and elasticity". The international standard for the air burst test is for the condom to contain 18 litres of air. But our requirement is for 22 litres.

    All condom types are also dermatologically tested.

    In fact, if one sample doesn’t pass any of our tests, the whole batch of condoms doesn’t leave the factory.

    Now, as well as pushing the boundaries of product testing, we are also constantly undertaking research projects – looking for new ways to improve our products or spotting new trends in sexual behaviour that may lead to whole new product areas.

    This means that we have collected a goldmine of information that’s regularly consulted by health ministries, hospitals, scientists, academics and other sexual health bodies.

    So…there you have it; the best processes, making the best products, backed by the smartest thinking. Maybe that’s why millions of people across the world trust Durex every day.

    Durex is ranked as the top-selling Condom brand based on consumer value sales (fixed rate sterling) Claimed based on information aggregated and reported in part from data supplied by Nielsen through its Retail Measurement Services and in part from data inputs from other suppliers for the Condom category (Reckitt Benckiser defined) for the 12 month period ending February 2014, for the defined Reckitt Benckiser geographic focus.

    Durex India - Global Sex Survey

    We’re sure that the best way to offer our consumers what they want is to keep right up-to-date with the latest thoughts, trends and innovations – wherever they may spring up from.
    The Global Sex Survey conducted in 2012 is just one such example, we asked 29,000 adults to tell us about their sex lives. We wanted to find out what people think and feel about sex, and what impact this has on the rest of their lives.
    (Source: Harris Interactive, ‘Durex Global Sexual Wellbeing Survey’, April 2012)

    More About Durex
    We might have already read your mind. Use the search to find what you are looking for.
    Why use Durex?

    We have more than 80 years of experience in manufacturing condoms. So it's hardly surprising that Durex is the world's leading condom.

    All our condoms use only fine-quality raw materials. And every single one is electronically tested for holes and imperfections. We lead the way in innovation too.

    This means that all standard Durex condoms are now 'easy on' allowing them to be easy and quick to put on and more comfortable to wear.

    What quality tests do Durex condoms go through?

    Every Durex condom is electronically tested to ensure it's up to the job.

    A random sample of condoms is also taken from each batch for more rigorous quality tests.

    "After measuring thickness and length, samples go through the air filtration test to check for burst strength and elasticity". The international standard for the air burst test is for the condom to contain 18 litres of air. But our requirement is for 22 litres.

    Water leak testing is also carried out.

    Sample condoms are filled with water and reviewed for any leakage.

    If the sample fails any of the tests, the whole batch is rejected!

    What quality standards do Durex condoms meet?

    Durex condoms set the quality standard around the world.

    We have even upgraded the requirements for the Durex Quality symbol to make sure we continue to stay ahead of regulatory standards.

    Are thinner condoms more likely to break?

    No. The thickness of the condom doesn't necessarily correspond to safety.

    Can I use flavoured condoms for both oral and vaginal sex?

    Durex flavoured condoms are intended primarily for vaginal sex. However, if you choose to use them in oral sex, the lubricant is safe if ingested. We recommend if used in oral sex that a new condom be used for vaginal sex.

    Is it safe to use condoms underwater or in a shower?

    There has been no research into the performance of condoms when they are used in or underwater. The risk of slippage, for example, might increase when used in such circumstances. Though the salt in seawater would not have adverse effects on condom materials, there is a strong possibility that the chemicals used in swimming pools (chlorine and ozone, for example) would. The presence of bath oils or other substances in the water or applied in the shower may have an adverse effect on the properties of the latex condom material.

    Can I use condoms for anal sex?

    There are currently no specific standards for the manufacturing of condoms for anal sex. For anal sex in particular, the application of additional water-based or silicone-based lubricants to the outside of the condom once donned is recommended to help reduce the risk of breakage or slippage of the condom.

    What do the numbers stamped on the back of the condom foil mean? Can you tell me where a product was purchased?

    Due to the length of time it takes to research product information, we only provide lot number information to law enforcement agencies. However, we can give you some general information.

    Durex foils and cartons are stamped with the lot number and expiration date as they come out of the manufacturing facility and are packaged for shipping. It usually takes about 90 days for shipments to reach our warehouse from where they are shipped to retailers for sale. Durex condoms normally have a shelf life of 5 years, however, a few variants do have a shorter shelf life of either 3 or 4 years. Ensure you check the product is in date before using it.

    As an example, an expiration date of 2019-05 indicated that the condom was manufactured in May 2014 and was probably on retail shelves after August 2014.

    Why should I use lubes?

    For too long lubes have been associated with gay men or women with vaginal dryness.

    But, there's a growing trend for people to use lube simply to help make sex better.

    Lubes can be used to enhance sensations, add a bit of fun or just top up natural levels of lubrication.

    Durex Play lubes have been specially designed to make sure you enjoy the best sexperience!

    If a woman doesn't produce the right amount of lubrication does it mean that she's not turned on?

    No. There are lots of reasons why a woman might experience dryness including stress, after having a baby, using tampons, and changes in hormone levels.

    Are lubes safe to use with condoms?

    Yes. The Durex lubricants which are water-based, are totally safe to use with Durex condoms but not all our lubricants are water-based so please see pack for further information.

    Where on the body can lubes be used?

    Everywhere and anywhere.

    Durex Play lubes are suitable to use all over the body including your intimate parts.

    The only thing we wouldn't recommend is using a tingling lubricant for anal sex as some people can experience slightly stronger sensations than others.

    Can you use lubes with a massager?

    Many people find using lube with a massager a real revelation. It lets the massager glide over the body - easily giving a more intense feeling.

    All of the Durex Play water-based lubes are perfectly safe to use with all types of massagers and wash off easily with water. Always ensure never to use a silicone-based lube with a silicone massager, as it may break the material integrity of the massager.

    How do I apply lube and how much do I need?

    There are really no rules here. The best thing to do is just relax, enjoy and experiment.

    But, when you're trying it for the first time, simply squeeze a little lube onto your fingertips and gently apply to your intimate areas. Lube can be used with or without a condom, either when it is already on or before.

    Take care not to use too much before you put the condom on, otherwise it may slip off during sex. You can always apply more if you need it.

    Are massagers for men or women?

    The personal massagers have been designed with women in mind although they are intended for both solo use and with a partner. In addition, it is worth remembering that men also can enjoy stimulation with a personal massager.

    Are your devices safe to use in water?

    Some of our devices are shower proof please see pack for further information.