WTO Circulates Notification from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda on Standard for Aluminium Foil Laminate for Packaging

"On April 14, 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated a notification from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda regarding the Working Draft East African Standard DEAS 1259:2025, titled ""Paper–Aluminium Foil Laminate for Packaging — Specification."" This standard outlines requirements, sampling procedures, and test methods for paper–aluminium foil laminates intended for general packaging, including food and pharmaceutical applications. The final date for submitting comments is 60 days from the date of notification (i.e. June 13, 2025 ). Key Sections of the Draft Standard: 1. Scope 2. Terms and Definitions: 3. Requirements: (a)General Requirements: -The laminate shall consist of aluminium foil laminated to paper using an adhesive applied continuously or in an even intermittent pattern, as agreed upon by the purchaser, to prevent delamination. (b)Specific Requirements: -Adhesives: May include starch, dextrin, sodium silicate, casein rubber, vinyl, polyethylene, wax, or bitumen, based on mutual agreement. -Aluminium Foil: -May be plain or printed, soft or hard annealed, with thickness between 0.006 mm to 0.15 mm. -Must meet surface smoothness and chemical composition requirements: Si + Fe ≤ 1.8%, Cu ≤ 0.1%, Mn ≤ 0.1%, Mg ≤ 0.05%, Zn ≤ 0.1%, Ti ≤ 0.08%, Others ≤ 0.05% Aluminium content (min): 98.00% -For food applications: Pb, As, Cd each < 0.01%; total of Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr < 100 ppm -Thickness variation across reels must not exceed ±8% (Annex A). (4) Packaging: -Laminates must be packed to ensure protection during handling and transport. -Each package must contain only one size and use contaminant-free material to maintain integrity. (5) Labelling: -Rolls or packets must be legibly and indelibly marked with: -Manufacturer’s name/trademark and address -Country of origin (if applicable) -Disposal instructions -Size (thickness, width, length) -Net weight -Batch number -Manufacture and expiry dates (6)Sampling: -Shall follow ISO 186 procedures. (7) Annexes: Annex A: Determination of aluminium foil thickness Annex B: Tensile strength Annex C: Determination of aluminium content Annex D: Water vapour permeability test"