,"On November 10, 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated an addendum to update Members that the Draft East African Standard DEAS 1075:2021, titled Disposable Wet Wipes — Specification, officially entered into force in Uganda on 11 July 2025. This standard defines the requirements, testing methods, and sampling procedures for non-woven disposable wet wipes intended for both personal hygiene and sanitizing purposes, ensuring that products circulating in the East African Community (EAC) are safe, effective, and of consistent quality. Personal hygiene wet wipes are designed for cleaning hands, face, or mucous membranes and must be pre-moistened with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and alcohol-free solution, while sanitizing wipes are pre-soaked with safe disinfecting agents, typically containing at least 60% alcohol or equivalent active ingredients.
DEAS 1075:2021 mandates that all wet wipes are manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), made from non-woven textiles with a minimum of 20% cellulose fibers, and maintain uniform dimensions and quality. The standard prescribes performance, chemical, and microbiological safety requirements, including limits for lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, chlorinated organic compounds, and the absence of pathogenic microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. It also sets requirements for packaging and labeling to prevent contamination, preserve active ingredients, and provide clear information about product composition, manufacturer, batch, and expiry. Testing protocols for moisture content, flushability, and disinfecting efficacy are defined in normative annexes, while random sampling follows ISO 2859-1.
The rationale for DEAS 1075:2021 lies in harmonizing product safety, quality, and trade standards across EAC member states, protecting consumers from harmful chemical or microbial exposure, and promoting regional commerce by providing clear legal and technical compliance frameworks. Key legal and technical references within the standard include EAS 377 series (prohibited substances and preservatives in cosmetics), ISO 1833-11, ISO 3071, ISO 9073 series, ISO 18416, ISO 20743, ISO 21149, ISO 21150, ISO 22198, ISO 22717, and ISO 22718, all of which collectively ensure that disposable wet wipes meet internationally recognized safety, microbiological, and performance criteria."