,"On November 07, 2025, the World Trade Organization circulated the communication regarding the East African Standards DEAS 835-1:2021 and DEAS 876:2021, informing WTO Members that these standards entered into force in Uganda on 11 July 2025. This addendum provides an official update on the East African Community (EAC) draft standards concerning bath preparations and skincare creams, lotions, and gels, previously notified by multiple EAC Partner States. The standards form part of the broader EAC initiative to harmonize cosmetic product safety, composition, and quality requirements across the region, thereby reducing technical barriers to trade and strengthening consumer protection. DEAS 835-1:2021 – Bath Preparations (Synthetic Detergent-Based Foam Baths & Shower Gels)
This standard specifies the requirements, sampling procedures, and test methods for synthetic detergent-based foam baths, shower gels, body washes, cream washes, bath showers, and related preparations. It excludes bath salts, bath oils, bath powders, soap-based formulations, and medicinal products making therapeutic claims.Key parameters established under the standard include:
1) Ingredient conformity: All ingredients including dyes and pigments must comply with relevant EAC cosmetic regulations.
2) Product characteristics: The product must be a liquid or gel, visually uniform or appropriately declared if multiphase, free from visible impurities unless intended, and capable of producing abundant, stable foam across temperature ranges.
3) Safety requirements: Products must be non-irritant to skin and mucous membranes and safe when used as directed.
4) Specific performance criteria: Limits for anionic and cationic active matter, pH range, and foaming properties.
5) Heavy metal limits: Compliance with defined maximum permissible concentrations of contaminants such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.
6) Microbiological quality: Absence of specified pathogenic microorganisms including Candida albicans, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
7) Packaging and labelling: Containers must protect product integrity, and labels must include mandatory cosmetic information per EAS 346 along with the proper product name (“Foam bath” or “Shower gel”) and suitability for use on babies where applicable.
8) DEAS 876:2021 – Skincare Creams, Lotions, and Gels
The circulated update also confirms the entry into force of DEAS 876:2021, which establishes regional specifications for skincare creams, lotions, and gels. The standard defines product requirements, safety parameters, ingredient acceptance, microbiological purity, and labelling rules in line with harmonized EAC cosmetic regulations. It supports improved market surveillance, enhanced product quality, and streamlined regulatory compliance for manufacturers and importers within the region.
1) Sampling: Conducted according to ISO 24153 procedures.Both standards aim to:
a) Protect consumer health and safety.
b) Prevent deceptive or misleading cosmetic practices.
c) Ensure accurate labelling and information transparency.
d) Reduce technical barriers and facilitate intra-EAC trade.
e) Harmonize quality and safety requirements with international best practices.
f) Provide consistent analytical and microbiological test methods aligned with ISO and EAS specifications."