WTO Circulates Notification from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda on Standard for Groundnut Oil for Cosmetic Use

"On April 7, 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated a notification from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda regarding the Draft East African Standard DEAS 64:2024, titled ""Groundnut (Peanut) Oil for Cosmetic Use — Specification."" This draft standard defines the requirements, sampling procedures, and test methods for groundnut (peanut) oil intended for cosmetic use. The final date for submitting comments is 60 days from notification ( i.e. June 6, 2025). The draft standard includes the following key sections: 1. Scope 2. Terms and Definitions 3. Requirements (a) General Requirements: -Groundnut oil must be practically odourless or have a very mild characteristic odour. -Visually, it must be clear and free from sediments and foreign matter. -All ingredients must comply with EAS 377 (all parts). (b) Specific Requirements (Tested as per specified methods): -Specific gravity at 20°C: 0.815–0.910 (EAS 847-7) -Moisture content (% m/m, max): 0.5% (ISO 8534) -Insoluble impurities (% m/m, max): 0.2% (ISO 663) -Ash content (% m/m, max): 0.1% (EAS 847-15) (4) Microbiological Requirements: -Total viable count for aerobic mesophilic microorganisms: Max. 1,000 CFU/g or CFU/ml (ISO 21149) -Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Not detected in 1 g or 1 ml (ISO 22717) (5) Heavy Metal Contaminants: -Lead: Max. 10 mg/kg -Arsenic: Max. 2 mg/kg -Mercury: Max. 1 mg/kg -Combined total (lead, arsenic, mercury): Not to exceed 10 mg/kg (All tested using EAS 847-16) (6) Packaging: -Product must be packed in well-sealed, non-reactive containers that prevent contamination. (7) Labelling: -Must comply with EAS 346 and include: -Product name as “Ground oil” or “Peanut oil” -Manufacturer's name and address -Clear marking: “Groundnut (peanut) oil for cosmetic use” and “For external use only” in indelible ink or lithographed/stencilled on the label (8) Sampling: -Conducted according to ISO 24153"