WTO Circulates Notification of Tanzania’s Draft Standard on Soft Soap Specification

"On April 30, 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated a notification concerning Tanzania’s Draft Standard CDC 2 (3567) DTZS, titled Soft Soap – Specification, Third Edition. This draft standard outlines the requirements, sampling procedures, test methods, packaging, and labeling for soft soap intended for hygiene purposes. The final date for submitting comments is 60 days from the date of notification (i.e. on June 29, 2025). Key Sections Contained in the Draft Standard: 1.Scope 2.Terms and Definitions 3.Types of Soft Soap (Type 1 and Type 2) 4.Requirements: (a) General Requirements: -Soft soap shall be a homogeneous, translucent jelly-like mass. -Free from putrescent, fishy, or objectionable odours. -May be based on potassium, sodium, or a mixture of both. -May or may not be perfumed, as per agreement between the manufacturer and purchaser. -Must form satisfactory lather quickly. -Must remain stable at 32°C (no melting) and no liquid separation at 0°C for 24 hours (b) Specific Requirements: -Total fatty matter (% by mass, min): Tested per TZS 1396-6 / ISO 685 -Unsaponified and unsaponifiable matter (% by mass, max): Tested per TZS 1396-9 / ISO 1067 -Rosin acids (% of total fatty matter, max): Tested per TZS 35 -Total free alkali (as KOH, % by mass, max): Tested per TZS 1396-12 / ISO 684 -Antibacterial activity: Tested per TZS 2102 / EAS 794 5.Sampling: (a) General: Sampling procedures, precautions, and preparation of test samples shall follow TZS 35. (b) Composite Sample: For conformity, each test characteristic of the composite sample must meet its specific requirement. 6. Tests: Detailed test methods for each characteristic are included in the standard. 7.Packaging and Labelling: Packaging: To be in suitable containers as mutually agreed. Labelling: Must be legible, indelible, and provided in Kiswahili and English, and any other agreed language. -Required label information includes: -Name and address of manufacturer -Registered trademark (if any) -The words “soft soap” -Net weight when packed -Date of manufacture and expiry -Batch or lot number -Type of soap -Critical ingredients (in descending order ≥ 0.5% by mass) -Declaration if the product is antibacterial"