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Kenya has officially adopted both parts of the East African Standard for skin-applied mosquito repellents, marking a key step in the regional effort to harmonize safety and quality requirements for such products. The adoption was published via Gazette Notice No. 206 on 29 November 2024 and was formally notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 14 April 2025. 

Developed under the framework of the East African Community (EAC) he standards (EAS 1119-1 and EAS 1119-2) aim to enhance public health by regulating skin-applied mosquito repellents. The initiative seeks to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of mosquito repellent products within the region. 

Objective of the Standard 

The development of these standards is driven by the need to harmonize product quality requirements across EAC member states. By establishing a unified framework, the EAC aims to eliminate trade barriers and promote the free exchange of goods and services within the community. 

Role of the East African Standards Committee  

The East African Standards Committee (EASC) is tasked with developing and issuing East African Standards. Comprising representatives from the National Standards Bodies of Partner States, as well as public and private sector organizations, the committee ensures that the standards reflect the interests of all stakeholders. The standardization process involves: 

• Formation of Technical Committees representing key sectors. 

• Circulating draft standards to stakeholders for feedback. 

• Incorporation of comments before finalization, adhering to established principles and procedures. 

Key Features of the Standard 

• Scope: The standard applies to skin-applied mosquito repellents in two product categories:  

• Part 1 (EAS 1119-1:2024) – Lotions, creams, gels and ointments 

• Part 2 (EAS 1119-2:2024) - Sprays and roll-ons. 

• Specifications: Each part outlines technical, chemical, and safety specifications to ensure product quality and consumer protection. 

• Sampling and Testing: The standard provides guidelines for sampling methods and testing protocols to assess product performance. 

• Labelling and Packaging: It sets out requirements for product labelling and packaging to inform consumers and ensure safe usage. 

Adoption in Kenya 

Kenya has officially adopted both parts of the standard as national standards: 

• KS EAS 1119-1:2024 – Skin applied mosquito repellent — Specification — Part 1: Lotions, creams, gels and ointments, First Edition 

• KS EAS 1119-2:2024 – Skin applied mosquito repellent — Specification — Part 2: Sprays and roll-ons, First Edition 

These adoptions were notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 14 April 2025. 

Conclusion 

The introduction and adoption of these standards represent a significant step towards harmonizing the safety and quality of mosquito repellents in East Africa. By emphasizing consumer safety, product efficacy, and environmental responsibility, the EAC aims to promote public health and regulatory consistency throughout the region. Stakeholders are encouraged to review and align their manufacturing practices with the standards to contribute to the overarching goals of the community. 

On 11 April 2025, Kenya notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) that several previously circulated standards covering 12 fertilizers have now been officially adopted. Published in the Kenya Gazette Notice No. 16886 on 20 December 2024, the adoption marks the formal transition of the draft texts into national standards, contributing to harmonized regulatory practices across the East African Community (EAC). 

Adoption of East African Standards 

In 2023, five East African Community countries (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda), notified the WTO of draft standards concerning various fertilizers. The majority of these drafts have now been adopted and include detailed provisions on product sampling, packaging, labelling, and allowable levels of heavy metals. The aim is to enhance environmental safety and public health. 

Background on East African Standards 

The development of harmonized East African Standards is driven by the need to unify quality benchmarks for goods and services across EAC member states. This harmonization is intended to eliminate technical barriers to trade and facilitate the seamless exchange of goods and services within the region. 

To achieve this, the East African Standards Committee was established. The committee comprises representatives from national standards bodies, private sector entities, and consumer organizations. Draft standards are circulated for public comment via national standards bodies, after which stakeholder feedback is reviewed and incorporated before final adoption. 

These standards are dynamic and subject to periodic review to reflect advancements in technology and emerging regulatory needs. Stakeholders are advised to ensure they always refer to the latest version when implementing these standards. 

Focus on Fertilizers Standards 

The newly adopted draft standards cover various types of fertilizers, including organic, foliar, urea, and phosphate-based fertilizers as well as guidelines for their safe handling and storage. The intent is to ensure uniform quality, safe usage, and environmental protection. 

The adopted standards include: 

Conclusion

The adoption of these standards marks a significant milestone in regional integration efforts, by aligning regulatory practices across East African countries. By standardizing the chemical composition, labeling, and handling of key agricultural and public health products, the region is moving closer to achieving a safer, more efficient, and more environmentally sustainable trading environment. These efforts not only strengthen internal trade within the EAC but also enhance the region’s competitiveness in global markets.