New East African Standard Sets Guidelines for Henna Powder Quality

On 3 July 2024, five East African countries (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the Draft East African Standard for Henna Powder (DEAS 337:2023) was adopted by the East African Community Council of Ministers on 14 June 2024. This standard, which will replace the 2013 edition, introduces comprehensive specifications to ensure that henna products meet high standards of purity and performance.

Improved Quality Specifications

The updated standard outlines stringent requirements for henna powder, including general and specific quality criteria. Specifically, the new specifications require henna powder to be in the form of a fine, dried powder obtained from fresh leaves of the henna plant and free from extraneous contaminants such as stems, small fruits and other non-plant materials. It also sets precise limits for moisture content, crude fibre, mineral content and the presence of extraneous sand.

Safety and Purity Standards

A key feature of DEAS 337:2023 is its focus on safety and purity. The Standard stipulates that henna powder must not exceed maximum limits for heavy metal contaminants (lead, arsenic and mercury) ensuring the safety of the product for consumer use. In addition, the standard includes microbiological limits to control potential microbial contamination, specifying acceptable levels for several microorganisms including Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Staphylococcus Aureus.

Updated Labelling Requirements

The Standard also emphasises the importance of accurate labelling. Each package of henna powder must be clearly labelled with the product name and instructions for use, specifically stating that only water should be used as a solvent. The packaging must also be secure and prevent contamination.

Detailed Test Procedures

The standard was developed by the East African Community Technical Committee EASC/TC 071, which oversees cosmetics and related products. The draft has been circulated to stakeholders for feedback to ensure that the final version reflects the needs and concerns of all parties involved.

As part of the implementation of the standard, detailed methods for sampling, testing and analysis are provided, including procedures for determining moisture content, cold water extract levels, and the presence of extraneous dyes by thin layer chromatography.

Moving Towards Harmonization

The introduction of DEAS 337:2023 is a significant step towards harmonising product quality across East African countries, reducing trade barriers and promoting consumer safety. Stakeholders and industry players are encouraged to review the draft and provide feedback to help finalise the standard.

The full text of DEAS 337:2023 can be found here.