News Details

On May 13, 2026, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of three draft African Standards (DARS) developed under the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) framework, which cover lip balm, lipstick, and lip gloss products. The proposed standards aim to promote harmonized requirements, product quality, and consumer safety across the African market. Comments are accepted until July 12, 2026. 

African Organization for Standardization 

African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) is an intergovernmental body established to develop and harmonize standards across Africa, promote intra-African trade, and improve global competitiveness of African products and services. ARSO standards are developed through technical committees in collaboration with member states and relevant international and regional organizations. 

Scope of the Draft Standards 

The current draft African Standards establish specifications, sampling procedures, and test methods for cosmetic lip care and lip colour products, including lip balm (lip salve), lip gloss (lip shine), and lipstick. The standards cover both petroleum-based and vegetable oil-based formulations, and they define key terminology related to product quality and performance. 

The manufacturing, preparation, and handling processes for lip balm, lip gloss, and lipstick products will be required to comply with ISO 22716 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for cosmetics. 

The draft standards provide the following definitions for lip products: 

• Lip balm (lip salve) is defined as a cosmetic product composed of homogeneous emulsions of vegetable and/or mineral oils, waxes, fats, and film-forming polymers, designed to protect lips from drying and environmental damage.  

• Lip shine (lip gloss) refers to cosmetic products intended to provide gloss or sheen to the lips.  

• Lipstick is defined as a cosmetic product containing pigments, oils, waxes, and emollients that provide colour and texture to the lips.  

Product Categories and Quality Requirements 

The draft standards also introduce definitions for product defects and performance issues such as blooming, blotching, mottled salty appearance, and bleeding, which are commonly associated with lipstick stability and storage conditions. 

Lip balm products are categorized into three types: 

1. Vegetable oil and wax-based products;  

2. Petroleum-based products; and  

3. Mixed formulations containing petroleum products, vegetable oils, and waxes.  

The standards outline comprehensive requirements for ingredients and quality for all product categories. All dyes, pigments, and colouring agents must comply with the relevant provisions of DARS 1524 and other referenced standards.  

Lipsticks must demonstrate acceptable physical characteristics, including smooth texture, colour uniformity, resistance to sweating and blooming, and freedom from grittiness or cracking. Additionally, products must not cause irritation or adverse effects when used as intended. 

Testing, Packaging and Labelling Requirements 

The draft standards further specify: 

• Physicochemical testing requirements, including peroxide value, melting point, stability, and breaking load;  

• Microbiological limits and testing methods in accordance with ISO standards;  

• Heavy metal contaminant limits and associated test methods;  

• Packaging requirements to ensure product integrity and prevent contamination;  

• Labelling requirements, including product identification, oil type declaration, and shade information for lipsticks; and  

• Sampling procedures in accordance with ISO 24153.  

Overall, the proposed standards aim to harmonize cosmetic product requirements across Africa, improve product safety and quality, support regulatory consistency, and enhance consumer confidence in lip care and lip cosmetic products marketed within the region. 

Conclusion 
The draft African Standards under the ARSO framework aim to harmonize the safety, quality, packaging, labelling, and testing requirements for lip balm, lipstick, and lip gloss products across Africa. The proposed specifications focus on consumer safety, product stability, microbiological compliance, heavy metal control, and adherence to international manufacturing practices. Once adopted, these standards are expected to enhance product quality, facilitate regional trade, improve regulatory alignment among African countries, and strengthen the competitiveness of the African cosmetics industry in global markets.