News Details

On 13 May 2026, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of two Draft African Standard developed by the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO), These standards establish requirements, sampling procedures, and test methods for semi-gloss (egg-shell) solvent-borne paints and gloss solvent-borne paints intended for interior and exterior applications. 

The proposed standard applies to decorative solvent-borne paints used in residential, commercial, and similar environments. It does not apply to paints intended for automotive, road-marking, or industrial applications. 

African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) 

The African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) is an intergovernmental organization established to harmonize standards across Africa, facilitate intra-African trade, and enhance the competitiveness of African products and services in global markets. ARSO develops regional standards through technical committees comprising representatives from member states and relevant regional and international organizations. 

Scope of the Draft Standard 

The draft standard specifies the requirements, sampling procedures, and test methods applicable to: 

• Semi-gloss (egg-shell) solvent-borne paints for interior and exterior use 

• Gloss solvent-borne paints for interior and exterior use. 

The standard aims to ensure product quality, performance, safety, and consistency across the African market. 

Classification of Paints 

The paints covered by the draft standard are classified into the following grades: 

• Grade 1 – Premium 

• Grade 2 – Trade 

• Grade 3 – Economy 

General Technical Requirements 

Condition in the Container: The paint shall: 

• Show no evidence of biological growth; 

• Show no evidence of corrosion of the container; 

• Be free from livering or hard settlement; 

• Be free from lumps, foreign matter, or surface skins that cannot be redissolved; and 

• Return to a smooth and homogeneous consistency when mixed. 

After mixing, the paint must be free from: 

• Gel structures; 

• Persistent foam; and 

• Air bubbles that could adversely affect application and performance. 

Finish Requirements: When two coats of paint are applied by brush to a burnished mild steel or tinplate test panel, the resulting dry film shall: 

• Exhibit a uniform colour and appearance; and 

• Produce the appropriate finish corresponding to the product type: 

• A gloss finish for gloss solvent-borne paint; or 

• A semi-gloss (egg-shell) finish for semi-gloss solvent-borne paint. 

Specific Performance Requirements: The paint must comply with the performance criteria set out in Table 1 of the draft standard when tested using the prescribed test methods. These requirements cover key quality and performance characteristics intended to ensure consistency and durability during use. 

Packaging Requirements: The paint must be packaged in suitable containers designed to protect the product from deterioration during storage, transportation, and normal handling. 

Labelling Requirements: Labels may be provided in English, Kiswahili, French, or any combination of these languages agreed upon. Additional languages may also be included. 

Each container must be clearly and indelibly marked with the following information: 

a) Product name, indicated as either: 

• “Gloss Solvent-Borne Paint”; or 

• “Semi-Gloss (Egg-Shell) Solvent-Borne Paint”; 

b) Manufacturer's name and physical address; 

• The distributor's or supplier's name, address, and trademark may also be included where applicable; 

c) Net contents; 

d) Grade designation: 

• Grade 1 (Premium); 

• Grade 2 (Trade); or 

• Grade 3 (Economy); 

e) Date of manufacture; 

f) Best-before date; 

g) Colour or colour code; 

h) Instructions for use, storage, disposal, and safety precautions; and 

i) Batch number. 

Sampling: Sampling of paint products shall be conducted in accordance with ISO 15528, which specifies procedures for obtaining representative samples of paints, varnishes, and related materials. 

Conclusion 

The proposed African Standard is an important step toward harmonizing the quality and performance requirements for decorative solvent-borne paints in African markets. By establishing uniform specifications for semi-gloss (egg-shell) and gloss solvent-borne paints, the standard seeks to enhance product reliability, consumer confidence, and market consistency while facilitating regional trade. 

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors supplying decorative paints to Uganda and other African markets should carefully review the draft requirements and assess their products, packaging, and labelling practices to ensure readiness for compliance once the standard is formally adopted.