DEAS 956: 2019 
ICS 71.100.70  
 
© EA C 2019                                                                                                                             1st Edition 201 9  
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Air freshener aerosols  — Specification  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  DEAS 956: 2019  
ii © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 Copyright notice  
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participants in the EAC standards development process is  permitted without prior permission from EAC, 
neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form for 
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© East African Community  2019 — All rights reserved  
East African Community   
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Tanzania  
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Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.  
Violators may be prosecuted . DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standards has bee n necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are excha nged 
within the Community will be removed.  
The Community has established an East African Standards Committee  (EASC)  mandated to develop and 
issue East African Standards  (EAS) . The Committee is composed of representatives of the National 
Standards Bodies i n Partner States, together with the representatives from the public and private sector 
organizations  in the community .  
East African Standards are developed through  Technical Committees that are representative of key 
stakeholders including government, acad emia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties. 
Draft East African Standards are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the 
Partner States. The comments received are discussed and incorporated before finaliz ation of standards, in 
accordance with the Principles and procedures for development of East African Standards. XXXXXX.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefor e expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
The committee responsible  for this document is Technical Committee EASC /TC 071, Cosmetics and related 
products  DEAS 956: 2019  
iv © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. iii 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 1 
4 Requirements.  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 1 
4.1 General requirements.  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 1 
4.2 Specific requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 2 
4.3 Heavy metals requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 2 
5 Containers  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 2 
6 Packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 3 
7 Labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 3 
8 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 4 
Annex  A (normative)  Determination of delivery rate of dispenser  ................................ ............................... 5 
A.1 Material and apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 5 
A.1.5  Water bath  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 5 
A.2 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 5 
A.3 Calculation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 5 
Annex B (normative)  Determination of propellant comp osition  ................................ ................................ ...6 
B.1 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 6 
B.2 Results  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 7 
Annex D (normative)  Spray test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 9 
Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 9 
Annex E  (normative)  Determination of valve leakage  ................................ ................................ ................  10 
Annex F (N ormative)  Testing of filled aerosol containers  ................................ ................................ ..........  11 
F.1 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  11 
F.2 Interpretation of results  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  11 
Annex G (Normative )  Stability of smell  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 12 
G.1 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  12 
G.2 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  12 
G.3 Results  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  12 
Annex H (normative)  Flame propagation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 13 
H.1 Principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  13 
H.2 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  13 
H.3 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  14 
Annex I (normative)  Aerosol containers ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 15 
J.1 Material  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  15 
J.2 Construction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  15 
J.2.1  General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  15 
J.2.2  Soldered side seam containers  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  15 
J.3 Internal finish  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 15 
J.4 Filling volume  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 15 
Annex J (normative)  Determination of cloud temperature  ................................ ................................ .........  16 
J.1 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  16 
J.2 Results  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  16 DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  v 
 Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  17 
 DEAS 956: 2019  
vi © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 Introduction  
Air fresheners are consumer products used in homes, or commercial products us ed in restrooms, that typically 
emit fragrance.  
Various air fresheners are packed in aerosol  form.  Every aerosol consists of a gas -tight container, a valve 
closure, an actuator button and a protective cap. Some dispensers have dip tubes. The operation of an 
aerosol is based on the discharge of its contents by the pressure of a compressed gas or t he vapour phase 
generated by a propellant present in the container as a liquid. The container may be constructed of glass, 
plastic, or metals like tinplate and aluminium.   
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  DEAS 956: 2019  
 
© EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  1 
 Air freshener aerosols — Specification  
1 Scope   
This Draft East African Standard specifies the requirements,  method of tes t and sampling  for air fresheners in 
aerosol form.  
This Standard does not apply to products for whi ch therapeutic claims are made.  
2 Normative references   
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes 
requirements of this document.  For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, 
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
EAS 377 (all parts), Cosmetics and cosmetic products  
ISO 22716, Cosmetics — Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) — Guidelines on Good Manufacturing  
Practices  
ISO 7010, Graphical symbols -- Safety colours and safety signs -- Registered safety signs  
ISO 24153 , Random sampl ing and randomization procedures  
3 Terms and definitions   
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.  ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in 
standardization at the following addresses:  — ISO Online browsing platform: available a t 
http://www.iso.org/obp  
4 Requirements . 
4.1 General requirements.  
4.1.1 All ingredients used including dyes, pigment and colours shall conform to all parts of EAS 377  
4.1.2 The product shall contain acceptable amoun t of the ingredients necessary to effect the intended end 
use performance as stipulated on the label.  
4.1.3 The manufacture shall certify that all the ingredients used such as mineral oils, extracts from natural 
herbs, dyes, perfumes etc. shall not be harm ful or irritating to the skin or the sculp (where applicable).  
4.1.4 The product shall not stain fabrics and general household furnishings.  DEAS 956: 2019  
2 © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 4.1.5 The propellants used shall be hydrocarbons or any other propellants with low mammalian toxicity.  
Chloro -fluoro carbons (CFCs) banned under the Montreal Protocol for being ozone depleting substances shall 
not be used as aerosol propellants.  
4.16 The flammability of an aerosol formulation shall be kept as low as possible to ensure safety during 
use. 
4.1.7 The product  shall not have any objectionable odour . 
4.1.8  The product shall be produced, prepared and handled in accordance with ISO 22716.  
4.2 Specific requirements  
The product shall also comply with the requirements given in Table 1 when tested in accordance with t he 
method prescribed therein.  
Table 1  — Specific requirements for air freshener aerosols  
Characteristic  Requirement  Method of test  
Delivery rate g/s, min,  0.01 Annex A  
CFCs  Absent  Annex B  
Net weight delivery m/m, %, min. 95 Annex C  
Spray test  To pass test Annex D  
Valve leakage, g/year, max.  5 Annex E  
General leakage  To pass test  Annex F  
Stability of smell  To pass test  Annex G  
Non-volatile matter, % m/m, min.  10.0 Annex H 
Cloud point  To pass test  Annex J 
pH 3.0 – 8.5 EAS 847 -17 
 
4.3 Heavy metals  requirements  
The product  shall comply with the heavy metal requirements given in Table 2 when tested in accordance with 
the test methods specified therein  
Table 2 — Heavy metal requirements  for air freshener aerosols  
Heavy metal  Limit  mg/kg, max  Test metho d 
i) Lead (Pb)  10.0 EAS 847 -16 
 ii) Arsenic (As)  2.0 
iii) Mercury (Hg)  2.0 
Note - The total amount of heavy metals as lead, mercury and arsenic, in combination in the finished product shall not 
exceed 10 mg/kg  
5 Containers  
5.1 All filled aerosol cont ainers shall be appropriately classified in terms of the flame propagation 
characteristics of their contents when determined in the manner described in Annex H.   DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  3 
 a) Highly flammable – If the average length of the flame is greater than 450 mm, or if the flame b urns 
back to the actuator, or continues to burn when the test flame is extinguished.  
b) Flammable – If the average length of the flame is between 200 and 450 mm.  
c) Non-flammable – If the product does not flame or burn in the manner described above   
5.2 The aero sol containers shall comply with the requirements of annex J  with respect to internal pressure, 
materials of construction, filling volume, and performance  
6 Pack aging 
The container shall be designed and manufactured to contain the product safely under norm al conditions of 
distribution, storage and use.  
7 Labelling  
7.1 The package shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following information:  
a) manufacturer’s name and address;  
b) name of the product;  
c) date of manufacture;  
d) expiry date;  
e) net content;  
f) direction s for use;  
g) flammability class (word or symbol) ; 
h) batch or code number;  
i) country of origin;  
j) The declaration ‘Contains no CFC's or ODS’ ; 
k) All ingredients shall be declared in descending order of predominance.  
The INCI label names shall be used.  
CFC – Chloroflu orocarbons  
ODS – Ozone -depleting substances  
INCI – International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients . 
7.2 The following warnings shall be legibly and indelibly marked on the container:  
I. This container is pressurized’.  
II. Keep away from heat, naked flames a nd direct sunlight’.  
III. Do not puncture or incinerate even when empty’.  DEAS 956: 2019  
4 © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 IV. Keep away from children’.  
Any pictorial symbol(s) on the container shall be in accordance with ISO 7010.  
8 Sampling  
Representative samples shall be drawn for test from the market or any where else following in accordance with 
outlined  ISO 24153 . The samples shall be declared as conforming to the specification if they satisfy all the 
specified requirements .  DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  5 
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Determination of delivery rate of dispenser  
A.1 Material and a pparatus  
A.1.1 Any suitable timing device  
A.1.2 Balance  having  an accuracy to 0.01  g and with a capacity greater  than 500  g 
A.1.3 Pair of gloves  made of cloth or fabric or towel for handling dispensers during test  
A.1.4 Pair of tongs for removing dispenser s from water bath  
A.1.5  Water bath  set at 26 °C ± 0.3 °C, thermostatically controlled  
A.2 Procedure  
A.2.1 Hold a dispenser upright, spray for two seconds to fill the eduction tube. Then weigh the dispenser  
A.2.2 Submerge the dispenser into the water bath for 15 min using tongs, remove the dispenser from the 
bath and immediately dry the container with a towel. Spray the dispenser in one continuous burst for 10 s. Re -
weigh the dispenser.  
A.2.3 Repeat the procedure and take an average of three tests. The diff erence between the maximum and 
minimum delivery rates shall not exceed 0.2 g/s.  
A.3 Calculation  
The delivery rate, expressed in grams per second, shall be calculated as follows:  
Delivery rate = 
NM M 2 1  
where  
M1 is the initial weight, in gra ms, of the dispenser;  
M2 is the final weight, in grams, of the dispenser; and  
N is the time in seconds.  DEAS 956: 2019  
6 © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 Annex B  
(normative)  
 
Determination of propellant composition  
B.1 Procedure  
B.1.1 The analysis of the propellant mixture in most aerosol is carried ou t conveniently by gas 
chromatography. For sampling, a hypodermic needle is fitted to the valve of the aerosol can and 
approximately 0.5  g of the propellant is injected into the heavy duty centrifuge tube closed with  a serum cap , 
containing about 8 ml of be nzene. After mixing, 5 -µl samples are taken out from this tube with a microlitre 
syringe and injected into the gas chromatograph.  
B.1.2 Two 4 572 mm × 6.35 mm OD columns operated at 40 °C are recommended for the analysis 
containing 20 % weight hexadecane a nd diethylhexyl sebacate respectively on silanized chromosorb W60/S0 
mesh.  
The first column should be used mainly for initial screening and the second column for the confirmation and 
determination of the identified propellants.  
Table B.1 lists the relative  retention data of the most widely used propellant together with some other 
fluorinate hydrocarbons and benzene used as the solvent in the two columns.  
Table B.1 — Relative reten tion data of propellants  
Chemical name  Stationary phase diethylhexyl sebacate  Stationary phase hexadecane  
Octafluorocylobutane  0.214  0.122  
1-chloro -1,2,2 -trifluoroethylene  0.268  0.196  
Propane  0.275  0.22 
1,2-difluoroethane  0.289  0.141  
Dichlorodifluoromethane  0.296  0.220  
1,2-dichloro -1,1.2,2 -tetrafluoromethane  0.345  0.290  
Isobutane  0.366  0.378  
Monochlorodiflouoromethane  0.368  0.152  
1-chloro -1,1-difluoroethane  0.402  0.236  
n- butane  0.449  0.527  
Vinylchloride  0.529  0.353  
Trichlorofluoroethane  1.000  1.000  
1,1,2 -trichloro -1,2,2 -tetrafluoroethane  1.254  1.342  
Dichloromonofluoro ethane  1.354  0.515  
1,2-dibromo -1,1,2,2 -tetrafluoroethane  1.634  1.363  
Methylene chloride  2.565  1.070  
Benzene  6.786  5.661   DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  7 
 B.2 Results  
The sample shall be considered as having failed the test if it contains any of the CFCs in Table D.1.  DEAS 956: 2019  
8 © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 Annex C 
(normative ) 
 
Net weight delivery  
C.1 For the determination of the net weight delivery, a random sample of at least three packages is 
selected. After the removal of any dust cover or caps not required for dispensing the product, the gross weight 
of each package is de termined and after shaking for 15 s, the content of the lightest container is drained by 
holding the valve wide open. The exhausted container is weighed .The result is called wet -tare weight and is 
equal to the weight of the container plus any product rema ining after draining.  
C.2 Consequently, the regeneration allowance is determined and subtracted from the wet -tare weight to 
obtain the corrected wet -tare weight. The regeneration allowance is defined as the difference between the 
weight of the product whic h would be delivered through normal usage and the weight of the product delivered 
by the present accelerated procedure. It is calculated by multiplying the label weight of the container by 0.02 g 
and rounding the result to the next lowest gram.  
C.3 By subt racting the corrected tare weight from the gross weight, the adjusted net weight of the package 
is obtained. If this is greater than 95 % of the label weight the lot is assumed to be satisfactory. However, if it 
is less than 95 % of the label weight, the l ot is rejected  
  DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  9 
 Annex D  
(normative)  
 
Spray test  
 
Procedure  
Hand -shake the sample container for 15 sec.  Spray for 10 seconds. The sample shall be deemed to have 
passed the test if defects such as “streamers” (solid or nearly solid stream) “droppers” (dripp ing valve) or no 
spraying are absent.  
 DEAS 956: 2019  
10 © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 Annex E  
(normative)  
 
Determination of valve leakage  
Select 3 aerosol containers, and record the date and time to the nearest half -hour. Weigh each container to 
the nearest mg, and record the weight in mg of each, as W1. Place the containers in an upright position and 
retain at room temperature for not less than 3 days. Weigh each container again, recording the weight in mg 
of each, as W2 and recording the date and time to the nearest half hour. Determine the time, T, in hours, 
during which the containers were under test.  
Calculate the leakage rate, in mg per year, of each container taken using the formula:  
(365) (24/ T) (W1 - W 2) 
Where plastic -coated glass aerosol containers are tested, dry the containers in a desicc ator for 18 hours, and 
set upright in a constant -humidity environment for 24 hours prior to determining the initial weight as indicated 
above. Perform the test under the same humidity conditions. Empty the contents of each container tested by 
utilizing any  safe technique (e.g. chill to reduce pressure). Empty the residual contents by first rinsing with 
suitable solvents, then with a few portions of methanol. Retain the container, the valve and all associated 
parts as a unit, heat as W3 and determine the net  fill weight ( W1 - W3) for each container tested.  
If the average net fill weight has been determined previously, this value may be used as the net fill weight.   DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  11 
 Annex F  
(Normative)  
 
Testing of filled aerosol containers  
F.1 Procedure  
F.1.1  All filled aerosol  containers shall be tested by immersion in a water bath set at 55  °C.  
F.1.2  The container shall be such that the pressure generated within the immersed container reaches not 
less than 90 % of the pressure generated within the containers at equilibrium at  55 °C. 
F.2 Interpretation of results  
Any filled aerosol container that shall leak, get distorted or burst as a result of this test shall be considered to 
have failed the test and shall be discarded.  
 DEAS 956: 2019  
12 © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 Annex G  
(Normative )  
 
Stability of smell  
G.1 Apparatus  
G.1.1 Porcelain cup  
G.1.2 Pincers  
G.1.3 Bleached gauze , 10 pieces , of dimension 5 cm x 10 cm  
G.1.4 Thermometer  
G.1.5 Hygrometer  
G.2 Procedure  
Put some pieces of bleached gauze which have been pre -washed in hot water without soap and dried into a 
porcelain  cup. Spray continuously about 2 ml of the sample into this cup. After the gauze  gets soaked, remove 
one piece using a pair of pincers. Without squeezing it, dry it in an environment with temperature of 27 °C ± 2 
°C and humidity of 65  % ± 5 % for 12 h.  
G.3 Results  
The product shall be taken to have passed the test if after 12 h, the smell of the sample can clearly be picked 
up. 
  DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  13 
 Annex H  
(normative)  
 
Flame propagation  
H.1 Principle  
The filled aerosol container is sprayed as a test flame under controlled cond itions and the length of the 
burning spray cone is measured.  
H.2 Apparatus  
H.2.1 In its simplest form, the apparatus consists of a base marked at 0.15 m intervals, an adjustable stand 
to carry the aerosol container which may be raised or lowered to accomm odate differences in container 
height, a means of measuring the burning spray cone (usually a one metre fuel placed horizontally at the 
same level as the top third of the flame, the hottest part) a means of igniting the spray cone in the form of a 
test fla me 0.05 m ± 0.005 m in height (usually a candle flame is used) as shown in Figure H.1  
H.2.2 Water bath maintained at 20 °C. This equipment shall be used to bring the aerosol container and its 
contents to equilibrium at 20 °C (heat the cans to 20 °C in the  water bath)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure H.1 — Apparatus for flame propagation test  Test 
specimen  
Adjustable 
stand  150 mm  450 mm  DEAS 956: 2019  
14 © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 H.3 Procedure  
H.3.1 Place the aerosol container on the stand. Depress the actuator and adjust the height of the stand so 
that the spray cone will pass through the upper third test fla me (hottest part).  
H.3.2 Bring the aerosol container and its content to the equilibrium temperature of 20 °C. Place the 
container on the stand so that the point where the spray emerges is 0.15 m from the test flame. Then light the 
test flame and depress th e actuator for 15 s to 20 s. Record the total length of the burning spray cone and 
specify whether or not it burns back to the actuator.  
H.3.3 Extinguish the test flame and record whether the spray cone continues to burn while the actuator is 
depressed.  
H.3.4 Repeat each test twice and record the flame length as the average of the three tests.   DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  15 
 Annex I  
(normative)  
 
Aerosol containers  
J.1 Material  
The container shall be made from any metal of uniform quality which can be shown to be suitable for the 
purpose.  The aerosol dispenser shall be compatible with the intended contents and may be internally coated 
or otherwise surface treated with appropriate lacquers or chemical treatments to ensure compatibility.  
J.2 Construction  
J.2.1 General  
The construction of the  container shall be either seamless or with seams welded, soldered, brazed, double 
seamed or swaged.  
J.2.2 Soldered side seam containers  
J.2.2.1  Soldered side seams shall not be used for group 2 containers where the pressure of the contents 
at 55 °C is gre ater than 8.3 x 105 N/m2. 
J.2.2.2  If the pressure developed by the contents of the container is greater than 6.9 x 105N/m2 at 38 °C 
soldered side seams shall not be used for any container unless type tests have shown it to be satisfactory for 
the service i ntended.  
J.3 Internal finish  
The aerosol dispenser may be internally coated or otherwise surface treated with appropriate lacquers or by 
chemical treatments. Internal treatments shall be compatible with the intended contents.  
J.4 Filling volume  
J.4.1 The t otal liquid (together with any solid) contents at a temperature of 55 °C shall occupy not more 
than 90 % of the internal volume  of the closed dispenser . 
J.4.2 For containers having a concave end with a radius of curvature less than the diameter of the body  and 
where the end reverses before the container bursts when tested in accordance with clause 6, the total liquid 
(together with any solid) contents at a temperature of 55 °C shall occupy not more than 95 % of the closed 
dispenser.  
J.5 Performance requirem ents 
All filled dispensers shall be tested in accordance with Annex  F. DEAS 956: 2019  
16 © EAC 2019  – All rights rese rved 
 Annex J 
(normative)  
 
Determination of cloud temperature  
J.1 Procedure  
J.1.1 Pour 20 mL of cologne into a wide cylinder and close it with a plug. Insert a thermometer having scale 
up to  –20 °C. Immerse the thermometer into the liquid in such a manner that its bulb is situated at the same 
distance from the bottom and walls.  
J.1.2 Immerse the cylinder containing the liquid into a cooling mixture containing ice and salt. After cooling 
the s ample to 5 °C, take out the cylinder, shake it and scan it in transmitted daylight, or in the light of a 40 w 
electric lamp .  
J.2 Results  
The product shall be taken to have passed the test if no turbidity appears at a temperature of 5 °C.  The 
cologne shou ld be transparent   DEAS 956: 2019  
© EAC  2019  – All rights reserved  17 
 Bibliography  
[1] KS 1669: 2001 , Specification for cosmetic and air freshener aerosols  
[2] TZS 811: 2017 , Cosmetics and air freshener aerosols — Specification  
 DEAS 956: 2019    
 
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserv ed