ICS 65.100  
 
Reference number  
DRS 392 -2: 2021  
© RSB 2021  
  
 RWANDA 
STANDARD  DRS 
392-2 
 
Second edition  
2021 -mm-dd 
 
Skin applied mosquito repellents  — 
Specification  — 
Part 2: 
Sprays and roll -ons 
   
DRS 392 -2: 2021  
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  ii 
 In order to match with technological development and to keep continuous progress in industries, 
standards are subject to periodic review. Users shall ascertain that they are in possession of the latest 
edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© RSB 2021  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized 
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without 
prior written permission from R SB. 
Requests for permission to reprodu ce this document should be addressed to : 
Rwanda Standards  Board  
P.O Box 7099 Kigali -Rwanda  
KK 15 Rd, 49  
Tel. +250 788303492  
Toll Free: 3250  
E-mail: info@rsb.gov.rw  
Website: www.rsb.gov.rw  
ePortal: www.portal.rsb.gov.rw   DRS 392 -2: 2021  
iii                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  1 
4 Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  3 
4.1 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
4.2 Active ingredients and synergists  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 3 
4.2.1  Natural repellents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 3 
4.2.2  Synthetic repellents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  3 
4.2.3  Synergist content  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 4 
4.3 Specif ic requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  4 
4.4 Biological efficacy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 
5 Packaging and labelling ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  4 
5.1 Packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
5.2 labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  5 
6 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  5 
Annex  A (informative)  Some common essential oils in natural repellents that may be hazardous  .........  6 
Annex  B (informative)  Plant -based i nsect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and 
testing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  8 
Annex  C (informative)  Active ingredients for synthetic repe llents  ................................ ............................  16 
Annex  D (normative)  Non -volatile matter  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 18 
D.1 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  18 
D.2 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  18 
D.3 Calculation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  18 
 DRS 392 -2: 2021  
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  iv 
 Foreword   
Rwanda Standard s are prepared  by Technical Committees and approved by R wanda Standards Board (RSB) 
Board  of Directors in  accordance with the procedures of RSB, in compliance with Annex 3 of the WTO/TBT 
agreement on the preparation, adoption and application of standards.  
The main task of technical committees is to prepare national standards.  Final Draft Rwanda S tandards 
adop ted by Technical committ ees are ratified  by me mbers of RSB Board of Director s for publication and 
gazettment as Rwanda Standards.  
DRS 392-2 was prepared by Technical Committee RSB/TC 015, Pharmaceutical Products . 
This second edition cancels and replaces th e first edition (RS  392-2: 2018 ), which  has been technically 
revised.  
DRS 392 consists of the following parts, under the general title Skin applied mosquito repellents  — 
Specification : 
 Part 1: Lotions, creams, gels and ointments  
 Part 2: Sprays and roll -ons 
Part 3: Wipes  
Part 4: Soaps  
Part 5: Bracelets, wristbands and patches  
Committee membership  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee on Pharmaceutical Products  
(RSB/TC 015) in the preparation of this standard.  
AGROPY Ltd 
HORIZON/SOPYRWA  
IKIREZI Natural Products  
Institute d’Enseignement Superieur de Ruhengeri (INES – RUHENGERI)  
National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA)  
National Pharmacy Council (NPC)  DRS 392 -2: 2021  
v                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Healthcare Pharmacy  
Rwanda Biomedical Center/Malaria  and Other Parasitic Diseases Division (RBC/MOPDD)  
Rwanda Development Board (RDB)  
Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA)  
Rwanda Forensic Laboratory (RFL)  
Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA)  
Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB)  
Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB)  
University of Rwanda/College of Education  
University of Rwanda/College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR/CMHS)  
University of Rwanda/College of Sciences and Technology (UR/CST)  
Rwanda  Standards Board  (RSB) – Secretariat  DRS 392 -2: 2021  
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  vi 
 Introduction   
Mosquito repellents are an effective complement to bed nets in the prevention of mosquito borne diseases, 
especially malaria.  
Insecticides are used either for killing or controlling harmful insects. The insecticides which are  applied for 
repelling insects are termed as “Repellents". Mosquito is one of the most harmful insects for mankind. To 
destroy them, many preparations are available on the market in various recipes like pest killer spray, soap, oil, 
powder, repellent etc. Out of these, mosquito repellent is the most popular as it has germicidal and 
disinfectant properties and is able to repel mosquitoes and is convenient to use.  
The mosquito repellent is used for warding off mosquitoes which is the most harmful insect. Nowa days, 
mosquito repellents are used for controlling mosquitoes and are becoming most preferably than other 
mosquito destroyers gradually. With the rise in the standard of living, increasing urbanization and population, 
the demand of mosquito repellent mat i s constantly increasing particularly in tropical places. It is a convenient 
method for protection against mosquitoes, so it has a tremendous market potential. Thus, there is a very good 
scope for development of such units in the country . 
Skin applied mosqu ito repellents possess the potential to target residual transmission. Entomological 
evidence has shown that repellents provide personal protection against malaria. Product examples that are 
commonly used include lotions, gels, creams and ointments, among o thers. However, many more types of 
skin applied repellent products are now developed in various forms such as sprays and roll -ons, wipes, soaps 
and bracelets, wristbands and patches.  DRS 392 -2: 2021  
1                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Skin applied mosquito repellents  — Specification  — Part 2: Sprays and 
roll-ons 
1 Scope   
This Draft Rwanda Standard prescribes the requirements, sampling and test methods for skin applied 
mosquito repellents formulated and/or prepared as sprays and roll -ons and meant to be applied directly to skin 
or to clothing and/or footwear.  
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 reference d document (including any amendments) applies.  
RS EAS 846, Glossary of terms relating to the cosmetic industry   
RS EAS 377 (all parts), Cosmetics and cosmetic products   
RS 191, Refined pyrethrum concentrate ― Specification   
RS EAS 847 -17, Cosmetics — Analy tical methods — Part 17: Determination of pH   
RS EAS 847 -16, Cosmetics — Analytical methods — Part 16: Determination of lead, mercury and arsenic 
content   
AOAC 997.07, N-octyl Bicycloheptene dicarboximide (MGK 264), Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide (PB) i n 
Technical materials, concentrates and Finished Products.   
RS 394 -1, Mosquito repellents ― Performance Test Guidelines ― Part 1: Skin applied repellents   
RS 91, Labelling and marking of pharmaceutical products — Specification   
RS ISO 24153, Random samplin g and randomization procedures  
3 Terms and definitions   
For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions given in RS EAS 846 and the following apply.   
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  2 
 3.1 
mosquito  
any of numerous arthropod animals of the class mosquito, having an adult stage char acterized by three pairs 
of legs and a body segmented into head, thorax, and abdomen and usually having one or two pairs of wings  
3.2 
mosquito  repellent  
substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages mosquito (and arthropods in ge neral) 
from landing or climbing on that surface  
3.3 
natural repellents/biopesticides  
repellents that contain natural, plant -based compounds or other products approved by a competent authority  
3.4 
synthetic repellents  
conventional repellents containing synthetic chemical compounds  
3.5 
roll-on 
cosmetic preparation with the effect of deodorizing and providing antiperspirant properties to the body of the 
user. It is packed in a container fitted with a roll -ball 
3.6 
roll-ball 
spherically shaped object, with the capacity to roll in all directions. It is put at the opening of a roll -on container 
and serves the role of closing the container as well as dispensing the contents, when rolled on the skin  
3.7 
competent authority  
ministry or government institution in c harge of registration of pharmaceutical products  DRS 392 -2: 2021  
3                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 4 Requirements  
4.1 General requirements  
4.1.1  The repellent shall contain required amounts of active ingredients and when applied to the skin shall 
have the effect of repelling insects. The repellent shall be in t he form of:  
a) Sprays : This  shall consist of a liquid formulation that is blown or driven through the air in the form of 
tiny drops and which contain s active ingredient (s), and /or synergist(s) and other formulants  including 
solvents , 
b) Roll-ons: The product may  also be in form of cosmetic preparation meant to be applied as  a roll -on, 
and which contains  active ingredient(s), synergist(s) and /or other formulants  
4.1.2 The formulation  shall be of uniform colour and shall be free from visible impurities.  
4.1.3 All ingredients shall meet the requirements of RS EAS 377.  
4.1.4 When applied to the skin, clothes or shoes, the product shall have the benefit of repelling mosquitoes 
and shall not have a harmful effect to the skin.  
4.2 Active ingredients and synergists  
4.2.1  Natural repellents  
4.2.1.1  Active ingredients used in natural repellents shall be natural plant based active ingredients such as 
essential oils or any other  plant extract approved as mosquito repellents.  
4.2.1.2 The manufacturer  shall provide adequate data on the repellence of such ingredients.  
4.2.1.3 The manufacturer  shall have adequate data justifying the proportion of ingredient(s) for which claims 
are made, used in the product.  
4.2.1.4 The essential oils used in natural repellents shall be safe for users and provide the required efficacy. 
The annex A gives some ingredients (essential oils) and safe concentration commonly used in natural 
repellents.   
4.2.1.5  The concentration of plant -based active ingredient and recommended application shall be safe to the 
user and provide the required efficacy. The annex B provides the efficacy of some plant -based mosquito 
repellents.  
4.2.2  Synthetic repellents  
4.2.2.1  Synthetic re pellents shall contain synthetic chemical compound (s) or their mixture with natural 
compounds, which are able to discourage mosquitoes and send them flying or crawling  away.  
4.2.2. 2 The concentration of the active ingredients and the recommended applicati on/use shall ensure the 
declared efficacy and shall be safe and proved by scientific evidence.   
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  4 
 4.2.2.3  Synthetic repellents and their active ingredients shall be approved and registered by competent 
authority before being released to the market. The annex C gives the list of some of active ingredients used in 
synthetic repellents.  
4.2.3  Synergist content  
4.2.3.1 The synergist content shall be declared and, when determined, the average content measured shall 
not differ from th at declared.  
4.2.3.2  The synergist sh all be PBO, sesame seed oil (sesamin, sesamolin) and/or MGK 264. The synergist 
shall be tested in accordance with AOAC 997.07.  The ratio of the active ingredient to the synergist shall be 
indicated and records availed.  
4.2.3.3 The ratio of the active ingre dient to the synergist shall be at the ratio range of 1 to 10 parts 
exponent’s active ingredient to 1 part of an insecticide’s active ingredient.  
4.3 Specific requirements  
The product shall comply with the specific requirements given in table 1 when tested in accordance with the 
methods indicated therein.  
Table 1 — Specific requirements  
S/N Parameters  Requirements  Test methods  
i.  pH  3 – 7 RS EAS 847 -17 
ii.  Non-volatile matter, % m/m, min.  10 Annex D 
iii.  Lead  (Pb) , , mg/kg, max  20 RS EAS 847 -16 
iv.  Arsenic ( As), mg/kg, max  2 
v.  Mercure ( Hg), mg/kg, max  2 
4.4 Biological efficacy  
When tested in accordance with RS 394 -1, the product shall repel 100 % of the mosquitoes from landing or 
climbing on that surface, within  protection time indicated by the manufacturer.  
5 Packaging and labelling  
5.1 Packaging  
5.1.1  The container  of spray repellent shall be suitable in order to  protect the contents and shall not react 
with the product  or cause any contamination during storage, handling or use.  
5.1.2  The roll-on container shall be fitted with a roll -ball and the roll -ball shall be:  
a) made of plastic material  DRS 392 -2: 2021  
5                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 b) fitting on the container such that on holding the container inside down the contents shall not pour out.  
c) be free rolling, leaving a thin layer of the contents on the skin durin g dispensation  
5.2 lLabelling  
The containers shall be securely closed and in addition to the labelling requirements of RS 91 , the following 
information shall be indelibly and legibly marked on the container:  
a) name of the product;  
b) name and full address of the ma nufacture;  
c) batch number;  
d) date of manufacture and expiry;  
e) quantity in the container;  
f) active ingredient content, (%,  m/m);  
g) list of other ingredients ; 
h) net mass of content;  
i) directions for use;  
j) safety precaution;  
k) special persons whose exposure is prohibited (out of reach of children and pregnant women); and  
l) storage conditions.  
6 Sampling  
Random samples of the product shall be drawn for test in accordance with RS ISO 24153 from the market, 
factory or anywhere else.  
  
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  6 
 Annex  A 
(informative)  
 
Some common essential oils in natural repellents that may be hazardous  
Table A1 – Some common ingredients (essential oils) in natural repellents that may be hazardous  
Common name  Scientific name  Safe concentration 
(%) Hazard  
Anise  Pimpinella anisum  3.6 Based on 0.11% methyl eugenol; carcinogen.  
Basil  Ocimum sp.  0.07 Based on 6% methyl eugenol; carcinogen.  
Bergamot  Citrus aurantium 
bergamia  0.1 Sensitising and phototoxic; skin irritant.  
Cajeput  Melaleuca alternifolia  0.004  Based on 97% methyl eugenol; carcinogen.  
Cedar  Chamaecyparis 
nootkatensis  1 Likely allergenic contaminants if nootkatone 
not 98% pure.  
Cinnamonium  Cinnamonium cassia  9 Sensitising skin irritant  
Cinnamomum verum  0.05 Based on 75.5% of cinnamaldehyde, 
sensitising skin irritant.  
Citronella  Cymbopogon nardus  2 Safety is controversial; based on 0.2% methyl 
eugenol or 1.3% citral; sensitising skin irritant.  
18.2 Based on 29.1% geraniol, sensitising skin 
irritant.  
Citronella (java)  Cymbopogon 
winterianius  2 Based on 2% methyl eugenol; carcinogen.  
Citrus oils  Citrus sp.  16 – 25  Based on 0.005 % - 0.0025 % bergapten; 
phototoxic skin irritant  
Clove  Syzyguim aromaticum  0.5 Based on 92% eugenol; sensitising skin 
irritant.  
Eucalyptus  E. globulus, 
E.globulusmaidenii; E. 
radiate;  
E. smithii,  
E. camald ulensis  20 High in 1,8 -Cineole can cause Central 
Nervous System (CNS) and breathing 
problems in young children.  
Fever tea, lemon 
bush  Lippie javanica  2 Based on 5% citral in related species; 
sensitising skin irritant.  
Geranium  Pelargonium 
graveolens  6 Based on 1.5% citral; sensitising skin irritant.  
Pelargonium x asperum  17.5 Based on 30.3% geraniol ; sensitising skin 
irritant.  
Ginger  Zingber sp.  12 Based on 0.8 citral; sensitising skin irritant.  
Huon oil, Macquarie 
pine Langarostrobus franklini  0.004  Bsed on methyl euginol; carcinogen.  
Lemongrass  Cymbopogon citrates  0.1 Based on 90% citral; sensitising skin irritant.  
Lime  Citrus aurantifolia  0.7 Phototoxic skin irritant.  
Litsea  Litsea cubeba  0.1 Based on 78% cotral; sensitising skin irritant  
Marigold  Tagates minuta  0.01 Phototoxic skin irritant  
Mint Menthe piperata and 
spicata  2 Based on 0.1% trans -2-hexenal; sensitising 
skin irritant.  
Nutmeg  Myristica fragrans  0.4 Based on 1% methyl eugenol; carcinogen.  
Palmarosa  Cymbopogon martini  16 Based on 1.2% farnesol; sensitizing skin 
irritant.  DRS 392 -2: 2021  
7                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Pine Pinus sylvestris  Prepare with 
antioxidants  Oxidation creates phototoxic skin irritants  
Rosemary  Rosemarinus officinalis  36 Based on 0.011% methyl eugenol; 
carcinogen.  
16.5 High in Camphor CT (Chemotype)  
22 High in α -Pinene CT  
6.5 High in Verbenone CT  
Rue Ruta chalepensis  0.15 Based on presence of psoralenes; phototoxic 
skin irritant.  
Tea tree  Melaleuca bracteata  0.0004  Based on 97.7% of methyleugenol, 
sensitising skin irritant.  
Leptospermum 
petersonii ( lemon 
scented)  0.6 Based on 76.7% Citral (Geranial +Neral), 
sensitising skin irritant.  
Thyme  Thymus vulgaris  2 Based on 0.1% trans -2-hexenal; sensitising 
skin irritant.  
Violet  Viola odorata  2 Based on 0.1% trans -2-hexenal; sensitizing 
skin irritant.  
Ylang -ylang  Canagium odoratum  2 Based on 4% farnesol; sensitizing skin 
irritant.  
. 
   
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  8 
 Annex  B 
(informative)  
 
Plant -based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development 
and testing1 
Plant -based repellents have been used for generations in traditional practice as a personal protection 
measure against host -seeking mosquitoes. Knowledge on traditional repellent plants obtained through 
ethnobotanical studies is a valuable resource for the development  of new natural products. Recently, 
commercial repellent products containing plant -based ingredients have gained increasing popularity among 
consumers, as these are commonly perceived as “safe” in comparison to long -established synthetic repellents 
althoug h this is sometimes a misconception. The table E1 gives an overview of repellent plant efficacy from 
literature review.  
Table B1 – An overview of repellent plant efficacy from literature review  
Plant  Location  Other names  Repellent 
compound (s)  Tested mode of 
use Repellency % 
protection  
MYRTACEAE  
Corymbia citriodora  Australia  
Brazil  
Bolivia  
China  
India  
Ethiopia  
Tanzania  
Kenya  Lemon 
eucalyptus  
Lemon 
scented  
Gum  
Quwenling  
 Citronellal PMD 
(by product of 
hydrodistillation) 
(p-methane -3,8-
diol) 
Citronellol  
Limonene  
Geraniol  
Isopulegol  
δ-pinene  30% PMD applied 
topically  96.88% protection 
from mosquitoes 
for 4 hours  
PMD towelette 
(0.57g) applied 
topically  90% protection 
from An. Arabiensis 
for 6 hours.  
50% PMD applied 
topically  100% protection 
from An. Gambiae 
and An. Funestus 
for 6 – 7 hours.  
20% PMD (1.7 
mg/cm2) applied 
topically.  100% protection for 
11 – 12 hours 
against A. 
stephensi .  
20% PMD applied 
topically  100% protection 
against Ae. Aegypti 
for 120 minutes.  
Thermal expulsion 
(leaves)  78.7% protection 
from An. 
Arabiensis.  
Direct burning 
(leaves)  70.1% protection 
from An. arabiensis  
Periodic thermal 
expulsion (leaves)  74.5% protection 
from An. Gambiae 
s.s. 
                                                      
1 Marta Ferreira Maia and Sarah J. Moore, Plant -based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and 
testing. Malaria Journal, 2011.  DRS 392 -2: 2021  
9                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Periodic direct 
burning (leaves)  51.3% protection 
from An. Gambiae 
s.s. 
Thermal expulsion 
(leaves)  48.71% protection 
from An. Gambiae 
s.l. 
Eucalyptus spp.  Guinea -Bissau  
Ethiopia  
Tanzania  
Portugal  Eucalyptus  1,8-cineole 
citronellal  
Z- and α - citral  
α- pinene  Thermal expulsion 
(leaves)  72.2% protection 
from mosquitoes 
for 2 hours.  
E. camaldulensis  Ethiopia    Thermal expulsion 
(leaves)  71.9% protection 
from An. 
Arabiensis.  
72.2% protection 
from An. 
Pharaoensis.  
Direct burning 
(leaves)  65.3% protection 
from An. 
Arabiensis.  
66.6% protection 
from An. 
Pharaoensis.  
Eugenia 
caryophyllus or 
Syzygium 
aromaticum or 
Eugenia aromatic  India  Clove lavang 
cravinho -da-
india  Euginol  
Carvacrol  
Thymol  
Cinnamaldehyde  100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against Ae. aegypti 
for 225 minutes  
100% protection 
against An. 
Albimanus  for 213 
minutes  
100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against Ae. aegypti 
for 120 min.  
100% protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 240 min.  
100% protection 
against An. Dirus 
for 210 min.  
VERBENACEAE  
lippia spp.  Kenya  
Tanzania  
Ghana  
Zimbabwe  Lemon bush  Myrcene  
Linalool  
α- pinene  
eucalyptol    
L. javanica    Alloparinol  
Camphor  
Limonene  
α- terppeneol  
verbenone  5 mg/cm2 plant 
extract applied 
topically  100% protection 
against Ae. aegypti 
for 8 hours  
Alcohol plant 
extract applied 
topically  76.7% protection 
against An. 
Arabiensis for 4 
hours  
L. uckambensis   Fever tea   Potted plant  33.3% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae  s.s 
Periodic thermal 
expulsion (leaves)  45.9% protection 
against An.  
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  10 
 Gambiae s.s  
Periodic direct 
burning (leaves)  45.9% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.s  
Potted plant  25.01% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.s  
L. cheraliera    Eucalyptol  
Caryophyllene  
Ipsdienone  
p-cymene    
Lantana camara  Kenya  
Tanzania  Lantana  
Spanish flag  
West Indian  
Lantana  
Wild sage  Caryophylene  Potted plant  32.4% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.s  
Potted plant  27.22% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.l  
Flower extract in 
coconut oil  94.5% protection 
against aegypti and 
ae. albopictus for 
one hour  
Periodic thermal 
axpulsion (leaves)  42.4% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.s  
LAMIACEAE  
ocimum spp. O. 
americanum  Kenya  
Tanzania  
Zimbabwe  
Nigeria  
Ghana  
Cameroon  
Eritrea  
Ethiopia (…)  Tree basil  
Nchu avum  
Lime basil  
Kivumbasi  
Myeni  
Madongo  
African blue  
Basil  
Hairy basil  p-cymene  
estragosl  
linalool  
linoleic acid  
eucalyptol  
eugenol  
camphor  
citral  
thujone  
limonene  
ocimene  
and others  Potted plant  39.70% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.s  
Potted plant  37.91% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.l  
Fresh plants 
combined with O. 
suave bruised and 
applied topically  50% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.l  
Periodic thermal 
axpulsion (leaves 
and seeds)  43.1% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.s  
Periodic direct 
burning (leaves 
and seeds)  20.9% protection 
against An. 
Gambiae s.s  
100% essential oil 
combined with 
vanillin 5% applied 
topically  100% protection 
against Ae. aegypti 
for 6.5 hours  
100% protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 8 hours  
100% protection 
against An. Dirus 
for 8 hours  
O. suave     Thermal expulsion 
(leaves)  73.6% protection 
from An. Arbiensis  
75.1% protection 
against An. DRS 392 -2: 2021  
11                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 pharaoensis  
Direct burning 
(leaves)  71.5% protection 
from An. arbiensis  
79.7% protection 
against An. 
pharaoensis  
Periodic thermal 
expulsion (leaves 
and seeds)  53.1% protection 
from An. gambiae 
s.s. 
Periodic direct 
burning (leaves 
and seeds)  28.0% protection 
from An. gambiae 
s.s. 
O. basilicum     Thermal expulsion 
(leaves)  78.7% protection 
from An. arabiensis  
79.2% protection 
from An. 
pharaoensis  
Direct burning 
(leaves)  73.1% protection 
from An. arabiensis  
70.0% protection 
from An. 
pharaoensis  
100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection for 
70 minutes.  
O. 
kilimandscharikum     Thermal expulsion 
(leaves and 
seeds)  44.54% protection 
against An. 
gambiae s.l.  
Thermal expulsion 
(leaves and 
seeds)  37.63% protection 
against An. 
funestus.  
Periodic thermal 
expulsion (leaves 
and seeds)  52.0% protection 
against An. 
gambiae s.s.  
Periodic direct 
burning (leaves 
and seeds)  26.4% protection 
against An. 
gambiae s.s.  
O. forskolei     Fresh plants hung 
indoors  53% protection 
against mosquitoes 
entering human 
dwelling  
Hyptis spp. Hyptis 
suaveolens  Kenya  
Tanzania  
Ghana  
The Gambiae  Bushmint  
Wild hops  
Wild 
Spikenard  
Hangzimu  
Hortela -do-
campo  Myrcene  Smouldering on 
charcoal  85.4% repellency 
against mosquitoes 
for 2 hours  
Fresh leaves  73.2% repellency 
against mosquitoes 
for 2 hours.  
Periodic direct 
burning (leaves 
and flowers)  20.8% repellency 
against An. 
gambiae s.s.  
Menthe spp. M. 
piperata  Brazil  
Bolivia  Hortela -do-
campo  
Peppermint   100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against Ae. aegypti 
for 45 minutes.  
M. arvensis   Menta  
Japanese 
mint  100% essential oil 
volatilized in a 
kerosene lamp  41% protection 
against indoors 
against Mansonia 
spp.  
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  12 
 Thymus spp. Th. 
vulgaris  China  
Former Soviet  
Union Korea  
Middle -East 
Mediterranean  Thyme  α- terpinene  
carvacrol  
thymol  
p-cymene  
linalool  
geraniol  α- terpinene 
topically  97.3% protection 
against Culex 
pipiens sallens for 
82 min.  
Carvacrol topically  94.7% protection 
against C. pipiens 
sallens for 80 min.  
Thymol topically  91.8% protection 
against C. pipiens 
sallens for 70 min  
Linalool topically  91.7% protection 
against C. pipiens 
sallens for 65 min  
p-cymene  89.0% protection 
against C. pipiens 
sallens for 45.2 min  
100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against An. 
Arbimanus for 105 
min and Ae. 
aegypti for 135 min.  
Direct burning 
(leaves)  85-90% protection 
for 60 -90 min.  
Pogostemon spp.  China  Patchouli   100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against Ae. aegypti 
for 120 min.  
Pogostemon cablin  India  
Malaysia  
Thailand  Oriza   100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 150 min.  
100% protection 
against An. Dirus 
for 710 min.  
POACEAE  
Cymbopogon  China  
India  
Indonesia      
C. nardus  Brazil   citronellal  40% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection for 
7-8 hours against 
An. Stephensi  
100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against Ae. Aegypti 
for 120 min.  
100% protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 100 min.  
100% protection 
against An. dirus 
for 70 min.  
10% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against Ae. Aegypti 
for 20 min.  
C. martini  Tanzania  
Kenya  palmarosa  geraniol  100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against An. DRS 392 -2: 2021  
13                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 culicifacies for 12 
hours.  
96.3% protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 12 hours.  
Topically (100% 
essential oil)  98.8% protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 10 hours.  
C. citratus  USA 
South Africa  
Bolivia  Lemongrass 
oil Citral α - pinene  Topically (100% 
essential oil)  74% protection 
against An. Darling 
for 2.5 hours  
95% protection 
against Mansonia  
spp. for 2.5 hours  
Methanol leaf 
extract applied 
topically 
(2.5mg/m2) 78.8% protection 
against An. 
Arabiensis  for 12 
hours  
100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection for 
30 minutes.  
C. winterianius     100% essential oil 
combined with 
vanillin 5% applied 
topically  100% protection 
against Ae. Aegypti  
for 6.5 hours  
100%  protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 8 hours  
100% protection 
against  An. Dirus 
for 8 hours  
C. excavatus     Alcohol plant 
extract applied 
topically  66.7% protection 
against An. 
Arabiensis  for 3 
hours  
Pelargonium 
reniforme   Rose  
Geranium   Alcohol plant 
extract applied 
topically  63.3% protection 
against An. 
Arabiensis  for 3 
hours  
MELIACEAE  
Azadirachta indica  India  
Sri Lanka  
China  
Brazil  
Bolivia  
Pakistan  
Ethiopia  
Guinea Bissau  
Kenya  
Tanzania (…)  Neem  Azadirachtin 
saponins  Direct burning 
(leaves)  76.0% protection 
from mosquitoes 
for 2 hours  
Periodic thermal 
expulsion (leaves)  24.5% protection 
from An. Gambiae 
s.s. 
1% neem oil 
volatilized in a 
kerosene lamp  94.2% protection 
from Anopheles 
spp.  
80% protection 
from Culex spp. 
2% neem oil 
applied topically  56.75% protection 
from mosquitoes 
for 4 hours  
ASTERACEAE   
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  14 
 Tagetes minuta  Uganda  
Zimbabwe  
India  Khaki weed   Topically  86.4% protection 
against An. 
Stephensi  for 6 
hours  
Topically  84.2% protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 6 hours  
Topically  75% protection 
against Ae. Aegypti 
for 6 hours  
Fresh leaves 
(4Kg)  Reduced human 
landings indoors  
Artemisia ssp.       
A. vulgalis  India  
Egypt  
Italy 
Canada  
USA Mugwort 
wormwood 
St. Johns 
plant  
Old uncle 
henry  
Sailors  
Tobacco  Camphor  
Linalool  
Terpenen -4-ol 
α- and β - thujone  
β- pinene    
A. monosperma  Siberia  
Brazil  Felon herb  
Naughty man  Myrcene  
Limonene  
Cineol  5% leave extract 
applied topically  100% protection for 
4 hours  
CAESALPINIACEAE  
Daniellia oliveri  Guinea -Bissau  
The Gambiae  Churai  
Santao  
Santang  
Santango   Direct burning 
(bark)  77.9% protection 
against mosquitoes 
for 2 hours  
Direct burning 
(bark)  77% protection 
against mosquitoes  
FABACEAE  
Glycine max  Worldwide  Soya   2% soya bean oil  100% protection 
against Ae. Aegypti 
for 95 minutes  
RUTACEAE  
Zanthoxylum 
limonella  Thailand  makaen   100% essential oil 
applied topically  100% protection 
against Ae. Aegypti 
for 120 minutes  
100% protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 170 minutes  
10% essential oil 
combined with 
vanillin 5%applied 
topically  100% protection 
against An. dirus 
for 95 minutes  
Citrus hystrix  Indonesia  
Malaysia  
Thailand  
Laos  Kaffir lime  
Limau  
Purut   100% essential oil 
combined with 
vanillin 5% applied 
topically  100% protection 
against An. 
Stephensi  for 8 
hours  
100% protection 
against Ae. Aegypti 
for 3 hours  
100% protection DRS 392 -2: 2021  
15                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 1.5 hours  
100% protection 
against An. dirus 
for 2.5 hours  
ZINGIBERACEAE  
Curcuma longa   Turmeric  
Curcuma  
Indian saffron   100% essential oil 
combined with 
vanillin 5% applied 
topically  100% protection 
against Ae. Aegypti 
for 4.5 hours  
100% protection 
against C. 
quinquefasciatus 
for 8 hours  
100% protection 
against An. dirus 
for 8 hours   
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  16 
 Annex  C 
(informative)  
 
Active ingredients for synthetic repellents  
Table C1 – List of some active ingredients for synthetic repellents  
Active ingredient  Assessing risks to Health  Assessing risks to Environment  
DEET  
DEET, which is an acronym for N,N -
Diethyl -meta -toluamide, is one of the 
most effective bug repellents and also 
repels ticks.  Large doses of DEET have been 
linked to skin blisters, seizures, 
memory loss, headaches, stiffness in 
the joints shortness of breat h, and 
skin irritation. DEET is also linked to 
neurotoxicity that may lead to 
physiological and behavioral 
problems, especially with motor skills, 
and learning and memory 
dysfunction.  DEET is absorbed quickly through 
the skin: one study showed that 48% 
of the applied dose is totally 
absorbed within six hours. When 
mixed with the sunscreen chemical 
oxybenzone, it was found to be 
absorbed even more quickly. DEET 
has been shown to cross the 
placenta: in animal studies, DEET 
was found in the fetus and in 
newbor ns up to three months old 
after exposing the mother to the 
chemical.  
IR 3535  
3-[N-Butyl -N-acetyl] -aminopropionic 
acid, ethyl ester is structurally related 
to #-alanine, which occurs naturally. 
The active ingredient is a liquid at 
room temperature.  IR3535 has been used as an insect 
repellent in Europe for 20 years with 
no substantial adverse effects. 
Toxicity tests show that the IR3535 is 
not harmful when ingested, inhaled, 
or used on skin. Eye irritation could 
occur if the chemical enters a 
person=s eyes. Any allergic reactions 
are required to be reported to EPA  Because the active ingredient is used 
only in products applied to human 
skin, no risks to the environment are 
expected..  
PMD (p -Menthane -3,8-diol 
p-Menthane -3,8-diol occurs naturally 
in the lemon eucalyptus plant. The 
natural oil can be extracted from the 
eucalyptus leaves and twigs. For 
commercial use, the active ingredient 
is chemically synthesized. p-
Menthane -3,8-diol is structurally 
similar to men thol. In studies using laboratory animals, 
p-Menthane -3,8-diol shows no 
adverse effects except for eye 
irritation. Therefore, special 
precautions were put on the label to 
prevent the product from contacting 
people's eyes. For example, "Do not 
get in eyes. Do not apply on face or 
hands of small children." and "Do not 
spray directly on or near face. 
Instead, spray in palm of hand and 
spread on face and neck." If used 
according to label instructions, p -
Menthane -3,8-diol is not expected to 
pose health risks to people, including 
children and other sensitive 
populations.  Based on laboratory animal studies, 
p-Menthane -3,8-diol poses minimal 
or no risks towildlife. Because of the 
low toxicity and limited uses of p -
Menthane -3,8-diol, it is not harmful to 
the environme nt 
Picardin  
1-(1-methylpropoxycarbonyl) -2-(2-
hydroxyethyl) piperidine or 2 -(2-
hydroxyethyl) -1-piperidinecarboxylic 
acid 1 -methylpropyl ester. Picaridin is 
an insect repellent that is applied 
directly to the skin. Picaridin appears 
to work by preventing the mosquito Picaridin generally is of low acute 
toxicity, and based on the available 
toxicological data, the Agency 
believes that the normal use of 
Picaridin does not present a health 
concern to the general U.S. 
population  Based on the ecological effects data 
submitted by the registrant, the 
Agency concluded that the product 
should pose no risks to terrestrial and 
aquatic organisms from the proposed 
use p attern. The use should provide 
non-target organisms extremely 
limited access to the chemical.  DRS 392 -2: 2021  
17                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 finding or recognizing its host. 
Picaridin products can be formulated 
as solids, liquids, sprays, aerosols, or 
wipes.  
2-undecanone  
Methyl nonyl ketone is a dog and cat 
repellent/training aid and iris borer 
deterrent. The pesticide is used in 
households, paths, patios, solid wast e 
containers and on ornamental plants. 
Methyl nonyl ketone is  
formulated as a pressurized liquid, 
granular, liquid ready -to-use 
(pump/sprayer), solid (crystalline), 
and liquid for reformulating use only. 
EPA assumes that the volume of use 
of this pesticide  is relatively low.  Based on the current use patterns 
and exposure profiles for methyl 
nonyl ketone, no dietary or 
occupational risk characterizations 
are required  
since residues in or on food/feed are 
not expected to occur and no 
toxicological endpoints o f concern for 
either short or intermediated terms 
were identified.  Due to the repell ent nature of the 
product, risks to non -target terrestrial 
species is not likely. In addition, non -
target aquatic species exposure is 
unlikely because this chemical is 
neither persistent nor mobile in the 
environment and associated use 
patterns.   
©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved                  18 
 Annex  D 
(normative)  
 
Non-volatile matter  
D.1 Apparatus  
D.1.1  Moisture dish  
D.1.2 Oven  
D.1.3 Analytical balance  
D.1.4 Desiccator  
D.2 Procedure  
Weigh accurately 1g ± 0.2 g of the sample in the dish and place it in an oven at 105 °C ± 2°C for 1 h. Cool to 
room temperature in a desiccator and weigh the dish. Repeat the process to bring it to constant mass.  
D.3 Calculation  
Non-volatile matter per cent by mass = =M2−M1
𝑀 𝑥 100 
Where,  
M = mass, in grams of the material taken;  
M1 = mass in grams of the dry and empty dish, and  
M2= mass in grams of the dish and dried material.  DRS 392 -2: 2021  
19                ©RSB 2021  - All rights reserved  
 Bibliography  
[1] USPC/USP Pharmacopeial Forum 2009 (Vol. 35 (3),  Topical and Transdermal Drug Produ cts 
[2] Manual on development and use of FAO and WHO specifications for pesticides, November 2010, 2nd 
Edition.  
[3] Product Performance Test Guidelines. OPPTS 810.3700 : Insect Repellents to be applied to human Skin  
[4] Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 19th Edition, 2012, volume I  
[5] Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential oils safety: A guide for health care Professionals , 2014.  
[6] K. Husnu Can Baser and Gerhard Buchbauer, Handbook of Essential oils – Science, technology and 
applications , 2010 . 
[7] Marta Ferreira Maia and Sarah J. Moore, Plant -based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, 
development and testing , Malaria Journal, 2011.  
 
 DRS 392 -2: 2021  
 
Price based on  18 pages  
©RSB 2021  - All right s reserved