DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  
  DUS 573 
Second Edition  
2017 -mm-dd 
 
 
 Reference number  
DUS 573: 2017 
© UNBS 2017   
  
Shoe polish  — Speci fication  
 DUS 573: 2017  
ii © UN BS 2017  – All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2017   
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS . 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards  
P.O. Box 6329  
Kampala  
Uganda  
Tel: 256 41 4 505 995  
Fax: 256 41 4 286 123  
E-mail: unbs@infocom.co.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  DUS 573:2017  
© UNBS 2017  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda, as amended.  UNBS is mandated to co -
ordinat e the elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT Agreement of the World Trad e Organisation (WTO).  
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of key stakeholders 
including government, academ ia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending t he draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee UNBS/TC  5, Chemical and 
Environment.  
This second  edition cancels and replaces the first edition (US  573:2006 ), which has been technically revised.  
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  DUS 573: 2017  
 
© UNBS 2017– All rights reserved  1 
 Shoe polish — Speci fication  
1 Scope  
This Draft Uganda standard specifies requirements, methods  of sampling and test methods for shoe polish  in 
form of paste, liquid and cream  suitable for the general application to leather footwear .   
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.  
DUS 1689 , standard test method for the distillation of volatile organic liquids . 
DUS 1690 , Standard Test Method for Determination of the Ash Content of adhesives  
DUS ISO 3679 , Determination of flash no flash and flash point – Rapid equilibrium  closed -cup method  
DUS ISO 4625 -1, Binders for paints and varnishes  — Determination of softening point  — Part 1: Ring -and-ball 
method  
US ISO 3251 , Paints, varnishes and plastics — Determination of non -volatil e matter content  
3 Terms and definitions  
 For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions shall apply .  
3.1  
flash point  
lowest temperature of the test portion, corrected to a barometric pressure of 101,3  kPa, at which application of  
an ignition source causes the vapour of the test portion to ignite and the flame to propagate across the surface 
of the liquid under the specified conditions of test  
3.2  
lot 
quantity of polish from the same batch and from one manufacturer that is submitt ed at any one time for 
inspection and testing  
3.3  
batch  
material from a single mix  
3.4  
ambient Temperature  
temperature between 21  °C and 38  °C DUS 573: 2017  
2 © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  
 3.5  
distillation range  
range of temperature within which a specific portion distills  
3.6  
dry point  
temperatu re indicated at the instant the last drop of the liquid evaporates from the lowest point in  the 
distillation flask, disregarding any liquid on the side of the flask  
3.7 
initial boiling point  
temperature indicated by the distillation thermometer at the instant the first drop of the conde nsate leaves the 
condenser tube  
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses: — ISO 
Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp  
4 Requirements  
4.1 Gener al requirements  
4.1.1 Odour  
The polish shall not have a n objectional  odour.  
4.1.2  Colour  
The polish  shall be manufactured in convectional colours like black,  tan (light brown), dark tan (dark brown) or 
neutral , closely matching  the colour of the leather fo otwear or in any other colour as agreed to between the 
purchaser and the manufacturer.  
4.1.3  Consistency  
The shoe polish shall be presented as prescribed in  clauses 4.1.3.1 , 4.1.3.2 and  4.1.3.3  
4.1.3.1  Cream  
The material  shall be a smooth, homogeneous crea m-like p asty mass.  It shall have no tendency for the 
separation of solvents or crystallization. It shall also be free from gritty material when tested in accordance 
with Annex A  
 4.1.3. 2 Paste  
The material shall be smooth, homogenous  semi -solid mass, free  from gritty material. It shall not flow at 
ordinary temperatures or show appreciable shrinkage at edges .It shall have no tendency for the separation of 
solvents or crystallization of the constituent materials when tested in accordance with  Annex -A 
4.1.3.3  Liquid  
The material shall be easily pourable, free flowing, homogenous liquid free from any grit and sedimentation it 
shall have a tendency of separation or crystallization of the constituent material when tested in accordance 
with Annex  A. DUS 573: 2017  
© UNBS 2017  – All rights reserved  3 
 4.1.4  Applica bility  
4.1.4.1  Cream  
When applied by means of a brush or clean cloth to a smooth upper leather surface, the cream shall spread 
easily and evenly and shall give with minimum of buffing a reasonably glossy surface free from any 
greasiness. In case an approve d sample is available, polish a similar piece of leather and match the gloss 
obtained on the test sample with that of the approved sample.  
The film of polish after spreading with the brush or the cloth shall satisfy the test prescribed in Annex B . The 
cream shall remove the ingrained dirt from the polished  leather footwear.  
4.1.4.2  Paste  
The polish shall not crumble or dry too rapidly and shall produce a non -tacky polished surface when tested as 
prescribed in Annex B  
The polish shall be amenable to smooth spreading on the upper  shoe leather and  the gloss shall appear on 
gentle rubbing with a brush or polishing cloth.  
4.1.4. 3 Liquid  
The polish shall be spread evenly on the surface without any mottling. The applied film shall not show any 
tendency to spreadin g while still being wet when tested in accordance with Annex B  
4.1.5  Toxicity  
The polish shall have no adverse effects on the human health and environment  when it i s used for its intended 
purpose . 
4.2 Specific requirements  
4.2.1  Colour of Water Extract  
Shoe paste —When 1 g of polish is stirred with 1 00 ml of water maintained at 75 °C ± 2°C, the aqueous extract 
will not have a  faint coloration.  
4.2.2  Oozing Test  
Shoe polish  — the container of the polish shall be tested for oozing  as prescribed in Annex E 
4.2.3 Resistance to Heat and Cold  
Shoe cream  — the polish shall pass the test for resistance to heat and cold when  tested as prescribed in 
Annex C. 
4.2.4 Other  requirements  
The polish shall also comply with the requirements given in Table 1  DUS 573: 2017  
4 © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  
 Table 1 — Requirem ents for shoe polish  
Characteristic  Requirement  Test method  
Paste  liquid  cream  
Softening point of non -volatile 
matter, °C Min. 60 - - DUS ISO 4625 -1 
Ash content of non -volatile 
matter percent by mass, Max.  1.5 1.0 1.5 DUS 1690  
Distillation range of  volatile  
portion,  °C 123 - 240 - - DUS 1689  
Flash point of volatile  portion,  
°C Min. 3 0 - 30 DUS ISO 3679  
Non-volatile matter,  percent by 
mass , 20 - 35 1.5 (max)  20 - 35 US ISO 3251  
pH of water extract  6.5 to 9.0  - - 6.5 to 9.0   
Annex  E pH of polish  - 6.5 - 9.0 - 
4.3 Stability in storage  
The polish manufactured shall conform to the requirement s thereof for one year from the date of manufacture 
when stored in its original container under cover at ambient temperature.  
4.4 Net content  
The size of the containers  shall be according to the weights and measures act.  
5 pack aging and labelling  
5.1 Packaging  
The container (including the closure) in which the polish is packaged shall not interact chemically or physically 
with the polish and shall be strong enough to pro tect the polish adequately during normal handling, 
transportation and storage.  
5.1.1  Paste  
5.1.1.1  The polish shall be supplied in sound, clean and dry, rustproof metal containers, preferably press 
lid type. The container shall be fitted with a lid which may be closed or opened without much difficulty and 
which shall prevent evaporation of the solvent  and the ingress of dirt . 
5.1.1.2  When  filled, the  surface of the polish in the container  may be covered with aluminium foil or 
waxed paper, the size of which  shall be slightly bigger than the diameter of the container so that the foil 
overlaps the container and ensures tight fit when the lid is in position.  
5.1.2 Crea m 
The shoe cream shall be supplied in wide -mouthed container s or collapsible tubes; both havin g caps which 
can be easily closed or opened and which prevent evaporation of solvent and ingress of dirt.  DUS 573: 2017  
© UNBS 2017  – All rights reserved  5 
 5.1.3 Liquid  
The polish shall be supplied in sound, clean and dry plastic container, fitted with inbuilt applicator for easy 
application. The containe r shall be fitted with a cap which can be  opened or closed without difficulty  and which 
shall prevent evaporation of the solvent and  the ingress of dirt .  
5.2 Labelling  
Each container and each bulk package shall bear in prominent, legible, and indelible ma rking the information 
required in terms of the Weights and Measures Act, and the following additional information:  
a) name of the product ; 
b) manufacturer's name  and physical address ; 
c) net mass of the material when packed;  
d) type of the shoe polish ; 
e) colour of polis h; 
f) country of origin ; and 
g) month and year of manufacture and expiry . 
6 Sampling  
The method of drawing representation samples of the material and the criteria for conformity shall be as 
prescribed in Annex F. DUS 573: 2017  
6 © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Determination of consistency  
A.1 paste  
A.1.1  procedure  
Maintain an original unopened container of polish at 10 °C ± 2 °C for two hours . Open the lid and examine as 
given in A.1.1.1 and A.1.1.2  
A.1.1. 1 No liquid shall separate from the semisolid mass . 
A.1.1. 2 The polish shall be soft and smooth to touch and capable of being t aken up readily with a brush 
or cloth without crumbling.  
A.1.2  Repeat the above series of examinations on another container maintained at a temperature of 45  °C ± 
2 °C for two hours.  
A.1.2. 1 The material shall not flow or run if the container is tilted to an angle of 30°C  
A.1.1. 2 The separation of a few drops of the solvent shall not be considered a failure to meet this test, if 
they are re -absorbed when the paste is brought to ordinary temperature.  
A.2 liquid   
A.2.1  Maintain an original unopened container of polish at 10 °C ± 1 °C for two hours. Open the lid and 
examine as given in A.1.2.1 and A.1.2.2  
A.2.1 1 No liquid shall separate from the homogenous liquid mass . 
A.2.1 2 The polish shall easily be pourable and applicable . 
A.2.2 Repeat the above series of examinations on another container maintained at a temperature of 45°C ± 
1°C for two hours . 
No solid shall separate from homogeneous liquid.  
A.3 cream  
A.3.1  Take a small amount of cream between fingers and rub. Presence of lumps or granules shall not be 
felt. 
A.3.2  Take two  clean, dry microscopic  slips. Apply  a uniform thin coat of the cream on the surface of one. 
Immediately place the  other slip on it so that the wet polish layer is sandwiched. Pressing the two  slips gently 
with fingers, cause them to move relative to each other a few rounds. Separate the slips by sliding off.  
There shall not be any streaks in the polish co at. DUS 573: 2017  
© UNBS 2017  – All rights reserved  7 
 Annex B 
(normative )  
 
Determination of applicability  
B.1 procedure   
B.1.1  Leather uppe r piece of size 150 mm × 15o mm of nearly the same colour as the polish shall be used 
for testing. Th e piece shall be smooth and  finished (non -glossy) on the grain side.  
B.1.2  Clean the grain surface with a cloth or brush to remove any adhering dust partic les. Apply the polish 
in a thin film to the smooth grain surface using a rag or brush and examine after two to  three minutes for the 
characteristics  in B.1.2.1 and B.1.2.2  
B.1.2.1  Examine the polished leather piece for gloss visually. In case an approved s ample of polish is 
available, polish a similar piece of leather and match the gloss obtained with the test sample with that of the 
approved sample.  
B.1.2.2  Place the leather piece (see B.1.2)  which has been allowed to dry for 5 minutes on  the pan of a 
suitable physical balance and  counterpoise it with weight. Place an additional  weight of 2.5 kg and press the 
polished surface  with thumb till the two pans of the balance are  counterpoised. Keep the thumb in this position  
for one minute and then slowly release . 
B.2 There shall be no sign of stickness of the thumb. The thumb impression, if produced, shall be such that 
it shall be wiped out with a cloth or brush . DUS 573: 2017  
8 © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  
 Annex  C 
(normative)  
 
Test for resistance to heat an d cold  
C.1 General  
The test is carried out on the shoe cream in its original containers One sample is maintained at 10 °C ± I°C 
and another sample at 45 °C ± 2°C for 2 hours.  
C.2 Resistance to Heat  
The material maintained at 45°C ± 2°C shall pass the foll owing requirements . 
C.2.1 No disagreeable odour shall emit from the containers when opened.  
C.2.2  No polish shall ooze out through the caps of container s. 
C.2.3  No liquid shall separate from the cream and it shall not flow when  the con tainer is tilted. 
Separation of a few drops shall not be considered a  failure  if these are reabsorbed into the cream on cooling.  
C.3 Resistance to Cold  
The material kept at 10°C ± 1°C shall pass the following requirements . 
C.3.1  The material shall spread on leather without cr umbling when applied  with a brush . 
C.3.2  No liquid shall separate.  DUS 573: 2017  
© UNBS 2017  – All rights reserved  9 
 Annex D 
(normative ) 
 
Determination of pH. 
D.1 paste and cream  
Add about 15 g of the material to 100 ml  of water in a beaker. Heat with stirring to about  80°C till all the wax 
has melted. Allow to  cool to  a temperature of 27  °C ± 2 °C. Separate the  aqueous layer from the wax cake 
and determine  its pH -meter with a glass electrode  
D.2 liquid polish  
The pH of the liquid polish is determined using a pH meter with a glass electrode at 27 °C ± 2 °C . No 
extraction is required.  DUS 573: 2017  
10 © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  
 Annex E 
(normative)  
 
Oozing Test 
Procedure  
Place original and unopened container as tendered of polish over a sheet of clean, white filter paper and keep 
the assembly in an air -oven at 44°C ± 2°C for 2 hours. Examine the contai ner for oozing of polish and filter 
paper for any stain caused by the oozed material.  DUS 573: 2017  
© UNBS 2017  – All rights reserved  11 
 Annex F 
(normative)  
 
Sampling  
F.1 General  
In drawing, preparing, storing and handling test samples, the following precautions and directions shall be 
observed.  
F.1.1 Samp les shall be taken in a protected place not exposed to damp air, dust or soot.  
F.1.2  The sampling instrument shall be clean and dry when used,  
F.1.3 Precautions shall be taken to protect the samples, the material being sampled, the sampling 
instrument and  the containers for samples from adventitious contamination.  
F.1.4 The samples shall be placed in clean, dry and air -tight glass or other suitable containers, on which the 
material has no action.  
F.1.5 The sample containers shall be of such a size that the y are almost completely filled by the sample.  
F.1.6 Each sample container shall be sealed air -tight after filling and marked with full details of sampling, 
the date of sampling and the month and year of manufacture of the material.  
F.1.7 Samples shall be s tored in such a manner that the temperature of the material does not vary unduly 
from the normal temperature.  
F.2 Scale of sampling  
F.2.1 Samples, to determine the conformity of a consignment of polish  to this specification, shall be 
selected so as to be representative of the consignment and for this purpose the consignment should be made 
up of homogeneous lots.  
F.2.2 Lot — All the containers in a single consignment of the material drawn from the same batch of 
manufacture and belonging to the same size sh all constitute a lot. If a consignment is declared or known to 
consist of different batches of manufacture or of different sizes of containers, the containers belonging to the 
same batch and size shall be grouped together and each such group shall constitu te a separate lot.  
F.2.3 Samples shall be tested for each lot for ascertaining the conformity of the material to the requirements 
of this specification.  
F.2.4 The number (n) of containers to be chosen from the lot shall depend upon the size of the lot an d shall 
be in accordance with Table F.1. 
 
 DUS 573: 2017  
12 © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  
 TABLE F.1 — Numbers of containers to be selected for sampling  
Lot size  (N) Number of containers to be chosen  (n) 
Up to 500  10 
501 to 1000  15 
1000 and above  20 
 
F.2.5 These containers shall be chosen at random from the lot; in order to ensure the randomness of 
selection .  
F.3 Preparation  of composite test samples  
F.3.1 For material supplied in bottl es, withdraw sticks of material  by means of borer such as cork borer from 
several different points across the surfa ce of the bottles selected according to F.2.4. For material supplied in 
collapsible tubes, press out sticks of material. The total quantity drawn from each bottle or tube shall be 
approximately 10 g.  
F.3.2 Thoroughly mix, if necessary by heating below 45° C, with a mechanical stirrer all the portions of the 
material drawn from different containers so as to form a composite test sample weighing not less than 100 g.  
F.4 Number of tests and criterion for conformity  
F.4.1  Test for consistency shall be  done on  the original containers from which no sample has been drawn . 
F.4.2 Tests for the determination of other characteristics prescribed in this standard shall be conducted on 
the composite sample.  
F.4.3 The lot shall be declared as conforming to this specifica tion if the test results satisfy the corresponding 
requirement.  DUS 573: 2017  
© UNBS 2017  – All rights reserved  13 
 Bibliography  
[1] EAS 462, Shoe  polish wax solvent paste type — Specification   
[2] IS 1746 , shoe polish, paste — specification   
[3] IS: 6350 ; specification for shoe cream.  
[4] IS 12010 ; specifi cation for shoe polish, liquid . 
 [5] SANS 257,  wax shoe polish  
 DUS 573: 2017  
14 © UNBS 2017 – All rights reserved  
 Certification marking  
Products that conform to Uganda standards may be marked with Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
(UNBS) Certification Mark shown in the figure below.  
The use of the UNB S Certification Mark is governed by the Standards Act, and the Regulations made 
thereunder. This mark can be used only by those licensed under the certification mark scheme operated by 
the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and in conjunction with the rel evant Uganda Standard. The 
presence of this mark on a product or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods comply with the 
requirements of that standard under a system of supervision, control and testing in accordance with the 
certification m ark scheme of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. UNBS marked products are 
continually checked by UNBS for conformity to that standard.  
Further particulars of the terms and conditions of licensing may be obtained from the Director, Uganda 
National Bu reau of Standards.  
 
  DUS 573: 2017   
 
ICS 70.100.40 
Price based on nn pages  
© UNBS 2017– All rights reserved