FINAL DRAFT UGANDA 
STANDARD  
  FDUS EAS 342 
First  Edition  
2013-mm-dd 
 
 Reference number  
FDUS EAS 342: 2013 
© UNBS 201 3 
  
Pomades and solid brilliantines  — Specification  
 FDUS EAS 342: 2013 
ii                © UNBS  2013 - 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 f or its correct application  
© UNBS 20 13 
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 wri tten 
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 41 505 995  
Fax: 256 41 286 123  
E-mail: unbs@infocom.co.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  
 FDUS EAS 342: 2013 
© UNBS  2013 - All rights reserved                 iii National foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and 
Industry established under Cap 327, of the Laws of Uganda. UNBS is mandate d to co -ordinate 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/SPS Agreemen ts of the World Trade 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 representatives of 
consum ers, traders, academicians, manufacturers, government and other stakeholders.  
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 rec ommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
This Final Draft Uganda Standard, FDUS EAS 342: 2013, Pomades and solid brilliantines  — Specification , is 
identical with  and has been r eproduced from an East African  Standard, EAS 342: 2013, Pomades and solid 
brilliantines  — Specification , and is being proposed for adoption as a Uganda Standard.  
Wherever the words, “ East African  Standard" appear, they should be replaced by "Uganda Standard."   EAS 342 : 201 3 
ICS 71.100.70  
© EA C 2013                                                                                                                               First Edition 201 3  
 
EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Pomades and solid brilliantines  — Specification  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  
 EAS 342 : 2013  
ii © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 Copyright notice  
This EAC document is copyright -protected by EAC. While the reproduction of this document by 
participants in the EAC standards develo pment 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 
any other purpose without prior written permission from EAC.  
Requests for permission to rep roduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be addressed 
as shown below or to EAC’s member body in the country of the requester:  
© East African Community  2013 — All rights reserved  
East African Community   
P.O.Box 1096  
Arusha  
Tanzania  
Tel: 255  27 2504253/8  
Fax: 255 27 2504481/2504255  
E-mail: eac@eachq.org  
       Web: www.eac -quality.net  
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.  
Violators may be persecuted  EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  v 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative r eferences  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  1 
4 Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  2 
4.1 General require ments  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  2 
4.2 Specific requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  2 
6 Packaging and labelling ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  3 
6.1 Packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  3 
6.2 Labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  3 
7 Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  3 
Annex A (normative)   Determination of melting point  ................................ ................................ ....................  4 
Annex B (normative)  Determination of sulphated ash  ................................ ................................ ..................  5 
B.1 Reagents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  5 
B.2 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  5 
B.3 Calculation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  5 
Annex C (normative)  Test for sulphur and sulphides  ................................ ................................ ...................  6 
C.1 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  6 
C.2 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  6 
C.3 Results  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  6 
Annex D (normative)  Determination of consistency  ................................ ................................ ......................  7 
D.1 Principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  7 
D.2 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  7 
D.3 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  7 
D.4 Calculation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  8 
Annex E (normative)  Test fo r rancidity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  9 
E.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  9 
E.2 Reagents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  9 
E.3 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  9 
E.4 Results  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  9 
Annex F (normative)  Bleed number  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  10 
Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  10 
Annex G (normative)  Test for stability  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  11 
G.1 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  11 
G.2 Proce dure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  11 
G.3 Evaluation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  11 
Annex H (normative)  Determination of Pseodomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus  aureus  and 
Candida albica ns in cosmetic products  ................................ ................................ ............................  12 
H.1 Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  12 
H.2 Principle of the method ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  12 
H.3 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  12 
H.4 Reagents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  13 
H.5 Micro -organisms  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 14 
H.6 Product quality check  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  14 
H.7 Product preparation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  15 
H.8 Bacterial inoculum preparation  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  15 EAS 342 : 2013  
iv © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 H.9 Fungal inoculum preparation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  15 
H.10   Inoculum pools  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 15 
H.11   Inoculation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  16 
H.12   Sampling intervals  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  16 
H.13   Aerobic Plate Count (APC)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  16 
H.14   Neutral ization check  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  16 
H.15   Data analysis  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 17 
Annex I (normative)  Test for lead using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS)  ..........................  18 
I.1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  18 
I.2 Reagents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  18 
I.3 Standard solutions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  18 
I.4 Sample preparation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  18 
I.5 Instrument conditions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  19 
I.6 Analysis  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  20 
I.7 Calculations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  20 
I.8 Interferences  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 20 
Annex J (normative)  Test f or arsenic using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS)  ...................  21 
J.1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  21 
J.2 Reagents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  21 
J.3 Instrument conditions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  21 
J.4 Sample preparation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  22 
J.5 Analysis  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  22 
J.6 Calculation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  22 
Annex K (normative)  Test for mercury using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) ...........  23 
K.1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  23 
K.2 Reagents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  23 
K.3 Instrument conditions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  23 
K.4 Sample preparation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  24 
K.5 Analysis  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  24 
K.6 Calculations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  24 
Annex L (informative)  List of raw materials conventionally used in the formulation of pomades 
and brilliantines  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 25 
L.1 Type 1 - Based on mineral oils and waxes  ................................ ................................ .......................  25 
L.2 Type 2 - Based on vegetable oils and waxes  ................................ ................................ ...................  25 
L.3 Type 3 - Based on mineral oils and fatty acids  ................................ ................................ ................  25 
L.4 Type 4 - Based on mixture of mineral and vegetable oils, animal fats and waxes.  .....................  25 
 EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  v 
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standards has been 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 exchanged 
within the Community will be removed.  
In order to achieve this objective, the Community established an East African Standards Committee mandated 
to develop and issue East African Standards.   
The Committee is composed of representatives of the National Standards Bodies in Partner States, together 
with the representatives from the private sectors and consumer organizations. 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 finali zation of standards, in accordance with the procedures 
of the Community.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
EAS 342 was prepared by Technical Committee EAS/TC 071, Cosmetics and cosmetic products.  
This second edition cancels and rep laces the first edition (EAS 342 :2004), which has been technically revise d. 
 EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  EAS 342 :2013 
 
© EAC 2012  – All rights  reserved  1 
 Pomades and solid brilliantines — Specification  
1 Scope  
This East African Standard specifi es requirements and methods of sampling and test for pomades and solid 
brilliantines for general use.  
It applies to pomades and solid brilliantines w hich are either vegetable oil or petroleum based but excludes oil 
emulsions.  
This East African standard does not cover liquid brilliantines.  
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.  
EAS 346 , Labelling of cosmetics — General requirements  
EAS 377 -1, Cosmetics and c osmetic products   Part 1 : List of substances prohibited in  cosmetic product s 
EAS 377 -2, Cosmetics and cosmetic products   Part 2 : List of substances which cosmetic  product s must not 
contain except subject to the restrictions laid down  
EAS 377 -3, Cosme tics and cosmetic products   Part 3: List of colorants allowed in cosmetic products  
EAS 377 -4, Cosmetics and cosmetic products   Part 4: List of preservatives allowed in cosmetic products  
EAS 377 -5, Cosmetics and cosmetic products  Part 5: Use of UV f ilters in cosmetic products  
ISO 11930, Cosmetics — Microbiology — Evaluation of the anti -microbial protection of a cosmetic product  
ISO 24153, Random sampling and randomization procedures  
3 Definitions  
For the purposes of this East African standard, the following terms and definitions shall apply.   
3.1 
solid brilliantine  
preparation based on petroleum jelly used for skin, scalp and hair application. May be coloured  and may 
contain perfumes  
3.2 
liquid brilliantine  
liquid mineral, vegetable or ani mal oil for body and hair care  EAS 342 : 2013  
2 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 3.3 
pomade  
ointment used for cosmetic purposes may be greasy, soft or hard, perfumed or non -perfumed and m ay 
contain mineral oil, vegetable oil, animal fat, or a combination of the three.  
4 Requirements  
4.1 General requiremen ts 
4.1.1  All ingredients used in the manufacture of pomades and solid brilliantines shall comply with all parts of  
EAS 377 . 
4.1.2  The pomade and solid brilliantine shall be in the form of a soft, homogenous unctuous mass.  
4.2 Specific requirements  
4.2.1  The pomades and brilliantines shall comply with the chemical requirements given in Table 1 when 
tested  according to the methods prescribed therein.  
Table 1 — Chemical requirements for pomades and solid brilliantines  
S/N Characteristic  Requirements  Method o f test  
i.  Melting point, °C  45 to 60  Annex A 
ii.  Sulphated ash, % by mass, 
max 0.10 Annex B 
iii.  Sulphur and sulphide  To pass the test  Annex C 
iv.  Penetration number, 1/10 mm  100 to 275  Annex D 
v.  Test for rancidity  Shall be free from rancidity  Annex E 
vi.  Bleed numb er 5 to 15  Annex F 
vii.  Stability  To pass the test  Annex G 
 
4.2.2  Pomades and solid brilliantines  shall also comply with the microbiological limits given in Table 2  when 
tested in accordance with the methods indicated therein . 
Table 2   Microbiological limit s  
Micro -organisms  Limits, max.  
Cfu/g  Method of test  
Total viable count  100 in 0.5 g1) Annex E  
100 in 0.1 g2) 
Pseudomonas aeruginosa3) Not detectable  Annex F  
Staphylococcus aureus3) Not detectable  
Candida albicans3) Not detectable  
1) For products sp ecifically intended for children under 3 years, eye area and mucous membranes  
2) For other products  
3) For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans , the limits shall not be 
detectable in 0.5 g for products specifically intended for chil dren under 3 years, eye area and mucous 
membranes and in 0.1 g for other products.  EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  3 
 4.2.3  The products shall comply with the limits for heavy metal contaminants in accordance with Table 3. 
Table 3  Limits  for heavy metal contaminants  
S/N Characteristic  Limitst Method of test  
I.  Lead, ppm, max . 20 Annex C  
II.  Arsenic, ppm, max . 2 Annex D  
III.  Mercury, ppm, max . 2 Annex E  
NOTE  The total amount of heavy metals as lead, mercury and arsenic, in combination, in the finished product 
should not exceed 20 ppm.  
 
6 Packa ging  and labelling  
6.1 Packaging  
The product shall be pack aged  in suitable well -sealed containers that shall protect the contents a nd shall not 
cause any contamination or react with the product . 
6.2 Labelling  
6.2.1 The labelling shall be in English, Kiswah ili or French or in combination as agreed between the 
manufacturer and supplier . 
6.2.2 The labelling shall comply with the requirements of EAS 346 . 
7 Sampling  
Random samples of the product shall be drawn for test in accordance with ISO 24153 from the mar ket, factory 
or anywhere else . 
 
 EAS 342 : 2013  
4 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 Annex A 
(normative)  
 
Determination of melting point  
A.1 Heat a quantity of the sample on a water bath while stirring until it reaches a temperature of 90 °C to 92 
°C. Cool the molten sample to a temperature of 8 °C to 10 °C  above the expected melting point. Chill the bulb 
of a thermometer (range 1  °C to 100 °C) to 5 °C, wipe it dry and while it is still cold, dip it into the molten 
sample so that approximately half of the bulb is submerged. Withdraw it immediately and hold i t vertically 
away from heat until the wax surface dulls, then dip it for 5 min into a water bath having a temperature not 
higher than 16 °C.  
A.2 Fix the thermometer prepared in securely in a test tube so that its lowest point is about 15 mm above 
the botto m of the test tube. Suspend the test tube in a water bath adjusted to 16 °C and raise the temperature 
of the bath at a rate of 2 °C per minute upto 30 °C, then change the rate of rise to 1 °C per min and note the 
temperature at which the first drop of the melted sample leaves the thermometer. Repeat the determination 
twice on a freshly melted portion of the sample. If the variation in three determinations is less than 1 °C take 
the average of the three as the melting point. If the variation in three determi nations is more than 1 °C, make 
two additional determinations and take the average of five.  EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  5 
 Annex B 
(normative)  
 
Determination of sulphated ash  
B.1 Reagents  
Dilute sulphuric acid , approximately 5 N  
B.2 Procedure  
Heat a porcelain or silica dish of 50 mL to 100 mL capacity to redness; cool in a desiccator and weigh. Place 
about 20 g of the sample, accurately weighed, in the dish. Heat the dish gently by means of a Bunsen burner 
until the oil can be ignited at the surface. Remove the burner and allow the oil t o burn completely, taking care 
that all the free carbon on the sides of the dish is completely burnt. Heat the residue with a strong flame or in a 
muffle furnace until all the carbonaceous matter has disappeared. Cool the dish; add a few drops of dilute 
sulphuric acid; heat gently to drive off the acid and then heat strongly. Cool the dish again in the desiccator 
and weigh it. Repeat the heating, cooling and weighing until constant mass is obtained.  
B.3 Calculation  
The sulphated ash content shall be calcula ted as follows:  
Sulphated ash, % by mass  =
100X
MMM 1 2  
where  
M1 is the mass in g of the residue, and  
M2 is the mass in g of the sample taken for the test.  EAS 342 : 2013  
6 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 Annex C 
(normative)  
 
Test for sulphur and sulphides  
C.1 Apparatus  
Copper strips , 1 cm in w idth, and freshly polished  
C.2 Procedure  
Melt in a beaker about 100  g of the sample and keep in a water bath at a temperature of 95 °C. Then place a 
strip of copper in the melted sample so that it is partially immersed in it and allow to remain for 10 min.  
C.3 Results  
The material shall be taken to have passed the test if the copper strip used in the test shows no  tarnishing 
when compared with another freshly polished copper strip.  EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  7 
 Annex D 
(normative)  
 
Determination of consistency  
D.1 Principle  
Measuring pe netration makes determination of consistency of the material of a standard cone at 25.0  °C ± 
0.5 °C.  
D.2 Apparatus  
D.2.1 Penetrometer  
Any suitable penetrometer which permits the specified cone to drop vertically without appreciable friction for at 
least 40  mm and which indicates accurately the depth of penetration to the nearest 0.1 mm. The instrument 
shall have a table to carry the test sample that may be adjusted to the horizontal before conducting the test. A 
mechanism for releasing and clamping the load ed cone shall be provided.  
D.2.2 Cone  
Consisting of a conical body of brass or corrosion resistant steel with detachable hardened steel up . The total 
moving mass, namely, that of the cone and its movable attachments shall be 150.0  g ± 0.1 g. The 
attachment s consist of a rigid shaft having a suitable device at its lower end for engaging the cone. The outer 
surface shall be polished to a very smooth finish.  
D.2.3 Constant temperature bath  
A water bath capable of regulating the temperature at 25. °C and of sui table design for conveniently brining 
the sample container to the test temperature. The bath should be provided with a cover to maintain the 
temperature of the air above the sample at 25 °C.  
D.2.4 Timing device  
A stopwatch or any other suitable instrument capable of measuring an interval of 5 s to an accuracy of 0.2 s  
D.2.5 Sample container  
Flat-bottomed; metal or glass cylinders that are 100 mm ± 5 mm in diameter and not less than 60 mm in 
height.  
D.3 Procedure  
D.3.1 Melt a quantity of the sample at 82.0 ° C ± 2.5 °C, pour into one or more of the sample  containers, 
filling to within 6 mm of the brim. Cool at 25.0 °C ± 0.5 °C over a period of not less than 16 h, protecting from 
draughts. 2 h before the test; place the containers in a water bath at 25.0 °C ± 0.5 °C. If the room 
temperature is below 23.5 °C or above 26.5 °C, adjust the temperature of the cone to 25.0 °C ± 0.5 °C by 
placing it in a water bath.  EAS 342 : 2013  
8 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 D.3.2 Without disturbing the surface of the sample, place the container on the penetrometer table, and l ower 
the cone until the tip just touches the top surface of the sample at a spot 25 nm to 39 mm  from the edge of the 
container. Adjust the zero setting and quickly release the plunger, then hold it  free for 5 s. Secure the plunger, 
and read the total penet ration from the scale. Make three of more  trails each so spaced that there is no 
overlapping of the areas of penetration. Where the penetration  exceeds 20 mm, use a separate container of 
the sample for each trial. Read the penetration to the  nearest 0.1 mm . Calculate the average of three or more 
readings; and conduct further trials to a total of 10 if the individual results differ from the average by more than 
± 3 %. 
D.4 Calculation  
The consistency shall be calculated as follows:  
Consistency = 10A 
where  
A is the mean of all the values of penetration in mm  EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  9 
 Annex E 
(normative)  
 
Test for rancidity  
E.1 General  
Test for rancidity is mainly intended for pomades and brilliantines based on vegetable oils. This test detects 
any onset of incipient rancidity, arising a s a result of the product being vegetable oil based.  
E.2 Reagents  
E.2.1 Concentrated hydrochloric acid, Analytical reagent grade  
E.2.2 Phloroglucinol solution , Dissolve 0.1 g of phloroglucinol in 100 mL of diethyl ether.  
E.3 Procedure  
Shake 10 mL of the ma terial, melt if necessary, with 10 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 10 ml of 
phloroglucinol solution: Shake for 1 min.  
E.4 Results  
The material shall be taken to have passed the test if no pink colour develops.  EAS 342 : 2013  
10 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 Annex F 
(normative)  
 
Bleed number  
Procedure  
Heat the sample to 95 °C. Then allow to cool to 100 °C above its melting point. Dip a glass tube (or internal 
diameter 4 mm and wall thickness 1 mm) into the sample so that when it is removed with the upper end 
closed with a finger, it contains appr oximately 25 mm column of molten sample. From approximately 12 mm 
above the filter paper (Whatman No. 1 or equivalent), allow 5 evenly spaced drops of the sample to fall 
separately on the paper. The droplets should have a diameter of 6 mm - 8 mm. When the droplets solidify, 
place the paper on a watch glass and insert in an oven kept at 30 °C for 24 h. After 24 h, determine the 
diameter of each droplet plus the oil ring which surrounds it. Subtract the diameter of the droplet from the oil 
ring and record the  result in mm. Calculate the average of these result in m ilimetres . EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  11 
 Annex G 
(normative)  
 
Test for stability  
G.1 Apparatus  
Ultra violet lamp , with emission at 360 mm  
G.2 Procedure  
Place 50 mL of the material in a 100 - mL glass beaker. Turn on the ultra vio let lamp and expose the samples 
at a distance of 12 cm - 14 cm below the lamp for 6 h. After the specified time, remove the sample, cool to 
room temperature and compare for any change in odour or colour. The same volume of material shall be 
employed for al l tests so that comparison is ensured on a reproducible basis.  
NOTE The output of the ultra violet lamp diminishes with time in service. A log of number of hours of the lamp in use 
should be maintained. The lamp is to be replaced after the specified hours of service, as recommended by the lamp 
manufacturer.  
G.3 Evaluation  
Evaluation is done by comparing the test material against an unexposed specimen from the same sample.  EAS 342 : 2013  
12 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 Annex H  
(normative)  
 
Determination of Pseodomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus  aureus  and Candida 
albicans  in cosmetic products  
H.1 Introduction  
A general aseptic and safety procedures should be followed.  Table H.1 gives the results of the interlaboratory 
study supporting the acceptance of the method.  
Table H.1 — Inter -laboratory study result s for determination of preservation of non -eye area water -
miscible cosmetic and toiletry formulations  
 
Incidence of false - negatives among total positive samplesa) Incidence of false -positives among total 
negative samplesb) 
Product name  Number  Percentage  Sensitivity 
rate Number  Percentage  Sensitivity 
rate 
Shampoo  2/49 4 96 0/53 0 100 
Conditioner  3/48 6 94 0/54 0 100 
Water -in-oil emulsion  0/52 0 100 1/50 2 98 
Oil-in-water emulsion  0/51 0 100 0/51 0 100 
All combined  5/200  2 98 1/208  0.5 99.5 
a) False -negative analysis indicates a sample is adequately preserved.  
b) False -positive analysis indicates a sample is not adequately preserved.  
 
H.2 Principle of the method  
Bacteria yeast and mould grown on laboratory media, harvested, calibrated, and inoculated into test products.  
Using serial dilutions and plate counts; the numbers of organisms surviving in the test products are 
determined over time.  Products meeting the specified criteria are considered adequately preserved for 
manufacture and consumer use.  Products not meeting criteria are considered inadequately preserved.  
H.3 Apparatus  
H.3.1 Jars, 2-4 oz wide -mouth, straight -side flint glass ointment jars with linerless metal, polypropylene or 
teflon lined scre w caps  
H.3.2 Disposable borosilicate glass cul ture tubes , 16 mm x 125 mm, with caps  
H.3.3 Disposable borosilicate glass culture tubes, 20 mm x 150 mm, with screw caps  
H.3.4 Petri plates Z , 100 mm x 15 mm  
H.3.5 Sterile 2.2 mL pipettes  
H.3.6 Steri le swabs  EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  13 
 H.3.7  Glass beads  
H.3.8  Sterile gauze  
H.3.9 10 l -20 l inoculating loops  
H.3.10   Vortex mixer  
H.4 Reagents  
H.4.1 Preparation  
For convenience, dehydrated media of any brand equivalent in function may be used. Test each lot of medium 
for sterility and growth -promotion using suitable organisms.  
H.4.2  List of reagents  
H.4.2.1 Letheen agar, contains 5.0 g pancreatic digest of casein 1.0 g dextrose, 3.0 g beef extract, 1.0 g 
lecithin, 7.0 g polysorbate 80 g, and 15.0 g agar per L.  Prepare according to manufacturer’s directions.  
Dispense into suitable conta iners and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 C for 15 min. Final pH should be 7.0  
0.2 at 25 C . Place in 45 C water bath until agar is 45 C  2 C.  Use for pour plates.  
H.4.2.2 D/E Neutralizing broth (Dey/Engley), contains 5.0 g pancreatic digest of ca sein, 2.5 g yeast 
extract, 10 g dextrose, 1.0 g sodium thiogycollate, 6.0g Na 2 S2O3 . 5H2O, 2.5 g NaHSO 3, 7.0 g lecithin, 5.0 g 
polysobate 80 g, and 0.02 g bromcresol purple per L.  
Prepare according to manufacturer’s directions. Dispense 9  mL or 9.9 mL ali quot into tubes and sterilize by 
autoclaving at 121 C for 15 min.  Final pH should be 7.6  0.2 at 25 C.  Use for aerobic plate count, L, 
dilutions.  
H.4.2 .3 Nutrient agar,  contains 5.0 g pancreatic digest of gelatin 3.0 g beef extract, and 15.0 g agar pe r 
L. Prepare according to manufacturer’s directions. Dispense into tubes and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 C 
for 15 min. Final pH should be 6.8  0.2 at 25 C. Cool in inclined position to form a slant. Use for bacterial 
culture maintenance and inoculum  preparation.  
H.4.2.4 Y/M agar (yeast/malt extract),  contains 3.0 yeast extract, 3.0 g malt extract , 5.0 g peptone.10.0 
g dextrose  and 20.0 g agar per L. Prepare according to manufacturer’s directions.  Dispense into tubes and 
sterilize by autoclaving at 1 21 C for 15 min.  Final pH should be 6.2  0.2 at 25 C. Cool in slanted position.  
Use for yeast culture maintenance and inoculum preparation.  
H.4.2 .5 Potato dextrose agar (PDA), contains 200 g potato infusion, 20.0 g dextrose, and 15.0 g agar 
per L. Pre pare according to manufacturer’s directions. Dispense into tubes and sterile by autoclaving at 121 
C for 15 min. Final pH should be 5.6  0.2 at 25 C.  Cool in slanted position. Use for mould culture 
maintenance and inoculum preparation.  
H.4.2 .6 0.85 % S aline, dissolve 8.50 g NaCI in water and dilute to 1 L.  Dispense into flasks or bottles 
and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 C for 15 min.  
H.4.2 .7 0.85 % Saline with 0.05 % Polysorbate 80,  dissolve 8.5 g NaCI in water, mix in 0.50 g 
polysorbate 80 g, and dilute to 1  L.  Dispense into suitable containers and sterilize by autoclaving at 121 C 
for 15 min.  
H.4.2.8 Barium sulphate standard No. 2   
H.4.2.8.1  Prepare a 1.0 % BaCI 2 solution by dissolving 1.0 g BaCI 2. 2H 2O in 100 mL water. Let this be 
referred to a s solution 1.  EAS 342 : 2013  
14 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 H.4.2.8.2  Prepare a 1.0 % H 2SO 4  solution by mixing 1.0 mL H 2SO 4 in 100 mL water. Let this be referred to 
as solution 2.  
H.4.2.8.3 Mix 0.2 mL of solution (1) with9.8 mL solution (2), in scre w-capped test tube. Cap tightly  and store 
in the dar k at room temperature.  
H.4.2.9 Barium sulphate standard No. 7, use solutions from H.4.2.8. Mix 0.7 mL of solution  
H.4.2 .8.1, with 9.3 mL of solution H.4.2.8.2, in a screw -capped test tube. Cap tightly and store in the dark at 
room temperature.  
H.5 Micro -organisms  
H.5.1 Staphylococcus aureus   — ATCC 6538  
H.5.2 Staphycloccuss epidermidis  — ATCC12228  
H.5.3 Klebsiella pneumoniae   — ATCC10031  
H.5.4 Escherichia coli    — ATCC 8739  
H.5.5 Enterobacter gergoviae   — ATCC 33028  
H.5.6 Pseudomonas aeruginosa  — ATCC 9027  
H.5.7 Burkholderia cepacia   — ATCC25416  
H.5.8 Acinetobacter baumannii  — ATCC 19606  
H.5.9 Candida albicans    — ATCC10231  
H.5.10 Aspergillus niger    — ATCC 16404  
NOTE  Environmental micro organisms (s) likely to be contaminants of concern during product manu facture or use be 
included as a separate inoculum. Predominant environmental microbes isolated during manufacturing, equipment 
cleaning, and sanitizing, or from related deionized water systems are used as supplemental test inocula).  
H.6 Product quality che ck 
H.6.1 Weigh 1.0 g product into a screw -capped culture tube containing 9.0 mL sterile neutralizing broth to 
make a 1:10 dilution.  If necessary to disperse product, add ten to twenty 3 -mm diameter glass beads to tube. 
Mix on Vortex mixer until homogeneou s. 
H.6.2 Pipette 1.0 mL of the 1:10 dilution into each of four sterile petri plates. Pour 15 mL - 20 mL sterile 
molten Letheen agar (45 C  2 C) into each plate . Mix by rotating plates to disperse the dilution thoroughly. 
Let solidify.  
H.6.3 Invert and i ncubate 2 plates at 35 C  2 C for 48 h and two plates at 25 C  2 C for five days.  
H.6.4 Count the number of colonies on all plates, add, and multiply by 2.5 to determine the number of 
colony forming units per gram (cfu./g) in the product.  
H.6.5 Save plates to be used for the neutralization validation by refrigerating.  EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  15 
 H.7 Product preparation  
H.7.1 Measure 20 mL sterile saline into four sterile jars, H.3.1. Cap tightly and store at room temperature.  
H.7.2 Weigh 20 g produc t into each of four sterile ja rs, H .3.1. Cap tightly and store at room temperature.  
H.8 Bacterial inocul um preparation  
H.8.1 Streak each bacteria culture, H.5.1 – H.5.10, onto a nutrient agar  slant , H.4.2.3.  Incubate for 48 h at 
35 C  2  C. Wash each slant with 5.0 mL sterile saline , loosening the culture from the agar surface. 
Transfer the suspension into a sterile tube. Repeat the wash with second 5.0 mL aliquot of saline. Combine 
washes and mix on Vortex mixer to disperse evenly.  
H.8.2 Adjust each wash with sterile saline to yield  a suspension of ca 108 cfu/mL using Mc Farland BaSO 4 
standard No, 2,  H.4.2.8, direct microscopic count, turbidimetry, absorbance, or other method correlated to  an 
aerobic plate count (APC), H.13 . Perform an APC, H.13 , on each suspension to confirm standar dization.  
H.9 Fungal inoculum preparation  
H.9.1 Streak  C. albicans,  H.5.9, on 3 slants of Y/M agar, H.4.2 .4. Incubate at 25 C  2 C for 48 h. Wash 
each slant sequentially with 5.0 mL aliquot of sterile saline.  Repeat with a second 5.0 mL aliquot of ster ile 
saline. Combine washes to produce 10 mL suspension. Mix on Vortex mixer to disperse evenly.  
H.9.2 Adjust the wash with sterile saline to yield a suspension of ca 107 cfu/ml using a Mc Farland Ba SO 4 
standard No. 7, H.4.2.8, direct microscopic count, tu rbidimetry, absorbance, or other method that has been 
correlated to an APC, H.13. Perform an APC, H.13, on the suspension to confirm standardization.  
H.9.3 Streak  A. Niger , H.5.10, on 5 slants of potato dextrose agar H.3.5. Incubate at 25 C  2 C for 10 
days. Dislodge mould spores by adding 5.0 mL sterile saline containing 0.05 % polysorbate 80 to each tube 
and vigorously rubbing the surface of the agar slant with a sterile swab.  Repeat with a second 5.0 mL aliquot 
in each tube.  Combine the 10 washes to  produce 50 mL suspension. Filter into a sterile container through 3 -5 
layers of sterile gauze supported in funnel.  Perform an APC, H.13, using appropriate dilutions. Adjust mould 
suspension to ca 107 per ml using sterile saline.  Use immediately or refri gerate at 2 C - 5 C for up to 1 
month. Verify mould viability by an APC, H.13, before each use.  
H.10  Inoculum pools  
H.10.1 Pool equal parts of the S. aureus  and S . epidermidis   suspensions, H.8.2 in a sterile container to 
make incoculum pool 1: Gram -postive cocci.  
H.10.2 Pool equal parts of the K pneumoniae  , E . coli, and E . gergoviae  suspensios, H.8.2, in  a sterile  
container to make inoculum pool  2: Gram - negative fermentors.  
H.10.3 Pool equal parts of the P. aeruginosa , B .cepacia  and A. baumanii suspensions, H.8.2, in a sterile 
container to make Inoculum Pool 3: Gram -negative nonfermentors.  
H.10.4 Pool equal parts of C. Albicans, H.9.2, and A. Niger, H.9.3, suspensions in a sterile container to make 
innoculum pool 4: Fungi.  
H.10.5 Use organism poo ls immediately or refrigerate them at 2 C - 5 C for more than 72 h.  EAS 342 : 2013  
16 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 H.11  Inoculation  
H.11.1 Inoculate each of the four 20.0 mL aliquots of sterile saline, H.7.1, with 0.2 mL of its respective 
inoculum pool, H.10.1 - H.10.4. Mix thoroughly.  Use these su spensions to determine inoculums counts (see 
Ka). 
H.11.2 Inoculate each of the four 20 g products suspensions, with 2.0 mL of its respective inoculums , H.10.1 
– H.10.4 . Mix thoroughly by shaking, Vortex mixing or stirring, so that each suspension contains 106 bacteria 
or 10 5 fungi per gram, evenly distribute throughout the product. Tightly close inoculated containers and store 
at ambient temperature (20 C - 25 C). 
H.12  Sampling intervals  
H.12.1 Sample each inoculated saline suspension, H.11.1, for APC, H.13, within 1 h after inoculation to 
obtain inoculum count.  
H.12.2 Test each inoculated product, H.11.2 for APC, H.13, at 7, 14 and 28 days after inoculation to obtain 
product interval count.  
H.13  Aerobic Plate Count (APC)  
H.13.1 Mix suspension thoroughl y. Weigh 1.0 g product into screw -capped culture tube containing 9.0 mL 
sterile neutralizing broth for a 1:10 dilution. If necessary to disperse product, add 10 - 20 sterile 3 mm 
diameter glass beads to the tube. Mix on Vortex mixer until homogeneous.  
H.13.2 Aseptically pipette 0.1 mL of the 1: 10 dilution into 9.9 mL tube of neutralizing broth to obtain a 1:1000 
dilution. Vortex mix. Pipette 0.1 mL of the 1:1000 dilution into 9.9 mL neutralizing broth to obtain a 1: 100 000 
dilution.  
The number of dilution s may be decreased if previous counts microbial populations show reduction.  
H.13.3 Using a 2.2 mL pipette, aseptically pipette 1.0  mL and 0.1 mL aliquots from the 1:10 dilution into 
duplicate petri dishes for the 1:10 and 1:100 plates. If necessary, transf er duplicate 1.0  mL and 0.1 mL 
aliquots from the 1: 1000 dilution for plates 1:1000 and 1:10 000, and from the 1:100 000 dilution for plates 
1:100 000 and 1:1000 000. Pour 15  mL - 20 mL sterile Letheen agar H.3.1, (45 C  2 C into each plate. Mix 
by rota ting the plates to disperse the suspension thoroughly, and let solidify.  
H.13.4 Invert bacterial plates and incubate at 35 C  2 C.  Examine bacterial plates after 48 h - 72 h.  Count 
in suitable range (30 - 300 colonies). If no countable plates fall in that range, count the plate(s) nearest that 
range showing distinct colonies. Average duplicate plates counts and express results as cfu/g of product.  
H.13.5 Invert and incubate fungal plates at 25 C  2 C.  Read fungal plates at 2 - 3 days and record res ults. 
Count plates in a suitable range (30 - 300 colonies). If no countable plates fall in that range, count the plate(s) 
nearest that range showing distinct colonies. Re -incubate plates for another 2 - 3 days. Read and record 
additional colonies. Add to p revious results to obtain total counts. Average duplicate plate counts and record 
as cfu/g of products.   
H.14  Neutralization check  
Make a 1:10 000 dilution in steri le saline of pools 1, 2 and 3, H.10.1 - H.10.3, and  a 1:1000 dilution of pool 4, 
H.10.4. S treak each dilution for isolation with a 10 l loop on the plates s aved from H.6.5.  If plates are not 
usable due to either desiccation or surface growth, repeat H.6, and streak freshly pr epared plates.  Incubate 
as in H.13.4 - H.13.5 EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  17 
 H.15  Data analysis  
H.15.1 Product quality check , H.6.4, should  be found to contain, <100 cfu/g to proceed with the challenge 
test. 
H.15.2 Inoculums counts , H.12.1, should be between 1 to 9.9 x 106 cfu /g product for bacteria and 1 to 9.9 x 
105 cfu/g product for fungi, or the test should be repeated with different dilutions.  
H.15.3 Neutralization check , H.14, should  show significant growth of all pools to confirm adequate 
neutralization.  A neutralizing broth other than D/E broth can be used.  If neutralization does not occur, the test 
is invalid.  Refer to references 4 -6 in AOAC  official method 998.10  for assistance.  
H.15.4 Calculate the percentage reduction:  
count Inoculum100 count interval product count Inoculum% Reduction,
 
 
H.15.5 The test product is considered adequately preserved if  
a) bacteria show at least 99.9 % (3  log) reduction within one week following challenge and remain at or 
below that level thereafter, and  
b) fungi show at least a 90 % (1 log) reduction within one week following challenge, and remain at or below 
that level thereafter. This criteria applies to freshly prepared formula tions  EAS 342 : 2013  
18 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 Annex I 
(normative)  
 
Test for lead using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS)  
I.1 Scope  
This method describes the determination of lead in various cosmetic products. No interference occurs from 
the high concentrations of bismuth which do interfere in the dithzone calorimetric procedure.  
I.2 Reagents  
I.2.1 Lead nitrate , Pb(NO 3)2 
I.2.2 Dimethylacetamide  DMA  
I.2.3 Nitric acid HNO 3, 3N. Prepare by diluting 195 mL of concentrated HNO 3 (15.4 N) to one litre with 
deionized water . 
I.2.4 Ethanol  C2H5OH  
I.2.5 Bismuth oxychloride  BiOCl  
I.2.6 Hydrochloric acid  HCl, 6 N. Prepare by diluting 516 mL of concentrated HCl (11.6 N) to one litre with 
deionized water.  
I.2.7 Hydrochloric acid  HCl, 2 N. Prepare by diluting 172 mL of concentrate d HCl (11.6 N) to one litre with 
deionized water.  
I.2.8 Hydrochloric acid  HCl, 0.5 N. Prepare by diluting 25 mL of 2 N HCl to 100 mL with deionized water.  
I.3 Standard solutions  
I.3.1 Lead standard solution , 100 μg/mL. Dissolve 0.1598 g of Pb(NO 3)2 in 10 m L of dilute HNO 3 and 
dilute to 1000 mL with deionized water . 
I.3.2 Lead standard solution , 1000 μg/mL in DMA. Dissolve 0.1598 g of Pb(NO 3)2 in DMA. Dilute to 100 
mL.  
I.4 Sample preparation  
I.4.1 Aerosols  
For hair, deodorant spray or similar aerosols, weig h accurately about 5 g of sample and dissolve in 50 mL of 
ethanol. For shaving cream spray or similar aerosols weigh accurately about 1 g of sample and dissolve in 50 
mL of ethanol.  EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  19 
 I.4.2 BiOCl or cosmetics containing BIOCl  
Dissolve 1 g of sample (5 g if t he lead level is expected to be less than 10 μg/g) in 15 mL of 6 N HCI and dilute 
to 100 mL with 0.5 N HCI. If the sample is coated with an organic material, it is necessary to ignite the sample 
to 500 C to ash before analysis.  
I.5 Instrument conditions  
I.5.1 Standard atomic absorption conditions fo r lead  
I.5.1.1  Recommended flame air -acetylene , oxidizing (lean, blue)  
I.5.1.2  Data obtained with a standard nebulizer and flow spoiler. Operation with a High sensitivity 
nebulizer or impact bead will typically p rovide a 2 -3x sensitivity improvement.  
I.5.1.3 Characteristic concentration with a N 2O-C2H2 flame at 283.3  nm: 2.7  mg/L.  
Table I.1 — HCl data EDL sensitivity values  for lead  
Wavelength , 
nm Slit  
Nm Relative noise  Characteristic 
concentration , 
mg/L  Characteristic 
concentration 
check ,  
mg/L  Linear range , 
mg/L  
283.3  0.7 0.43 0.45 20.0 20.0 
217.0  0.7 1.0 0.19 9.0 20.0 
205.3  0.7 1.4 5.4 250.0  - 
202.2  0.7 1.8 7.1 350.0  - 
261.4  0.7 0.35 11.0 500.0  - 
368.3  0.7 0.40 27.0 1200.0  - 
364.0  0.7 0.33 67.0 3000.0  - 
 
I.5.2 Standard flame emission condition s for lead  
Stock standard solution, lead, 1000 mg/L . Dissolve 1.598  g of lead nitrate, Pb(N O3)2 in 1 %(v/v)  HNO 3 and 
dilute to 1 litre with 1 % (v/v) HNO 3 
Table I.2 — Flame  emission conditions for lead  
Wavelength (nm)  Slit (nm)  Flame  
405.8  0.2 Nitrous oxi de- acetylene  
 
I.5.3 Light sources  
Both Electrodeless Discharge Lamps (EDLS) and Hollow Cathode Lamps are available for lead. EDLs provide 
greater light output and longer life than Hollow Cathode Lamps. For lead, both EDLs and Hollow Cathode 
Lamps provide  approximately the same sensitivity and detection limit. With multi -element lamps containing 
copper, the Cu 216.5 nm resonance line may interfere with lead determinations at the lead 217.0 nm line. The 
lead 283.3 nm line should be used instead.  EAS 342 : 2013  
20 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 I.5.4 Interferences  
Large excesses of other elements (for example, 10 000 mg/L Fe) May interfere with the lead signal.  
I.6 Analysis  
Determine the concentration of lead in the sample solutions of aerosols and similar products using the 
standard conditions for lead a nd standards prepared in ethanol. The standard solutions shall be the following 
concentrations: 0  ppm, 10  ppm, 20  ppm, 30  ppm, 40  ppm and 50 ppm. Determine the concentration of lead in 
the BiOCI solutions using the standard conditions for lead and the meth od of additions.  
I.7 Calculations  
The total amount of lead shall be calculated as follows:  
µg/g Pb =
sampleofgPbμg/mL x 50 
I.8 Interferences  
No interference was found from 1000 μg/mL of Na, Mg, K, or Ca, or from 500 μg/mL of Mn, Co or Ni. A 
background  absorption interference was noted with 1000 μg/mL of Al, Fe or Bi, which can be eliminated by 
correcting the lead absorption at 283 nm by any absorption observed at 280 nm, or by using the Deuterium 
Background Corrector.  
 EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  21 
 Annex J 
(normative)  
 
Test for ars enic using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS)  
J.1 Scope  
This method describes the determination of arsenic in various cosmetic products.  
J.2 Reagents  
The reagents used should be of analytical reagent grade. Water shall be distilled or di -ionised.  
J.3 Instrument conditions  
J.3.1 Standard atomic absorption conditions for arsenic  
J.3.1.1  Recommended flame; air -acetylene, reducing (rich, slightly yellow)  
J.3.1.2  Data obtained with a standard nebulizer and flow spoiler. Operation with a High Sensitivity  
nebulizer or impact bead will typically provide a 2 -3X sensitivity improvement.  
J.3.1.3  Characteristic concentration with a N 2O-C2H2 flame at 193.7 M: 1.4mg/L  
J.3.1.4  Table contains EDL data.  HCL sensitivity values are more than 25 % poorer.  
Table J.1 — HCl data EDL sensitivity values  for arsenic  
Wavelength ,  
nm Slit,  
Nm Relative noise  Characteristic 
concentration ,  
mg/L  Characteristic 
concentration 
check ,  
mg/L  Linear range , 
mg/L  
193.7  0.7 1.0 1.0 45.0 100.0  
189.0  0.7 1.8 0.78 40.0 180.0  
197.2  0.7 0.95 2.0 90.0 250.0  
 
J.3.2 Stock standard solution  
Arsenic , 1000 mg/L . Dissolve 1.320 g of Arsenious oxide As 2O3, in 25  mL of 20  % (w/v) KOH solution. 
Neutralize with 20  % (v/v) H 2SO 4 to a phenolphthalein endpoint. Dilute to one litre with 1  % (v/v) H 2SO 4. The 
standard solutions shall be of the following concentrations: 0 ppm, 2 ppm, 4 ppm, 6 ppm, 8 ppm and 10 ppm.  
J.3.3 Flames  
The air -acetylene flame absorbs or scatters more than 60 % of the light source radiation at the 193.7 nm 
arsenic line. Flame absorp tion is reduced with the use of the nitrous oxide -acetylene flame, although 
sensitivity is also reduced. Use of background correction is recommended, as it will correct for flame 
absorption and thus improve the signal to noise ratio.  EAS 342 : 2013  
22 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 J.3.4 Light  sources  
Both HCL and EDL sources are available for arsenic. EDLS, which are more intense, provide better 
performance and longer life.  
J.3.5 Interferences  
Sample with high total salt content (greater than 1 %) can produce non -specific absorption at the 193.7 mn 
arsenic line, even when the metal is absent. It is therefore advisable to set background correction.  
J.4 Sample preparation  
As in I.4.  
J.5 Analysis  
As in I.6.  
J.6 Calculation  
As in I.7 EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  23 
 Annex K 
(normative)  
 
Test for mercury using the atomic absorption spectro photometer (AAS)  
K.1 Scope  
This method describes the determination of mercury in various cosmetic products.  
K.2 Reagents  
The reagents used should be analytical reagent grade.  Water shall be distilled or de -ionised.  
K.3 Instrument conditions  
K.3.1 Standar d atomic absorption conditions for mercury  
K.3.1.1  Recommended flame: air -acetylene, oxidizing (lean, blue)  
K.3.1.2  Data obtained with a standard nebulizer and flow spoiler. Operation with a High Sensitivity 
nebulizer or impact bead will typically provide a 2-3X sensitivity improvement.  
K.3.1.3  Characteristic Concentration with a N 2O-C2H2 flame at 253.7 nm: 12 mg/L  
K.3.1.4  Table contains EDL data.  HCL sensitivity values more than 25 % poorer  
Table K.1 — HCl data EDL sensitivity values  for mercury  
Waveleng th,  
nm Slit,  
nm Relative noise  Characteristic 
concentration ,  
mg/L  Characteristic 
concentration 
check ,  
mg/L  Linear range , 
mg/L  
253.7  0.7 1.0 4.2 200.0  300.0  
 
K.3.2 Standard flame emission conditions for mercury  
Table K.2 — Flame  emission conditions fo r mercury  
Wavelength (nm)  Slit (nm)  Flame  
253.7  0.2 Nitrous oxide - acetylene  
K.3.3 Stock standard solution  
Mercury , 1000 mg/L — Dissolve 1.080 g of mercury (II) oxide, HgO, in a minimum volume of (1 + 1) HCI. 
Dilute to one litre with deionized water. The  standard solutions shall be of the following concentrations: 0  ppm, 
2 ppm, 4  ppm, 6  ppm, 8  ppm and 10 ppm.  EAS 342 : 2013  
24 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
 K.3.4 Light sources  
Both Electrodeless Discharge Lamps (EDLS) and Hollow Cathode Lamps are available for Mercury. However, 
the light output of mercu ry Hollow Cathode Lamp is significantly poorer than with EDLs, and the sensitivity and 
detection limit achieved also are much poorer. In addition, the life of Hollow Cathode Lamps is much shorter.  
K.3.5 Interferences  
Large concentrations of cobalt will abs orb at the mercury 253.7 nm resonance line. A 1000 mg/L cobalt  
solution produces approximately 10 % absorption. Ascorbic acid, stannous chloride, or other reducing agents 
may reduce the mercury present to Hg (I) or elemental mercury. These give higher sen sitivities than Hg (II), 
and their presence can generate erroneously high results.  
K.4 Sample preparation  
As in I.4.  
K.5 Analysis  
As in I.6.  
K.6 Calculations  
As in I.7. EAS 342 : 2013  
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  25 
 Annex L 
(informative)  
 
List of raw materials conventionally used in the formulation of pomades 
and brilliantines  
L.1 Type 1 - Based on mineral oils and waxes  
a) Paraffin wax  
b) Microcrystalline wax  
c) Petroleum jelly  
d) Mineral oil  
e) Perfume and colour  
L.2 Type 2 - Based on vegetable oils and  waxes  
a) Castor oil  
b) Beeswax  
c) Paraffin wax  
d) Coconut oil  
e) Perfume and colour  
L.3 Type 3 - Based on mineral oils and fatty acids  
a) Stearic acid  
b) Mineral oil  
c) Perfume and colour  
L.4 Type 4 - Based on mixture of mineral and vegetable oils, animal fats and waxes.  
a) Coco nut oil  
b) Mineral oil  
c) Beeswax  
d) Petroleum jelly  
e) Lanolin  
f) Perfume and colour  EAS 342 : 2013  
26 © EAC 2013  – All rights reserved  
  EAS 342: 201 3   
 
© EAC 2013  – All rights reserved