FINAL DRAFT UGANDA 
STANDARD  
  FDUS EAS 125
First Edition
2011-mm-dd
 
 Reference numbe r
FDUS EAS 125: 2011
© UNBS 2011
  
Safety matches — Specification 
 FDUS EAS 125: 2011 
i i                 ©  U N B S  2011 - 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 2011 
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, in cluding 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 41 505 995 
Fax: 256 41 286 123 
E-mail: unbs@infocom.co.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  
 FDUS EAS 125: 2011 
© UNBS  2011 - All rights rese rved                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 U ganda. UNBS is mandated 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 A limentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT/SPS Agr eements 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 gi ven field or area and consists of representatives of 
consumers, traders, academician s, manufacturers, governme nt and other stakeholders. 
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committ ee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council. 
This Final Draft Uganda Standard, FDUS EAS 125:2011 , Safety matches — Specification,  is identical with  
and has been reproduced from an East African Standard, EAS 125:2011 , Safety matches — Specification, 
and is being proposed for adoption as a Uganda Standard.  
This standard was developed by the Chemicals and environment Standards Technical Committee (UNBS/TC 
5
).  
Wherever the words, “East African Standard" appear, they should be replaced by "Uganda Standard." 
 
  EAS 125: 2011 
ICS nn.nnn.nn  
© EAS 2011                                                                                                                              First Edition 2011  
 
EAST AFRICAN STANDARD 
Safety matches — Specification  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY EAS 125: 2011 
ii © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Copyright notice 
This EAC document is copyright-protected by EA C. While the reproduction of this document by 
participants in the EAC standards development process is permitted without prior permission from EAC, 
neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form for 
any other purpose without prior written permission from EAC. 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be addressed 
as shown below or to EAC’s member bo dy in the country of the requester: 
© East African Community 2010 — 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 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  iii
 Contents Page 
Foreword  .............................................................................................................................. ............................... v  
1 Scope  .............................................................................................................................. ........................ 1  
2 Terms and definitions  ........................................................................................................................... 1  
3 Requirements  ............................................................................................................................... .......... 2  
3.1 General requirements  ........................................................................................................................... 2  
3.2 Physical characteristics ....................................................................................................................... 2  
3.2.1 Splints  .............................................................................................................................. ....................... 2  
3.2.2 Match container  .............................................................................................................................. ....... 3  
3.2.3 Match head  .............................................................................................................................. ............... 3  
3.2.4 Striking (friction) surface  ...................................................................................................................... 3  
3.2.5 Number of sticks  .............................................................................................................................. ..... 3 
3.3 Defective containers  ............................................................................................................................. 3 
3.3.1 Broken and crushed  ..............................................................................................................................  3 
3.3.2 Loosely fitted  .............................................................................................................................. ........... 3  
3.4 Unserviceable sticks  ............................................................................................................................. 3 
3.4.1 General  .............................................................................................................................. ..................... 3  
3.4.2 Badly-distorted heads  ........................................................................................................................... 4  
3.4.3 Fractured heads  ............................................................................................................................... ...... 4  
3.4.4 Doubles  .............................................................................................................................. .................... 4  
3.4.5 Sticks which break or bend  .................................................................................................................. 4  
3.5 Absence of after glow  ........................................................................................................................... 4  
3.6 Additional requirements for book matches  ........................................................................................ 4  
4 Packing and marking ............................................................................................................................ 4  
4.1 Packing  .............................................................................................................................. ..................... 4  
4.2 Marking  .............................................................................................................................. ..................... 5  
5. Sampling  .............................................................................................................................. .................. 5  
5.1 Lot .............................................................................................................................. ............................. 5  
5.2 Number of test and criteria for conformity  ......................................................................................... 6  
5.3 Criteria for conformity  ........................................................................................................................... 7  
Annex A (normative)  Wearing strength of friction surface  ........................................................................... 8  
A.1 Principle  .............................................................................................................................. ................... 8  
A.2 Procedure  ............................................................................................................................................... 8  
Annex B (informative)  Test for functional failures of matches  ..................................................................... 9  
Annex C (normative)  Safety ............................................................................................................................ 10  
C.1 Principle  .............................................................................................................................. ................. 10  
C.2 Procedure  .............................................................................................................................. ............... 10  
Annex D (normative)  Ignition below 170 oC .................................................................................................. 11  
D.1 Principle  .............................................................................................................................. ................. 11  
D.2 Apparatus  .............................................................................................................................. ............... 11  
D.3 Procedure  .............................................................................................................................. ............... 11  
Annex E (normative)  Ignition under impact  .................................................................................................. 12  
E.1 Principle  .............................................................................................................................. ................. 12  
E.2 Apparatus  .............................................................................................................................. ............... 12  
E.3 Procedure  .............................................................................................................................. ............... 13  
Annex F (normative)  Burning quality — Spurting  ........................................................................................ 14  
F.1 Principle  .............................................................................................................................. ................. 14  
F.2 Procedure  .............................................................................................................................. ............... 14  EAS 125: 2011 
iv © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Annex G (normative)  Damp-proofness  ..........................................................................................................15  
G.1 Principle  .............................................................................................................................. ..................15  
G.2 Apparatus  .............................................................................................................................. ...............15  
G.3 Procedure  .............................................................................................................................. ...............15  
G.4 Calculation  ............................................................................................................................... .............15  
Annex H (informative)  Method of test for afterglow  .....................................................................................16  
Annex I (normative)  Method of striking matches  .........................................................................................17  
Annex J (informative)  Test for breaking resistant of the splint  ..................................................................18  
 
 EAS 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – 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 objectiv e, 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 pr ivate sectors and consumer organizati ons. 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 finalization of standards, in accordance with the procedures 
of the Community. 
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advan ces. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
This second edition cancels and replaces the first ed ition EAS 125:2001 of which has   been technically 
revised. EAS 125: 2011 
vi © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Introduction 
Matches are generally classified as strike-anywhere matches and safety matches. As the names indicate, the 
strike-anywhere matches can be ignited by friction on al most any surface, whereas safety matches are ignited 
by striking against the friction surface only on the outside  of the container. At the moment strike-anywhere 
matches are not manufactured in this country.  
The basic raw materials presently used for the manufa cture of safety matches includes wood, match paper, 
and paraffin wax for the splints, chemicals such as potassium chlorate, sulphur, meta llic oxides, for example, 
amber black oxides of manganese and iron, zinc oxide and yellow oxide of lead for the match head and those 
for the friction surface include red phosphorus (amorphous phosphorus) and antimony sulphide. In addition, 
potassium dichromate and methanal (formaldehyde or form alin) are also used in small quantities in preparing 
the above two compositions. The adhesives used comprise of technical gelatine and casein, the former is 
used in the preparation of both the match head and friction surface compositions while the latter is mainly 
used for labelling purposes. Other ancilliary materials consumed by the industry  are carbon black, glass 
powder, soda ash or borax, linseed oil,  resin, rhodamine dye and tapioca flour. 
However the use of other materials not included in the above list are allowed as long as they impose no safety 
risks and are suitable for the manufacture of safety matches. EAST AFRICAN STANDARD EAS 125: 2011
 
© EAC 2010 – All rights reserved 1
 Safety matches — Specification 
1 Scope 
This Final Draft East African Standar d specifies the requirements, sampling and methods of testing for safety 
matches that has been packed in any suitable material.   
2 Terms and definitions 
2.1 
match 
splint tipped with a head of composition which will ignite when struck against an appropriate surface 
2.2 
splint 
rigid stick of combustible material providing support during ignition of a match and the fuel for its continued 
burning 
2.3 
safety match 
match designed so that it will not readily ignite unless br ought into contact with a friction surface specifically 
designed to cause ignition  
2.4 
after glow burning of the match stick (splint) without a flame, after the flame has been extinguished 
NOTE Safety matches can occasionally and with difficulty be ignited upon other surfaces. 
2.5 match container individual package for retaining matches in the form of  a container, book or other shapes, incorporating a 
friction surface on its outer part 
2.6 
ignition compound 
chemical compound used to make the striking tip of a match 
2.7 
striking (friction) surface 
that part of the container that is designed for igniting matches  
2.8 
wood matches 
matches that have splints of wood but does not include such matches if they are attached to a common base 
2.9 
book matches 
one or two rows of comb-like matches, each row of splints having its base fixed within a cover. The striking surface lies within the outer surface of the cover. EAS 125: 2011 
2 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 2.10  
wax matches  
matches that have paper splints fully waxed with paraffin wax 
3 Requirements 
3.1 General requirements 
The chemicals used in the manufacture of the match head shall be safe with no such risks as explosion and 
the splints shall comply with the safety requirements of this standard, such as the requirements of after glow. 
The safety matches shall also comply with the pe rformance requirements given in Table 1, when tested 
according to prescribed methods in the annexes 
Table 1 — Requirements for safety matches 
No Characteristics Requirements Method of test 
i Wearing strength of friction surface To pass test Annex A 
ii Safety To pass test Annex C 
iii Ignition below 170 °C Nil Annex D 
iv Ignition under impact Nil Annex E 
v Burning quality spurting, percentage, max 5 Annex F 
vi Damp proofness, percentage, min 60 Annex G 
 
3.2 Physical characteristics  
3.2.1 Splints (for wood matches) 
3.2.1.1  The splint used for making sticks shall be uniform, smooth, well polished, and free from  bristles, 
splits tears, cracks or decays and holes a long the le ngth. They shall not have fungus or bacterial growth. 
Compliance shall be checked by visual inspection a nd counting and the number failing shall not exceed ten 
percent of the respective package size. 
3.2.1.2  The splints shall be made such that about two-th irds of its length shall burn smoothly, when held 
horizontally in a draft free atmosphere . The number of splints failing this te st shall not exceed 6 % of the test 
sample. 
3.2.1.3  In determining the strength of the splints, not  more than 5 % of the matches tested when struck 
against the friction surface shall show bendi ng, breaking or fracture of the splints 
3.2.1.4  Splints shall have the following minimum dimensions:  
a) length of 40 mm ± 2 mm;  
b) width of 1.9 mm ± 0.1 mm; and 
c) thickness of 1.9 mm ± 0.1 mm. 
3.2.1.5  There should be no variation exceeding 2 mm betwe en the length of the splints within the same 
container. EAS 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  3
 3.2.1.6  Book matches shall have splints not less than 35 mm length without the base and 45 mm with the 
base. The composite width of 10 splints shall not be less than 30 mm. 
3.2.2 Match container 
The match container shall be of good workmanship free from the following defects: 
a) damages such as crushed, broken or torn containers; 
b) twisted or swollen containers, or ill-fitted tray exposing match heads; and 
c) loosely fitted container.  
3.2.3 Match head  
3.2.3.1  No match head shall protrude out of the container .  The number of containers, if any, failing this 
requirement shall not exceed 4 % of the test sample.  3.2.3.2 The match head shall ignite without spurting and the match head particles shall not fly  when the 
head is struck against the friction surface of  the container. 
3.2.4 Striking (friction) surface  
3.2.4.1 The container shall have a uniformly distributed fric tion surface, none of which shall be present on 
the inside where contacts with the match heads can occur. The friction surface shall terminate at least 2 mm 
from each edge of the shorter side of the container. 
3.2.4.2 When tested in accordance with Annex A, the fr iction surface shall not peel to expose the 
underlying surface of the container.  3.2.4.3 When tested in accordance with Annex A, not less than 95 % of the matches in each container 
shall ignite. 
3.2.5 Number of sticks  
The average number of stic ks per container shall not be < 4 % of  the nominal specified number when 
determined on the examination of any six containers from the sample and no container out of the six 
examined shall contain < 90 % of the nominal specified number. 
3.3 Defective containers  
3.3.1 Broken and crushed  
The broken and crushed containers in the test sample shall not exceed 5 %.  
3.3.2 Loosely fitted  
When tested in accordance with Annex B the loosely fitt ed containers in the test sample shall not exceed 4 %.  
3.4 Unserviceable sticks  
3.4.1 General  
The total unserviceable sticks shall not exceed 10 % of the test sample. Sticks which are considered 
unserviceable are classified below.  EAS 125: 2011 
4 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 3.4.2 Badly-distorted heads  
Heads shall be considered distorted when they show  pronounced abnormalities in shape or surface, 
especially heads which carry sharply defined peaks.  
3.4.3 Fractured heads  
Heads shall be considered to be fractured when  their surface has been broken or cracked.  
3.4.4 Doubles  Heads linked together by a bridge of composition shall be termed as doubles.  
3.4.5 Sticks which break or bend  
The splints which break or bend when struck against the friction surface shall be termed as splints which 
break/bend. 
3.5 Absence of after glow 
When tested in accordance with Annex H; splints shall not glow for more than three seconds. The number of matches of which the after glow persists before turning into ashed remains shall not exceed 40 % of the tested 
samples. 
3.6 Additional requirements for book matches 
Every book of matches shall meet the following requirements: 
a) the cover of the book shall be so constructed such that all the match heads are covered when the 
book is closed; 
b) any fastening material used to secure the cover to the common base of the matches shall not pierce 
or loosen the striking surface; 
c) no friction paint shall be present on the inside of  the cover within one inch of the match heads;  
d) the splints shall be in one or two rows wrapped around by a board cover and indented near the base 
to be detached easily; and 
e) the striking surface of a book of matches that is closed by a cover flap fitting in or over the base of the 
book shall be on the side of the book opposite to the side that opens. 
4 Packing and marking  
4.1 Packing  
Packing shall be in the form of containers, packets and cartons A suitable number of  match containers shall 
be wrapped in a suitable wrapping material capable of withstanding normal handling. The material shall be securely pasted or glued to make a tight packet. Each pa cket shall consist of a suitable number of containers. 
Such packets shall be packed in a suitable wrapping paper or any other suitable material which shall be 
securely glued to make a tight carton.  EAS 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  5
 4.2 Marking  
The match container, packet and the carton shall have a label affixed to each one of them, where applicable, 
indicating the following: 
a) on each containers: 
i) name and address of the manufacturer or importer/distributor, brand name and/or registered 
trademark, if any  
 
ii) the words, ‘SAFETY MATCHES’; 
iii) average number of sticks in a match container;  
iv) cautionary warning indicating the precautions that may need to be taken viz ‘close container 
before lighting’, sign indicating, ‘Flammable’; and 
v) name of country of origin; 
b) on the packets, the numbe r of match containers; and 
c) on each carton:  
i) date of manufacture or batch number or code number; and ii) the words ‘STORE IN COOL DRY PLACE’.  
5. Sampling  
5.1 Lot  
5.1.1  All materials of the same brand in a single consignment produced in the same manufacturing unit 
shall constitute a lot.  Samples shall be tested from each lot for ascertaining t he conformity of the lot for the requirements of this 
specification. The number of cartons to  be selected from a lot shall depend upon the size of the lot and shall 
be in accordance with Table 2. 
Table 2 — Sampling plan 
Lot size (N)  Number of cartons to be selected (n) 
3 to 25  3 
26 to 50  4 
51 to 100  5 
101 to 150  6 
151 and above  7 
 
5.1.2 These cartons shall be selected at random from the lot and for this purpose; random number tables 
shall be used. In case such tables are not ava ilable, the procedure given below shall be adopted: EAS 125: 2011 
6 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 a. starting from any carton in the lot, count 1, 2, 3.......etc up to r and so on in one order. Every 
rth carton thus counted shall be withdrawn, where r is the integral part of N/n. N being the lot 
size and n the number of cartons to be selected; 
b. from each carton selected in 5.1.2 (a); se lect at random a certain number of packets 
depending upon the size of the carton, in accordan ce with Table 3.  To ensure randomness of 
selection, random number tables or pr ocedure given in 5.1.2 (a) shall be used; 
Table 3 — Number of packets to be selected from a carton 
Number of packets in the carton Number of packets to be selected 
10 3 
50 4 
100 5 
 
d) the packets from the cartons shall also be select ed at random and to ensure the randomness of 
selection, random number tables or procedur e given in 5.1.2 (a) shall be used; and  
e) open each of the packets in 5.1.2 (c ) and take out at a random four match containers from each of the 
packets. These containers thus selected from packets shall constitute a sample. These containers 
shall then be divided at random into two sets of equal number of containers. One set shall be for the purchaser and other set shall be the referee sample. The referee sample shall bear the seals of both 
the purchaser and the supplier and shall be kept at a place agreed to between the two. The referee 
sample shall be tested in case of dispute only. 
5.2 Number of test and criteria for conformity  
5.2.1 All the match containers in a sample set shall be examined for the requirements given in 3.2, 3.2.2, 
3.2.4, and 3.3.  
The lot shall be considered as satisfactory in respect of these requirements, if the sample set of match 
containers satisfies each one of these requirements.  
5.2.2  From the match containers in the sample set, sele ct at random any six containers and examine them 
for the number of sticks.  After co unting the sticks, containers shall be refilled with the same sticks and 
replaced back into the sample.  5.2.3 The lot shall be considered as satisfactory, if t he six selected containers satisfy the requirements 
given in 3.2.5.1 or 3.2.5.2 as the case may be.  From the match containers in the sample set, select f our containers at random. P ool the sticks from all the 
four containers together and taking the requisite number of sticks at random from this pool of stick, carry out 
the tests as prescribed in Annexes A, C, D, and E. [See also Table , items (i) to ( iv)].  The lot shall be 
considered as satisfactory in regard to t hese requirements, if none of the test fails.  
5.2.4  From the remaining containers of the sample set, select at random five containers.  Test each of the 
five containers for wearing strength of the friction surf aces according to Annex A [see also Table 1 item (i)].  
The lot shall be considered satisfactory, if  each of five containers passes the test.  
5.2.5  From the remaining containers of the sample set, select at random five containers and carry out the 
test for damp-proofness as given in Annex  G. [see also Table 1, item (vi)].  
The lot shall be considered as satisfactory in regard to this test requirement if the test result satisfies the 
requirements given in Table 1.  EAS 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  7
 5.2.6  Take three containers out of t he sample at random and examine for the defects given in 3.4. The lot 
shall be considered as satisfactory if the total number  of unserviceable sticks in these containers does not 
exceed 10 %.  
5.2.7  Take the sticks from these containers and test for the requirements as given in 3.2.1. The lot shall be 
considered as satisfactory, if the total number of sticks not contributing does not exceed 6 %.  
5.3 Criteria for conformity  
The lot shall be declared as conforming to the requirements of  this specification, if the different test results as 
obtained in 5.2.1 to 5.2.6 meet the corres ponding requirements given in this standard. EAS 125: 2011 
8 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Annex A 
(normative)  
 
Wearing strength of friction surface 
A.1 Principle 
The test is carried out by striking the match sticks against the friction surface.  
A.2 Procedure  
Take five containers from the sample and condition them at a temperature of 27 °C + 1 °C and 65 % + 2 % 
relative humidity for one hour before carrying out the tes t. The cover of the container shall be removed during 
conditioning. Strike all the sticks in the container one by one on one friction surface side of the container. The 
sample shall be taken to have passed this test, if one fricti on surface side is sufficient to ignite all the sticks, 
The friction surface shall be suitably used so that  the entire area of one side is utilised in the test. EAS 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  9
 Annex B 
(informative) 
 
Test for functional failures of matches  
In determining the correct fit of tray, use a test set of 50 % of containers at random selected from the gross 
sample, and test each container as follows: 
a) allow the container to stand on its end, and then gr asp it by its friction-paint ed sides lightly between 
the thumb and index finger of one hand and lift the c ontainer vertically. Unless the tray tends to fall 
out, proceed to check that the tray slides easily in the outer casing; and 
b) note and record as defectives the number of c ontainers in which the following failures occur: 
i) the tray slide or dropped out under its own mass and that of its contents; and 
ii) the tray did not slide easily in the outer casing. EAS 125: 2011 
10 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Annex C 
(normative) 
 
Safety 
C.1 Principle  
The test is carried out by striking the match sticks against a flint paper or equivalent. 
C.2 Procedure  
Take three containers from the sele cted containers of the sample and stri ke over a sheet of flint paper. The 
average length of stroke on the flint paper shall be about 50 mm.  
The sample shall be taken to have passed the test, if  none of the sticks in the container catches fire. 
 EAS 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  11
 Annex D 
(normative) 
 
Ignition below 170 oC 
D.1 Principle  
The test is carried out by placing the match sticks in an oven maintained at 170 oC and examined for ignition.  
D.2 Apparatus  
D.2.1 Oven, the size and shape of the oven shall be such that the inner chamber shall be approximately 
150 mm x 150 mm x 225 mm. It wall be fitted with a shelf of perforated sheet metal at a distance of 120 mm 
from the top lining of the oven. A v ent shall be provided at the top of the oven to permit air circulation.  
D.2.2 Thermometer  to read up to 250 °C 
D.2.3 Wooden block, of 30 mm thick and 50 mm square having a hole of 10 mm diameter to a depth of 25 
mm in the centre to serve as a receptacle to hold the sticks  
D.3 Procedure  
Take 10 matches from the selected containers of the samples and place them with the heads up in the 
receptacle of the wooden block or a metal holder. Place the block/holder in the cent re of the oven maintainer 
at 170 °C. After 10 min remove the block/holder, note and record as defectives the number of matches that 
have ignited. The sample shall be taken to have pa ssed the test, if the sticks do not catch fire. EAS 125: 2011 
12 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Annex E 
(normative) 
 
Ignition under impact 
 
E.1 Principle  
The test is carried out by striking the match stic ks with a hammer of 170 g and examined for ignition.  
E.2 Apparatus  
The apparatus shall be assembled as shown in Figure 1. 
 
 
 
Figure 1 — Apparatus for ignition under impact test 
 EAS 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  13
 E.3 Procedure 
Take 10 sticks from the selected containers of the sa mple and test each stick separat ely Place the stick on the 
anvil of polished steel, in such a way that the st ick is horizontal and the head is at its centre.  
Drop the striking hammer by releasing the spring catc h. Observe whether the head catches fire under this 
impact. EAS 125: 2011 
14 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Annex F 
(normative) 
 
Burning quality — Spurting 
F.1 Principle  
The test is carried out by striking the match sticks agai nst the friction surface and examine for spurting, if any.  
F.2 Procedure  
Take three containers from the selected containers of  the sample and strike against the friction surface of 
these containers. Observe the number of heads which spurt out while burning EAS 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  15
 Annex G 
(normative) 
 
Damp-proofness 
G.1 Principle 
The test is carried out by keeping the match containers in a desiccator containing water for 24 h and 
examined for their burning quality.  
G.2 Apparatus  
Desiccator,  with a plate having an inside diameter of about 250 mm 
G.3 Procedure 
Carry out this test at a temperature of 27 °C + 1 °C . Place a sufficient amount of water in the desiccator so 
that the distance between the surface of the water and the nearest portion of the exposed matches kept over 
the plate is about 25 mm. Take five containers from the sample and place these containers on the desiccator’s 
plate so that the head side of each container is half open and each container resting on its edge with the 
friction surface vertical as well as with the heads up. T he containers shall be placed at  a distance of at least 
20 mm away from the walls of the desiccator. Close the desiccator and leave it undisturbed for 24 h (see 
Note). Remove the container at a time from the desiccat or, and strike each stick not more than twice over its 
own friction surface until all the sticks inside each contai ner are exhausted or there is no more friction surface 
available for striking. Count the number of sticks which ignited during the test.   
NOTE If condensation of water is likely to take place during the test, then the match head may be suitably shielded 
with a glass plate. 
G.4 Calculation  
Calculate the damp-proofness as follows 
Damp-proofness, percentage = 100
5×
×⎥⎦⎤
⎢⎣⎡
Nn 
where  
n is the total number of sticks ignited in five containers; and 
N is the nominal stick of each container. EAS 125: 2011 
16 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Annex H 
(informative) 
 
Method of test for afterglow 
H.1 Place the bases of the splints of 25 matches into holes in a metal plate 20 mm ± 0.5 mm apart, 
arranged in a 5 x 5 array as shown in Figure 2.  
H.2 In a darkened room, apply a flame to an outside row of the matches and tilt the metal plate so as to 
ignite all of the matches on the plate as quickly as possible.  
H.3 Allow the splints to burn away completely and, when  the flame dies out, examine the ashed remains of 
the splints for any afterglow, ignoring any pinpoint glow immediately beneath the head.  
H.4 Where afterglow is considered to persist for longer than 3 s, repeat the test on a further 25 matches 
struck as directed in Annex I and examine them individually.  
H.5 Repeat H.1 to H.4 on a second group of 25 matches and record a cumulative result for the 50 matches 
tested. 
 
 
Figure 2 — Perforated metal plate EAS 125: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  17
 Annex I 
(normative) 
 
Method of striking matches  
Wherever any of the tests calls for striking of matches,  the match is struck along the container with an upward 
sweep and held clear out of the container to avoi d damage to the friction paint (see Figure 3).  
 EAS 125: 2011 
18 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Annex J 
(informative) 
 
Test for breaking resistant of the splint 
The apparatus illustrated in Figure 2 is used to con duct this test. 
The moment arm on the apparatus is, 
a) 2 cm in length, where wood matches are being tested; 
b) 1.5 cm in length, where matches ot her than wood matches are being tested. 
The match is inserted in the apparatus as illustrated in figure 2 and the clamp and match gradually lowered 
until the match breaks. 
The maximum force registered on the scale or balance required to break the splint is recorded. 
 EAS 125:2011
 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved