New Kebs rules to block harmful cosmetics
Kenya Bureau of Standards officers prepare to burn contraband cosmetics in KIsumu in 2012.
The Sh100 billion-cosmetic products trade will be subjected new stricter regulations to protect Kenyans from harmful products.
Speaking when he announced adoption of eleven new standards, Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) managing director said only tested and approved products will be allowed for sale across Kenya and in East African markets.
“We will ensure quality, fit-for-use and safe cosmetics reach consumers. Kebs will monitor raw material requirements used and limit inclusion of heavy metal as well as microbiological contaminants in products,” said Kebs MD Bernard Njiraini.
Lucrative market
Kenya remains a lucrative market for deodorants and antiperspirants, glycerine, hair spray, lip balm (lip salve), lip shine (lip gloss), lipstick, aftershave, baby oils, body oils, and shea butter.
The cosmetics industry has grown tenfold riding on a liberalised market regime where products are imported directly for placement on shelves without being subjected to safety analysis by Kebs.
The new Kebs standards could result in higher product prices blamed on inspection costs and delays incurred when importing products that must await certification prior to shipping to Kenya.
