On February 9, 2021, the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (“Authority”) announced that it plans to approve the Pakistan Standard Institution’s May 13, 1997 “Skin Powders PS: 3973” Standard (“Standard”).
The Standard addresses body and face powders, while specifically exempting medicated powders for which therapeutic claims are made, as well as powders used for infants. Further, the Standard defines the requirements and methods to be used when testing such skin powders. “Skin powders” are classified into two types in Section 2 of the Standard. These are “body powders”, which include talcum powders, toilet powders and dusting powders, and “face powders”, which include “loose powders” and “compressed powders”.
Section 3.1.1 specifies the chemical content of body powders, including perfumes, “coloring matter” and other raw materials, while Section 3.1.2 manages the same for face powders. Section 3 goes on to direct the raw material specifications that must be adhered to (3.1.3), that the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the skin powders are dermatologically safe for their intended use (3.1.4), and the degree of purity required (3.1.5). Section 3.4 directs “The material shall comply with the requirement given in Table 1 [which immediately follows] when tested according to the relevant methods prescribed in Column 4 of the Table”.
The ensuing sections of the Standard speak to Packaging (4.0), Marking (5.0), Sampling (6.0), Test Methods (7.0), as well as multiple Appendices outlining the various test methods and procedures to determine various physical and chemical parameters of the powders.
The presently-in-draft Standard had been initiated by the Cosmetic and Toilet Goods Sectional Committee and subsequently approved by the Chemical Divisional Council. Notice and Comment for the Standard is open until April 10, 2021, with an expected entry into force of May 10, 2021.
Michael S. Wenk, President/Director of m4 Global Consulting LLC, has written and spoken extensively on chemical regulation in the Middle East, most recently publishing the handbook “Chemical Regulation in the Middle East” under the Wiley and Sons imprint in 2018. Mr. Wenk is a globally-recognized authority on the topic, and m4 Global Consulting LLC has the experience, resources and expertise to assist companies in complying with the myriad of regulations in the region.
Mr. Wenk can be reached at +(678) 836 6419, or by e-mail at michael@m4globalconsultingllc.com.
