Africa Regulatory Update 05_2025

These ad-hoc Africa Regulatory Updates are intended to inform all members of developments, even if queries were received from specific members. Due to increased email burdens, information is shared when of sufficient volume and/or importance.

Kenya

Update: Kenyan regulatory framework for cosmetics

The regulation of cosmetics in Kenya is complicated. There are two mandated regulators – the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). As you may be aware, if a Standard (often product-specific) is published in Kenya (and other East Arican Regional Economic Community countries), compliance is a legal requirement. Other mandatory requirements may be put in place by PPB for the cosmetics that it regulates. Furthermore, it has been previously proposed that cosmetics are categorised into three classes depending on certain criteria including activity; ingredients; and claims, for example. Changes to which authority regulates which classes have also been under review.

Most recently, KEBS released a Framework for the Regulation of Cosmetics (by both regulators) and invited comments at very short notice. CTFA reviewed the draft and while the proposed approach to be agreed on by the two authorities is improved from a South African perspective, there are remaining challenges. CTFA submitted input on the matter and awaits feedback.
The Framework as well as CTFA’s input are available from the Association. Please note that the comments are copyrighted and not for sharing at all.