 DEAS 985 -1:2019  
ICS 55.120  
 
© EAC 201 9                                                                                                                          First Edition 201 9 
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Hermetic storage bags —Specification  – Part 1; Woven polypropylene 
outer bags  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  DEAS 985 -1:2019  
 
ii © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 Copyright notice  
This EAC document is copyright -protected by EAC. While the reproduction of this document by 
participants in t he 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.  
Request s for permission to reproduce 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 2019 — All rights reserved  
East African Community  
P.O. Box 1096 , 
Arusha  
Tanzania  
Tel: + 255 27 2 162100  
Fax: + 255 27 2162190  
E-mail: eac@eachq.org   
       Web: www.eac -quality.net   
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty pa yments or a licensing agreement.  
Violators may be prosecuted . DEAS 985 -1:2019  
 
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  iii 
 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 C ommunity will be removed.  
The Community has established an East African Standards Committee  (EASC)  mandated to develop and 
issue East African Standards  (EAS) . The Committee is composed of representatives of the National 
Standards Bodies in Partner States, together with the representatives from the public and private sector 
organizations  in the community . 
East African Stand ards are developed through  Technical Committees that are representative of key 
stakeholders including government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties. 
Draft East African Standards are circulated to stakeholders through th e National Standards Bodies in the 
Partner States. The comments received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of standards, in 
accordance with the Principles and procedures for develop ment of East African Standards.  
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 . 
The committee responsible for this document  is Technical Committee EASC/TC 06 6, Packaging  
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be subject of patent 
rights. EAC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  DEAS 985 -1:2019  
 
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  1 
 Hermetic sto rage bags —Specification – Part 1; Woven polypropylene 
outer bags  
1 Scope  
This Draft East African Standard specifies the requirements, methods of sampling and test for hermetic bags 
for storage of dried food commodities, derived products and seeds.  
This s tandard covers hermetic bags whose outer bags are made from woven polypropylene  
2 Normative references  
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes 
requirements 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.  
ISO 7023 , Packaging -- Sacks -- Method of sampling empty sacks for testing  
ASTM D 398 -13, Determination of  water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) -- Gravimetric (dish) method ISO 
4591 Plastics -- Film and sheeting -- Determination of average thickness of a sample, and average thickness 
and yield of a roll, by gravimetric techniques (gravimetric thickness)  
ISO 2 556, Plastics -- Determination of the gas transmission rate of films and thin sheets under atmospheric 
pressure -- Manometric method  
ISO 7765 , Plastic film and sheeting -Determination of Impact resistance by free falling dart method part 2: 
Instrumented pun ctured test  
ISO 6383 -2, Plastic film and sheeting -Determination of tear resistance part 2: Elmendorf -method  
ISO 7965 -2, Sack -drop test part 2: -Sacks made from thermoplastic flexible film  
ISO 22198 , Textile Fabrics -Determination of width and length  
ISO 721 1-5, Textile -woven Fabrics -Construction -methods of analysis -Part 5: Determination of linear density of 
yearn removed from fabrics.  
ISO 3801 , Textile -woven Fabrics -Determination of mass per unit length and mass per unit area  
ISO 13934 -1, Textiles -- Tensile  properties of fabrics -- Part 1: Determination of maximum force and  
elongation at maximum force using the strip method  
ASTM D -3985 -95 Standard Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and 
Sheeting Using a Coulometric Sensor  
ISO 2 062, Textiles -- Yarns from packages -- Determination of single -end breaking force and elongation at 
break using constant rate of extension (CRE) tester   
2 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 ASTM F 1927 - 07 Standard Test Method for Determination of Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate, Permeability 
and Permeance at Controlled Relative Humidity Through Barrier Materials Using a Coulometric Detector  
ASTM F1306 – 90, Standard Test Method for Slow Rate Penetration Resistance of Flexible Barrier Films and 
Laminates  
ASTM D882 -18, Standard Test Method for Te nsile Properties of thin Plastic Sheeting  
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 1998 and the following apply.  
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the follow ing addresses:  
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp . 
3.1 
hermetic storage bag  
bags with the requisite liner that limits exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapour with the 
envir onment when sealed  
3.2 
food grade material  
packaging material, made of substances which are safe and suitable for the intended use and which will not 
impart any toxic substances or undesirable odour or flavor to the products.  
3.3 
oxygen transmission rate ( OTR)  
quantity of oxygen transmitted through unit area of a test specimen in unit time under specified conditions of 
temperature, humidity and thickness  
3.4 
water vapour transmission rate (WVTR)  
quantity of water vapour transmitted through unit area of a t est specimen in unit time under specified 
conditions of temperature, humidity and thickness  
3.5 
dried food commodity  
grains (cereals, pulses, nuts) a nd other dried food products whose moisture content is within acceptable limits 
as specified in the  relevan t product  standards  
3.6 
derived products  
processed products from grains and other dried food commodities  
4 Requirements  
4.1 General requirements  
4.1.1 General  
The bag shall be made from woven polypropylene tapes of virgin resin of food grade material.  
4.1.2 Stitching thread  
The stitching thread shall be made from either polypropylene or polyester fibre.   
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  3 
 4.1.3 Edge sealing  
All raw edges of the bags shall be heat sealed or hemmed to prevent fraying.  
4.1.4 Base Closure   
The closure shall be effected either by a turned -over and stitched seam or by bonding.  Where the base 
closure is bonded, the seam shall be effected by applying capping tape over the ends of the sack and 
securing by means of an adhesive . 
4.1.5 Longitudinal Seams   
Longitudinal seams shall not b e used  in the manufacture of hermetic storage bags.  
4.2 General requirements for hermetic liner  
4.2.1  The liner shall be made from virgin polymer resins that are food grade material  
4.2.2  The joints of the liners shall be heat sealed.  
4.3 General requireme nts for closures of hermetic liners  
The liner shall have a closing mechanism to secure and maintain the hermetic condition .  
4.4 General requirements for closures of woven polypropylene bag  
The bag  shall have a closing mechanism to secure and maintain the contents without puncturing the liner.  
4.2 Specific requirements  
4.2.1 Specific requirements for woven polypropylene bags  
Woven Polypropylene  bags shall meet the physical requirements as specified in table 1.   
4 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 Table 1 — Specific  requirements for polypropyl ene bags  
S/No.  Characteristic  
 Requirements  Test method  
a)  Degree of 
coverage,  
%, min. Warp  100 Annex A  
weft 100 
b)  Breaking 
Force of the  
sacking ,N, 
min. warp  600 ISO 13934 -1 
weft 600 
c)  Break strength of the tape  
( yarn),N, min.  20 ISO 2062  
d)  Elongation at break of the tape,%, 
min 20 ISO 20 62 
e)  Linear density,  denier,  min. 780 ISO 7211 Part 5  
f)  Mass per unit area of the sacking 
,g/m2,min 70 ISO 3801  
g)  Stitch density  per 10 cm, min.  12 Annex B  
h)  Seam strength , N. min. 480 Annex C  
i)  Turned -over and s titched seam  
 The turn -over shall be 2 cm 
minimum and the stitch line 
shall be 1 ± 0.3 cm from the 
base so formed and shall 
pass through all the four 
thicknesses of the fabrics.  
 Annex B  
 
4.2.2 Hermetic liner  
When tested in accordance with the methods spe cified in Table 2, the hermetic liner shall comply with the 
requirements specified therein .  
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  5 
 Table 2 — Specific requirements for hermetic liner  
S/No.  Characteristic  Requirements  Test method  
a)  Thickness ,  µm ,min.  65  ISO 4591  
b)  OTR, (cc/m2/day), max  ISO 25 56 
single liner  50 
multi liner s 250 
c)  WVTR, (g/m2/day),max  10 ISO 2528  
d)  Impact resistance, g,min.  350 ISO 7765 -2 
e)  Puncture resistance, N,  min. 50 ISO 6383 -2 
ASTM F 1306 -90 
4.2.3  Specific requirements for fully assembled hermetic storage bag  
4.2.3.1 Drop test  
4.2.3.1.1 Butt dropping  
When tested in accordance with ISO 7965 -2 at a height of 1.20m on the bottom and the top of the bag, after 
each drop, there shall be no rupture or loss of contents.  
4.2.3.1.2  Flat dropping  
When tested in accordance with ISO 7965 -2 at a height of 1.60m twice on one flat face and twice on the 
opposite flat face., there shall be no rupture or loss of contents.  
4.2.3.1.3  Dimension and capacity  
When tested in accordance with ISO 22198 the nominal dimensions of the bags shall  be as declared subject 
to a tolerance of ± 2 cm and capacity as stated.  
4.3 Food grade requirements  
4.3.1  Overall migration  
When tested in accorda nce with method specified  in Annex D, the hermetic storage bag shall also comply with 
the overall migration l imits. 60 mg/kg (max.) of the foodstuff; and for liquid foodstuffs or of simulants, the limit 
shall be 60 mg/l (max.).  
4.3.2  Pigments, colorants and heavy metals  
When tested in accordance with Annex E , the hermetic storage bag shall comply with the list an d limits of the 
pigments, colorants and heavy metals specified therein.  
5 Packaging and labelling  
5.1 Packaging  
Hermetic bags shall be packed in materials that prevents it from damage , contamination  during normal 
handling, storage and transportation  and the packaging shall be in accordance with relevant environmental 
regulations of destination country.   
6 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 5.2 Labelling  
5.2.1  Woven polypropylene   
The woven polypropylene bag shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following information  on the outer.  
a) manufacturer’s name , address  and / or registered trade mark ; 
b) description of the product , “Hermetic Storage bag”.  
c) capacity of the hermetic bag in kg  as dried maize equivalent, e.g. 25, 50, 90, 100;  
d) dimensions of the bag; 
e) declaration of the number of liners in the  bag; 
f) batch number or code;  
g) instruction for correct use;  
h) instruction for storage and disposal of used bag; and  
i) country of origin.  
5.2.2  Liner  
The liner shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the following information  
a) manufacturer’s name , address and / or registered trade mark ; 
b) declaration, “Hermetic liner”;  
c) dimensions of the liners;  
d) batch number or code;  
e) country of origin ; and  
f) instruction for correct use, storage and disposal of the liner.  
5.2.3 Bulk package  
The bulk package shall  be legibly marked with  the following information;  
a) manufacturer’s name , address and / or registered trade mark ; 
b) description of goods, “Hermetic Storage bag s”; 
c) capacity of the hermetic bag s in kg as dried maize equivalent  e.g. 25,50,90,100 ; 
d) the quantities of the bags;  
e) declaration of the number of liners in the bag;  
f) batch number or code;  
g) instruction for storage and disposal of bulk packaging material; and   
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  7 
 h) country of ori gin. 
6 Sampling  
Sampling of hermetic storage bags shall be done in accordance with ISO 7023.   
8 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 Annex A  
(normative)  
 
Determination of degree of coverage for warp tapes and weft tapes  
A.1 Procedure  
A1.1  Mark out separately five distinct spaces (areas), each measuring 20 cm x 20 cm, on each sample of 
wrapping cloth.  
A1.2  Count the number of warp t apes within each space (ar ea). Denote this by ‘ N’. 
A1.3  Count also the number of weft tapes within each space (area) and denote this by ‘ n’. 
A1.4  Remove ten (10) warp tapes form each sample and measure the width of each tape to the nearest 
0.10 mm.  Calculate the mean warp tape wid th and denote this by ‘ a’. 
A1.5  Remove also ten (10) weft tapes form each sample and measure the width for eac h tape to the 
nearest 0.10 mm. Calculate the mean weft tape width and denote the by ‘ b’ mm. 
A1.6  Determine the degree of warp coverage ‘ Kp’ and we ft covering Kf as follow:  
A1.6.1  Kp = 1/5 ( Kp1 + Kp2 + Kp3 + Kp4 + Kp5) 
where  
Kp = Degree of warp coverage for the sample and  
Kp1 Kp2 ……. Kp5 = Degree of warp coverage for each marked space (area).  
Kpt = 0.5 Na  
where  
t = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  
a = mean warp tape wi dth in mm and  
N = Number of  warp tapes/20 cm.  
A1.6.2  (Kf1 = 1/5 ( Kf1 + Kf2 + Kf3 + Kf4 + Kf5) 
where   
Kf =   Degree of weft coverage for the sample and  
Kf1, Kf2 …Kf5 = Degree of weft coverage for each marked space (area).  
Kft  =  0.5 nb 
where  
t  = 1, 2, 3,  4, 5, 
n  = number of weft tapes/20 cm, and  
b  = mean tape width in mm .  
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  9 
 Annex B 
(normative)  
 
Determination of stitch density  
B.1 Determination of stitch density  
B.1.1  Count the number of stitches over a l ength of 10 cm on each side and bottom seams (if a ny) of each 
bag.  
B.1.2  Space the measurements so that all the seams are adequately assessed . 
B.1.3  Calculate the mean reading and report the mean for each sack.   
10 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 Annex C 
(normative)  
 
Determination of seam strength  
C.1 Breaking strength of seam  
C.1.1  Cut o ut two specimens from each bag in the form of a double “T” with 10 cm of seam and 5 cm of 
sacking as shown in Figure C.1. 
All dimensions in centimetres  
 
Figure C.1  — size and shape of test -specimen for seam strength  
C.1.2  Determine the average breaking st rength of the seam taking 20.0 cm as the nominal gauge length of 
the strength -tester, with the seam near about the center using a constant -rate-of-traverse of 20 cm per minute.  
 
 
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  11 
 Annex D 
(normative)  
 
Determination of overall migration of constituents of pla stics materials and articles 
intended to come in contact with foodstuffs — Method of analysis  
D.1 Principle  
This annex specifies the methods of analysis for determination of overall migration of constituents of single or 
multi -layered heat -sealable films,  single homogeneous non -sealable films, finished containers and closures for 
sealing as lids, in the finished form, preformed or converted form.  
D.2  Simulants  
The determination of migration in simulants is carried out using the simulants listed below : 
D.2.1 Simulant ‘A’ – Distilled water or water of equivalent quality.  
D.2.2  Simulant ‘B’ – 3 % acetic acid ( w/v) in aqueous solution (using the simulant ‘A’)  
D.2.3  Simulant ‘C¹’ – 10 % ethanol ( v/v) in aqueous solution for foodstuffs having alcohol less than 10 % 
(v/v) (using the simulant ‘A’)  
D.2.4  Simulant ‘C²’ - 50 % ethanol ( v/v) in aqueous solution for foodstuffs having alcohol more than 10 % 
and less than 50 % (v/v) (using the simulant ‘A’).  
D.2.5  Simulant ‘D’ – n-heptane – shall be freshly distilled befo re use.  
D.2.6  Simulant ‘E’ – Rectified olive oil or mixture of synthetic triglycerides or sunflower oil.  
D.3 Selection of standard test conditions and simulants for different foods  
The choice of simulating solvents and test conditions (time -temperature) de pends on the type of food and 
condition of use of food products. Food products have been classified into seven major groups as per Table 
D.1. It also gives suitable simulants to be used for different types of foods.   
12 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 Table D.1— Classification of foods and selection of simulant  
Sl no  Type  Description  Example  Simulant  
i ) 1 Aqueous, non -acidic foods(p H >5) 
without fat  Honey, mineral water, sugar syrups, 
skimmed milk, infusions, yeast paste 
etc.  ‘A’ 
ii) 2 Aqueous, non -acidic foods(p H ≤5) 
without fat  Fruit juices, squashes, fruit chunks or 
puree or paste, vinegar, jams, jellies, 
carbonated beverages, lemonade, 
processed vegetables, rennet, 
preparations of soup, broths, sauces, 
RTS beverages etc . ‘B’ 
iii) 3 Alcoholic Beverages:  
 
a) Alcohol concentration less 
than 10  % 
b) Alcohol concentration above 
10 %  
Beer and some pharmaceutical syrups  
Wine brandy, whiskey, arrack and other 
alcoholic drinks  ‘C1’ 
 
 
 
‘C1’ 
iv) 4 Oils, fats and processed dry foods 
with surface fat or volatile oil  Veget able oils, ghee, vanaspati,  cocoa 
butter, lard biscuits, spice powder, 
snacks and savoury,  chocolate, 
caramels, malted foods, egg powder, 
tea, coffee powder, confectionery, fried 
and roasted nuts  ‘D’ 
v) 5 Non-acidic foods(pH>5) or high fat 
and having hig h moisture content  Butter, bread pastry, milk based sweets, 
ice-cream, moist and fatty confectionery 
products  ‘A and D’  
vi) 6 Acidic foods(pH<5) or high fat and 
having high moisture content  Pickles, ketchup, cheese, with low curd, 
fresh and processed mea t and fish 
products, sauces having fat, frozen 
foods, mayonnaise etc . ‘B and D’  
vii) 7 Dry processed foods without fat  Cereals and pulses, dehydrated 
vegetables and fruits, dried yeast, corn 
flakes, salt, sugar, milled products, 
barley powder, oats, vermi celli, 
spaghetti etc . No end test  
 
D.4 Table D.2 lists the simulants and tests conditions (time -temperature) for extractability studies to be 
carried out as above depending on the type of food and conditions of use.   
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  13 
 Table D.2 — Simulating solvents for di fferent types of food and temperature – Time conditions  
Sl No  Conditions of use  Type of 
food Water(time -
temp)  3% acetic 
acid (time -
temp)  10% 
alcohol(time -
temp)  50% alcohol  
(time -temp)  n-
Heptane(
time-
temp)  
i) High temperature 
heat sterilized 
(retorting ) I, II, IV, V 
and VI  121°C 
2h 121°C 
2h - - 66 °C for 
2h 
ii) Hot filled or 
pasteurized above 
66 °C, below 100  °C II, IV, V 
and VI  100°C 
2h 100 °C 
2h   49 °C 
and 30 
minutes  
iii) Hot filled or 
pasteurized above 
66 °C I to VI 70°C 
2h 70 °C 
2h 70 °C 
2h 70 °C 
 38°C and 
30 
minutes  
iv) Room temperature 
filled and stored ( no 
thermal treatment in 
container) and also 
in refrigerated and 
frozen conditions  do 40 °C 
10 days  40 °C 
10 days  40 °C 
10 days  40 ºC 
10 days  do 
 
NOTE  1 Heptane simulant not to be used on wax lined  containers  
NOTE 2  Heptane extractivity results shall be divided by a factor of five in arriving at the extractivity of a food product.  
D.5 Method 1: For finished containers (within 2 litres capacity) or sealable single/multi -
layered flexible films (one si de exposure)  
D.5.1  Apparatus  
D.5.1.1  Electric oven/water bath , equipped with thermostat to maintain the desired temperature up to ±1º 
accuracy.  
D.5.1.2   Electric hot plate , with temperature control regulator . 
D.5.1.3  Analytical balance with a sensitivit y of 0.1 mg.  
D.5.1.4  Glass beakers, Pyrex of 1000 mL capacity or equivalent.  
D.5.1.5  Stainless steel evaporating dish of 100mL capacity.  
D.5.1.6  Stainless steel tongs.  
D.5.2  Selection of samples  
Minimum triplicate samples representing the lot/batch hav e to be selected. Samples in each replicate shall not 
consist of a number of containers (preformed or converted products) with nearest exposed area of 1000 cm². 
In the case of films representative sample shall be of sufficient size to convert into 2 pouche s of size 125 mm 
width and 200 mm length (inner dimension excluding seal area) with 1000 cm² surface area coming in contact.  
D.5.3  Preparation of test specimen  
The containers/pouches used shall be carefully rinsed with water (25 -30 °C) to remove extraneou s materials 
prior to actual migration test.   
14 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 D.5.4  Simulant quantity  
Equal to nominal filling capacity or at least 1mL/cm² of contact area.  
NOTE  Glassware, laboratory apparatus which come into contact with simulants and/or the sample during the test 
shall b e thoroughly washed and dried prior to the test.  
D.5.5   Procedure  
Fill the container/pouch to their filled capacity with preheated simulant at test temperature and close it. In the 
case of pouches, exclude air as much as possible before sealing and expose the filled container/pouch to 
specified temperature maintained in oven/water bath/pressure cooker/autoclave for the specified duration of 
time. After exposure for the specified duration, remove the container/pouch and transfer the contents 
immediately into  a clean Pyrex beaker along with three washings of the specimen with small quantity of the 
fresh stimulant.  
D.5.6  Determination of amount of extractive  
Evaporate/distill the contents in Pyrex beaker to about 50  ml - 60ml and transfer into a clean tared sta inless 
steel dish along with 3 washings of Pyrex beaker with small quantity of fresh stimulant and further evaporate 
the concentrate in the dish to dryness in an oven at 100 °C ± 5  °C.Cool the dish with extractive in a desiccator 
for 30 min. and weigh to n earest 0.1  mg till constant weight of residue is obtained. Calculate the extractives in 
mg/dm² and mg/kg or mg/L or ppm of the foodstuff with respect to the capacity of container/pouch to be used. 
Blank shall also be carried out with the sample.   
Amount of  extractive (Ex) =
100AM mg/dm; and  
1000VM
mg/kg or mg/l or ppm  
Where  
M =  mass of residue in mg minus blank value  
A =  total surface area in cm² exposed in each replicate, and  
V =  total volume in ml of simulant used in each  replicate  
NOTE  1 For irregular shaped containers, nearest surface area is obtained by superi mposing the graph sheet on the 
container and getting the surface area by increments in each segment.  
NOTE  2 In case of heptane as solvent, divide Ex by a factor of  five in arriving at the extractivity for a food product.   
D.6 Method ii: For larger containers made of single  homogenous material above 2 litres 
capacity  
D.6.1  Selection of sample  
Minimum 3 containers representing the lot/batch are to be selected.  
D.6.2  Test Specimen  
Cut 5 pieces each of size 10 cm ×10 cm from each container at different places (each piece exposing about 
200 cm² surface area both sides). In the case of thick material area corresponding to thickness of the sample 
shall be included.   
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  15 
 D.6.3  Procedure  
Immerse 5 thoroughly cleaned pieces cut from each container into a clean glass container (2 -L capacity 
beaker) containing preconditioned simulant at test temperature such that no two pieces touch each other by 
placing a 2 to 3 mm diameter glass ro d in between the specimens and cover the beaker with glass plate/watch 
glass and keep the set at specified temperature maintained in oven/waterbath/pressure cooker for the 
specified duration of time.  
After exposure for the specified time, remove the test s pecimen from the extracted simulant with the help of 
clean tongs and wash the pieces with a small amount of fresh simulant and combine with the extracted 
simulant. Blank shall also be carried out without the sample.  
D.6.4   Determination of amount of extra ctive  
Calculate the extractive in mg/dm² and mg/kg or mg/l or ppm with respect to capacity of the container in 
accordance with the procedure specified in 5.6 
Amount of Extractive ( Ex) = 
AM ×100 mg/dm²  
Ex in ppm = M×TSA×
VA1000  
Where  
M = mass of residue in mg minus blank value,  
A =  surface area in cm² exposed in each replicate,  
TSA =  total surface area of the container in cm², and  
V =  total volume of the container.  
NOTE  Heptane extractive to be divided by factor of five  
D.7 Method iii: Both side exposure for single homogenous film, which cannot be heat 
sealed  
D.7.1  Apparatus  
D.7.1.1  Cylindrical glass jar , inner dimension of 10 cm diameter and 14 cm height with 1000 -mL 
capacity (for 1 -L beaker)  
D.7.1.2  Water Bath/Electrica l Oven , equipped with thermostat to maintain the desired temperature up to 
± 1° C.  
D.7.1 .3 Glass/Stainless Steel Pins , of 7.5  cm - 8.00 cm working length with extra bends at both the 
ends  
D.7.1.4  Electric Hot Plate , with temperature regulator.  
D.7.2  Specim en Size  
A film sample of 1000 cm² surface area both sides with width not more than 10 cm and an appropriate length 
to get the required area (10  cm×50  cm×2 sides = 1000 cm² ).  
16 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 D.7.3  Simulant Quantity  
Not less than 1000 ml to immerse the sample completely.  
D.7.4 Preparation of the specimen  
The film sample is rolled in the form of a coil in different concentric rings such that no two layers shall touch 
each other, and held in shape with the help of glass or stainless steel (SS) pin.  
D.8 Procedure  
Fill the cylin drical jar of 1000 -mL capacity with the required quantity of preheated simulant at the test 
temperature. Immerse the test specimen in the simulant completely. Cover with a glass plate and place the jar 
with sample immersed in simulant at the prescribed tem perature for the prescribed length of time. At the end 
of the test period remove the sample with the help of glass rod and wash the sample with small quantity of 
fresh simulant and combine with the extractants. Concentrate the extracted simulant 50 -60 mL b y evaporating 
on a hot plate under low heat (n -heptane shall be concentrated by distillation).  
Transfer the concentrate into a clean tared stainless steel dish along with three washings with small amount of 
fresh simulant and further evaporate the concentr ate to dryness in an oven at 100 ± 5°C. Cool this in a 
dessicator for 30 min and weigh to nearest 0.1 mg till constant weight of residue is obtained. Calculate the 
extractive in mg/dm². Blank shall also be carried out without the sample.  
Amount of extracti ve Ex) =
AM ×100 mg/dm²   
Where  
M = mass of residue in mg minus blank value, and 
A = total surface area in cm² exposed in each replicate.  
NOTE  Heptane extractive value to be divided by factor of five.  
D.9 Method iv: for closures, sealing  gaskets, liners and like materials  
D.9.1  Selection of the Sample  
At least triplicate samples each consisting of a number of closures/sealing gaskets/liners with the lids exposed 
about 100 cm² contact area (or ten lids) per replica te in each representing a lot or batch shall be selected.  
D.9.2  Procedure  
Smallest size glass bottles/jars actually being intended for use with closures can be used as containers to 
contain the simulant. Fill the glass containers to their nominal capacity or 100 ml, whichever is lower with 
simulant preheated to test temperature and closed tight with the closures/lids lined with the test specimen. 
Place the closed containers upside down (to ensure the contact of the closures with the simulant) in an oven 
maintained at test temperat ure. 
After the exposure to the stipulated time, the closures from the containers are opened and the content from 
each replicate is pooled together in a glass beaker along with the washings of the exposed closures with small 
amount of fresh simulant. Blank shall also be carried out without the sample.   
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  17 
 D.9.3  Determination of amount of extractive  
Proceed with the determination amount of extractive by method described at D.5.6.  Calculate the amount of 
extractive in ppm for the particular size of container being  tested.  
Amount of extractive (Ex) =  
VM  ×1000 ppm  
Where  
M = mass of r esidue in mg minus blank value, and 
V = volume of the container in ml in a replicate in actual use.  
NOTE  1 If the extractive values for a smaller size container are within the prescribed limits, it may be taken that 
extractive values     for a larger size container of the same material and shape will definitely be less than the smaller 
container used.  
NOTE  2 Heptane extractives to be divided by factor of five.  
D.9.4  Method v: materials of articles intended to come into repeated contact with foodstuffs  
The migration test(s) shall be carried out three times on a same sample one after the other in accordance with 
the conditions laid down already using fresh simulant(s) i n each occasion, following any one of the methods 
applicable to it described earlier.  Its compliance shall be checked on the basis of the level of the migration 
found in the third test. However, if there is conclusive proof that the level of migration does  not increase in the 
second and third tests and if the migration limit(s) is/are not exceeded on the first test, no further test is 
necessary.  
D.10  Evaluation of results  
The materials and articles are regarded as conforming to the specifications if in the migration tests for each 
simulant used, the average of at least three results does not exceed the value of overall migration limit 
specified in the relevant standards.  
NOTE   Before carrying out the test, make sure that the sample is free from all traces of  dust, fats and other 
impurities. If necessary,  it shall be thoroughly wiped with filter paper. The sample shall be handled carefully to avoid any 
contamination.  
D.11  Colour migration  
In the case of coloured plastic material, colour migrated to simulant or  decolourized coconut oil or food packed 
shall not be apparent to the naked eye. If the colour migrated is clearly visible, such materials are not suitable 
for food contact applications, even though the extractive value is within the limit.     
18 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 Annex E  
(normative)  
 
List and limits of the pigments, colorants and heavy metals  
E.1 Principle  
E.1.1  This annex provides a list of permitted pigments and colorants for use in plastics and shall be 
regarded as safe for use in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals an d drinking water  
E.1.2  Pigments and colorants used shall not show visible bleeding or immigration from the finished product 
and shall show no signs of instability or degradation during processing.  
E.1.3  Pigments and colorants used shall have a high degree of purity. In particular, if the following impurities 
are present, these shall not exceed the limits specified below.  
a)  Lead, per cent by mass, max. 0.01  
b)  Arsenic, per cent by mass, max. 0.005  
c)  Mercury, per cent by mass, max. 0.005 (soluble in N/10  HC) 
d)  Cadmium, per cent by mass, max. 0.10 do  
e)  Zinc, per cent by mass, max. 0.20 do  
f)  Selenium, per cent by mass, max. 0.01 do  
g)  Barium, per cent by mass, max. 0.01 do  
h)  Chromium, per cent by mass, max. 0.025 do  
i)  Antimony, per cent by mass, max. 0.025 do  
j) Total aromatic amines, per cent by mass, max. 0.05 do  
E.1.4  Carbon black, if used shall conform to the following requirements:  
a) Benzene extract - 0.1 per cent by mass, max.  
b) 3 Benzpyrene - no traces.  
E.2 List of pigments and colorants  for use in plastic in contact with foodstuffs, 
pharmaceuticals and drinking water  
E.2.1 Organic pigments  
Sl No  Composition  
Yellow  
  
 o-Nitroaniline -acetoacetanilide  
 p-Natroaniline -acetoacetanilide   
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  19 
  4-Chloro -2-nitroaniline -o-chloro -acetoacetanilide  
 o-Nitro -p-tuluine -acetoacetanilide  
  2:5-Dichloraniline -3-methyl -l-phenyl -5-pyrazolone  
 2:4-Dichloraniline( 2 mol) -4:4’ -bis-(o-acetyl -aceto -toluidine)  
  1-Amino -5-benzamindo -anthraquinone -oxalyl -chloride  
 1:1-Diamino -athraquinol -terephthalate  
 Bis(2 ”-anthraqunonyl) –6:6’-dibenzothiazolyle  
 Pigment yellow -Benzidine -yellow  
Orange  
 o-Nitro -p-anisidine -o-acetyl -acetotoluidine  
 2:4-Dinitroanile -2-naphthol  
 2-Nitro -4-toluidine -3-methyl -phenyl -5-pyrazolone  
 o-Dianisidine -acetylacetoquinilide (2)  
 5:5"-Dibenzoylamino -1:1-anthrimide -carbazole  
 Napthalene -tetracarboxylic acid -1:2-diamino -benzene (2 mol)  
Red 
a)  4-Nitraniline -2-naphthol  
b)  2-Nitro -4-toluidine -2-naphthol  
c)  2-Anisidine -2-naphthol  
d)  5-Nitro -2-toluidine -4-chloro -3-oxy-2-naphthanilide  
e)  2-Nitro -4-toluidine -3-oxy-3’ -nitro-napthanilide  
f)  4-Nitro -2-totuidine -3-oxy-2-napththo -8-o-toluidine  
g)  N:N’-diethyl -4-methoxymetanilamide -5-chloro -3-oxy-2’, 4’dimethoxy -2-
napthanilide  
h)  4-Nitro -2-anisidine -3-oxy-N-1-naphthyl -2-naphthamide  
i)  1-Naphthylamine -I-naphol-5-sulphonic acid (calcium salt)  
j)  2-Amino -naphthalene -1-sulphonic acid -2-naphthoic acid (calcium salt)  
k)  6-Amino -m-toluenessulphonic acid -3-oxy-2-naphthoic acid (calcium 
salt) 
l)  6-Amino -4-chloro -m-toluenesulphonic acid -oxy-2 naphthoic acid 
(calcium sal t) 
m)  3:3’ -Dichlorobenzidine -3-carbothoxy -phenyl -5-pyrazonolone (2 mol)  
n)  2-Amino -naphthalene -1-sulphonic acid -3-hydroxy -2-naphthoic acid 
(calcium salt)  
o)  1:2-Dioxyanthranthraquinone (alizarine) calcium ferrous and alumina 
lakes  
p)  Benzoyl -1-amino -4-hydroxy anthraquinone  
q)  2-Thionaphthene -2’ -acenaphthene -idigo  
r)  1-Amino -2-methoxy -5benylsuphone -oxy-naphtho -m-xylidide  
s)  1-Amino -2-methoxy -5-benzoxy -5-benzoylaniline -2:3-oxynaphtho -4-
chloro -2,5-dimethoxyanilide  
t)  Dihydroquinacridone comparable with phthalo -cyanin es 
u)  Bis-(1-amino) -(3-chloro -benzene) -bis(2’ -oxy-3-naphthalo) -4,4-diamino - 
20 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 3,3-dichlorodiphenyl  
v)  Bis-(amino) -2-methyl -5-chlorobene) -bis(2’ -oxy-3-naphtho) -4’4’- 
diamino -3-diphenyl  
w)  Bis-(1-amino) -(2-methyl -3-chlorobenzene) -bis(2’ -oxy-3-naphtho) -4’:4-
diamino phenyl  
Violet  
a)  6:6’ -Dibromo -isoviolanthrone  
b)  Dioxazine -2:5di(N -ethylcarbozoyl) -3’-3:6-dichloro -1:4-benzoquinone  
c)  Pigment violet red -quinacridone  
Blue  
a)  N-dihydro -1:2:1’:2’ anthroquinone -azine (idnanthrone)  
b)  3:3’-dichloro -indanthrene  
c)  Indigo  
d)  Phtha locyanine  
e)  Cobaltic complex of partially suphonated phthalocyanine  
f)  Cupric complex of phthalocyanine  
g)  Sulphonic derivative of cupric phthalocyanine  
Green  
a)  Ferrous complex of alpha -nitroso -beta-naphthol  
b)  Cupric complex of 4 -Nitrobenzene -azo-2-naphthol  
c)  Actachlorophthaloyanine of copper  
d)  Pigment green oxide -chromium  
E.2.2  Cellulose Film Dyes  
E.2.2.1  Yellow  
Azine arising from the oxidation of dehydrothio -p-toluidine sulphonic acid orange  
E.2.2.2  Orange  
3-Carboxyl (parasulphophenyl) -5-pyrazone acid be nzidine -salicylic acid (sodium salt)  
E.2.2.3  Pink  
Aniline (2 mol) -6:6-bis-1-mino -bis 1 -naphthol -3-sulphonic  
E.2.2.4  Red 
Gamma acid -benzidine -salicylic acid  
E.2.2.5  Blue  
O-dinianisidine -8-amino -1-naphthol -5:7-disulphonic acid  
E.2.2.6  Green  
a) Successive con densation of cyanogen chloride on 1 -animo -4 p-phenylene -diamine -2-anthraquinone 
sulphonic, p -phenylene diamine -p-amino -salicylic acid aniline   
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  21 
 b) P-Nitraniline -8-amino -1-naphthol -3:6-disulphonic -benzidine -salicylic acid  
E.3 Inorganic pigments  
E.3.1 Metals  
a)  Aluminium  
b) Copper  
c)  Silver  
d)  Gold  
e) Tin 
f) Platinum and platinum group metals  
E.3.2 Alloys  
a) Bronzes  
b) Brasses  
E.3.3 White  
a)  Bartytes (barium sulphate)  
b)  Whitening (calcium carbonate)  
c)  Calcium sulphate (gypsum, plaster of paris)  
d)  Kaoline 
e)  Titan white (titanium oxide)  
f)  Alumina  
g)  Aluminium strearate  
h)  Talc 
E.3.4 Yellow  
a)  Cadmium yellow (cadmium sulphides and selenium -sulphide)  
b)  Yellow iron oxide  
c)  Stanic sulphide (SnS)  
E.3.5 Brown  
a)  Ferrite of magnesium  
b)  Cupric ferr ocyanide  
c)  Umber   
22 © EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  
 d)  Sienna (natural ferric oxide)  
E.3.6 Red 
a)  Red ferric oxide  
b)  Cadmium red, cadmium sulpho -selenium  
c)  Double sulphide of cadmium and mercury  
E.3.7 Blue  
a)  Prussian blue (ferric ferrocyanide and turnbulls blue)  
b)  Ultramarine bl ue (complex silicate of aluminium and sodium sulphurated)  
c)  Egyptian blue (double silicate of copper and calcium)  
d)  Cobalt blue (cobalt aluminate)  
E.3.8 Green  
a)  Chrome green (insoluble Cr2 O3 oxide)  
b)  Aluminate of chrome  
c)  Ultramarine green (comp lex silicate, sulphurated)  
d)  Terre verte (complex silicate)  
E.3.9 Black  
a)  Carbon black  
b)  Black oxide of iron (natural and artificial magnetite   
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  23 
 Bibliography  
[1] 2873, Hermetic Storage Bags —Specification  
 
. DEAS 985 -1:2019    
 
© EAC 201 9 – All rights  reserved  
  
  