Alexander had to go through the same security clearance when he moved out of the paper workshop and into the soap-making plant designated with level-2 clearance.
The reason behind this level of clearance was because soap was not really a popular substance in Adhania.
Regular people did not have the financial ability to use it, while the rich lords viewed it more as a perfume or for scenting their bath water rather than using it on a regular basis for washing and cleaning.
Hence, with Alexander being not sure of its economic potential, he decided to put it relatively low on the clearance table, thus willing to sell it for a good price.
There was also the fact that soap was not easy to make.
The various reactions that Alexander used to produce the alkali used in the soap were simple high-school chemistry, but for the time period, it was closer to magic.