Overview
EN ISO 3218:2014 (ISO 3218:2014) - Essential oils - Principles of nomenclature - is a CEN-adopted international standard that defines the principles to be used when naming essential oils in English and French. Its primary aim is to ensure clear, unambiguous names for essential oils used on labelling and marking, reducing confusion about botanical origin, plant part, production method and other key attributes. The standard was prepared by ISO/TC 54 (Essential oils) and published as a European Standard for implementation by CEN members.
Key topics and requirements
The standard sets out concise naming principles for essential oils (SEO keywords: EN ISO 3218:2014, essential oils nomenclature, ISO 3218):
- Scope: Applies to designation of essential oils in English and French for labelling/marking.
- Clarity requirements: Names must eliminate risk of confusion about:
- Botanical origin (genus, species)
- Plant part used (leaf, fruit, stem, etc.)
- Phenological stage (when appropriate)
- Pre‑processing operations (predrying, fermentation, etc.)
- Method of obtaining the oil (distillation, expression, etc.)
- Preferred expression: Use the phrasing “Essential oil of …” [Huile essentielle de …] to distinguish essential oils from fatty oils and other extracts.
- Name order and language rules:
- English: common name followed by plant part (e.g., Essential oil of clove leaf).
- French: plant part precedes the common name (e.g., Huile essentielle de feuilles de giroflier).
- Botanical names: Use full binomial when no common name exists; follow botanical nomenclature (see ISO 4720 reference).
- Hybrids and varieties: Indicate interspecific hybrids and specify cultivar/clone names where relevant.
- Chemotypes: If a species has several chemical races, indicate the principal chemical constituent (e.g., basil, methyl chavicol type).
- Geographical types: Distinguish oils by region/country where origin affects composition (e.g., India type, Madagascar type).
- Method notation: When different extraction methods apply, indicate the method at the end of the title (e.g., obtained by distillation).
Applications and who uses it
EN ISO 3218:2014 is used by:
- Essential oil producers and distillers for consistent labelling and product specification
- Cosmetic, aromatherapy and food ingredient manufacturers for regulatory compliance and traceability
- Traders, importers/exporters and quality managers to ensure accurate commercial descriptions
- Regulatory authorities and standards bodies for market surveillance and consumer protection
- Packaging and regulatory affairs teams preparing multilingual labels (English/French)
Benefits include improved traceability, reduced market disputes, better consumer information and smoother international trade.
Related standards
- ISO 4720 - Essential oils - Nomenclature (botanical name guidance)
- ISO 1342 - Example: Essential oil of rosemary (referenced in EN ISO 3218:2014)
Keywords: EN ISO 3218:2014, ISO 3218, essential oil labelling, essential oils nomenclature, chemotype, botanical origin, nomenclature principles.