Overview - ISO 14717:2008 (Oil of origanum, Spanish type)
ISO 14717:2008 specifies quality characteristics and test requirements for the essential oil of origanum, Spanish type [Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Rchb.f.]. The standard is intended to facilitate consistent assessment of the oil’s quality by defining physical‑chemical limits, sensory descriptors and a normative chromatographic profile. It is primarily a quality and conformity reference for producers, laboratories and buyers of this essential oil.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Organoleptic properties
- Appearance: mobile, clear liquid
- Colour: yellow to dark brown, almost black
- Odour: characteristic, aromatic, phenolic with a slightly spicy background
- Physical‑chemical limits
- Density at 20 °C: 0.930 – 0.955
- Refractive index at 20 °C: 1.500 – 1.513
- Optical rotation at 20 °C: −5° to +2°
- Acid index: maximum 2.0
- Flash point: informative average value ≈ +65 °C (Setaflash; annex B)
- Miscibility with 70% ethanol: solution should be clear using no more than 4 volumes of ethanol per 1 volume oil
- Chromatographic profile (normative)
- Analysis by gas chromatography (GC) required; constituents and permitted ranges include (percent by area):
- Carvacrol: 60.0 – 75.0%
- p‑Cymene: 5.5 – 9.0%
- γ‑Terpinene: 3.5 – 10.0%
- β‑Caryophyllene: 2.0 – 5.0%
- Myrcene, linalool, α‑pinene, α‑thuyene, terpinene‑4‑ol and others with specified ranges (see Table 1)
- Chromatographic methods and reporting follow ISO 11024‑1 / 11024‑2 guidance
- Sampling
- Minimal sample volume for testing: 25 ml (ISO 212)
Applications and who uses this standard
- Quality control laboratories performing routine GC profiling and physical tests
- Essential oil producers and botanical extract manufacturers to certify product quality
- Buyers, traders and packers who require specification compliance for supply contracts
- Regulatory, transport and safety personnel referencing flash point and labeling requirements
- Users in flavors, fragrances, aromatherapy and pharmaceutical ingredient sourcing who need composition and purity assurance
Related standards
Relevant ISO documents referenced by ISO 14717:2008:
Keywords: ISO 14717:2008, oil of origanum Spanish type, Coridothymus capitatus, essential oil quality, chromatographic profile, gas chromatography, carvacrol, physical‑chemical properties.