Overview
ISO 17382:2007 specifies quality characteristics and test requirements for Oil of magnolia flower, China type (Michelia × alba DC). The standard defines physical properties, chromatographic profile requirements and analytical methods to facilitate consistent assessment, acceptance and trade of this essential oil. It is intended for producers, testing laboratories, purchasers and regulators involved with magnolia (Michelia × alba) essential oil.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard sets normative limits and test methods for essential oil quality. Key specifications include:
- Appearance & colour: clear, transparent, mobile liquid; pale yellow to amber.
- Odour: flowery, characteristic of Magnolia flower.
- Relative density (d20): min 0.880 - max 0.910 (see ISO 279).
- Refractive index (n20): min 1.465 - max 1.490 (see ISO 280).
- Optical rotation (20 °C): range −15° to −5° (see ISO 592).
- Miscibility in ethanol (95 % v/v): must dissolve using ≤1 volume ethanol per 1 volume oil (see ISO 875).
- Acid value: maximum 8.5 (see ISO 1242).
- Ester value: min 20 - max 50 (see ISO 709).
- Residue on evaporation: maximum 15 % (see ISO 4715).
- Carbonyl value: maximum 60 (see ISO 1271).
- Flashpoint: informative mean value +70 °C (closed-cup; Annex B).
- Minimum sample volume for testing: 150 ml.
Chromatographic profile (normative)
- Analysis by gas chromatography (GC) is required. Table 1 defines representative components and their acceptable percentage ranges - notably Linalool 50.0–72.0%, plus defined ranges for 1,8‑cineole, ocimenes, trans‑methyl eugenol, nerolidol, and others.
- Annex A provides typical GC operating conditions and example chromatograms (apolar and polar columns). Test portion for GC: 2.0 g.
Applications and users
ISO 17382:2007 is used for:
- Quality control and batch release by essential oil producers and distillers.
- Analytical laboratories performing identity, purity and compositional testing using GC.
- Fragrance, cosmetic and aromatherapy manufacturers specifying raw material acceptance criteria.
- Traders and buyers setting purchase specifications and certificates of analysis.
- Regulatory and transport safety personnel (flashpoint guidance, packaging/labeling references).
Practical uses include authentication, adulteration detection, specification setting for contracts, and ensuring consistent raw material performance in formulations.
Related standards
ISO 17382 references and works with other ISO documents for methods and guidance, including:
- ISO 11024-1 / ISO 11024-2 (chromatographic profiles)
- ISO 279, 280, 592, 875, 709, 1242, 1271, 4715 (analytical test methods)
- ISO/TR 210, ISO/TR 211 (packaging, labelling, storage)
Keywords: ISO 17382:2007, Oil of magnolia flower, Michelia × alba, magnolia oil standard, essential oil specification, chromatographic profile, gas chromatography, Linalool.