Overview
ISO 19015:2025 sets out international requirements and test methods for Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza glabra seeds and seedlings, supporting the quality and safety of these foundational materials in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As medicinal plants with a long history and global use, G. uralensis (Chinese licorice) and G. glabra (common licorice) play a crucial role in pharmacopoeias and herbal preparations worldwide. The standard addresses the growing need for reliable seed and seedling quality to ensure effective, safe, and consistent raw materials for medicine production and international trade.
This standard is applicable to seeds and seedlings sold for the production of licorice roots used in traditional medicines and herbal decoction pieces. It provides detailed requirements for product quality, grading, sampling, laboratory testing, packaging, storage, and labeling, ensuring international harmonization and facilitating global trade in TCM materials.
Key Topics
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Seed and Seedling Quality Requirements
- Minimum quality standards for seeds (purity, viability, maturity, moisture, germination percentage, seed mass)
- Grading system (first, second, third grade) for seeds and seedlings based on physical and biological characteristics
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Sampling and Testing
- Methods for representative seed and seedling sampling
- Laboratory tests for purity, viability, germination, moisture content, nematode detection, and morphological parameters
- Reference to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) methodologies
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Packaging, Storage, and Labeling
- Guidance on suitable packaging to maintain seed and seedling integrity
- Storage conditions to prolong viability and prevent contamination
- Required labeling and product marking for traceability and compliance
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International Trade Compliance
- Harmonization of test methods and grading with global best practices
- Requirements aligned with pharmacopoeial and regulatory standards in major markets
Applications
Pharmaceutical and Herbal Industries
This standard is essential for seed producers, nurseries, herbal medicine manufacturers, and exporters/importers engaged in the international trade of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza glabra. It helps:
- Ensure consistent quality of raw medicinal materials entering the supply chain
- Comply with pharmacopoeia requirements across major regions (China, Europe, Japan, Korea, United States)
- Support product registration and regulatory submissions in diverse markets
Cultivation and Plantation Management
Nurseries and agricultural producers benefit from ISO 19015:2025 by:
- Selecting high-quality seeds and seedlings that maximize yield and efficacy of the final medicinal product
- Reducing risks associated with diseases, pests, and inferior plant material
- Enhancing traceability and quality assurance from the very beginning of the value chain
International Trade and Compliance
Exporters and importers use this standard to:
- Meet buyer and regulatory expectations for documented quality control
- Streamline customs clearance and reduce disputes over material quality
- Access broader markets with standardized documentation and testing certificates
Related Standards
- ISO 21371: Traditional Chinese medicine - Labelling requirements of products intended for oral or topical use
- ISO 22217: Traditional Chinese medicine - Storage requirements for raw materials and decoction pieces
- ISTA International Rules for Seed Testing: Reference for seed testing methodologies
- ISO/TR 23975: Priority list of single herbal medicines for developing standards
- ISO 17217-1: Related seed and seedling requirements for Panax ginseng (for reference in test methods and terminology)
- Pharmacopoeias: Chinese, European, Japanese, Korean, and United States Pharmacopoeia
ISO 19015:2025 serves the global medicinal plant supply chain by standardizing the quality assurance process for Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza glabra seeds and seedlings, contributing to the safety, effectiveness, and sustainability of traditional Chinese medicine and related industries.