Overview - ISO 24381:2023 (Bee propolis - Specifications)
ISO 24381:2023 establishes international specifications for raw bee propolis collected from Apis mellifera colonies. The standard defines classification, quality requirements, analytical test methods and rules for packaging, marking, labelling, storage and transportation. It is intended to support consistent quality control and facilitate international trade in propolis (brown/Populus, green/Baccharis, red/Dalbergia/Clusia and other types).
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Applies only to raw propolis from Apis mellifera. Covers classification by botanical/geographical type (temperate/Mediterranean/boreal Populus - brown; tropical Baccharis - green; tropical Dalbergia/Clusia - red; other types noted).
- Physical and chemical limits: The standard sets numeric quality limits on key parameters - for example:
- Ethanol extractables (dry matter): minimum typically specified (e.g., ≥ 30%).
- Loss on drying: maximum typically ≤ 10%.
- Ash content: maximum typically ≤ 5%.
- Petroleum ether extractables: type-dependent maxima (illustrative values in the standard for brown, green and red types).
- Total phenolic and flavonoid content: minimums and required analytical approaches (total phenolics by Folin method; flavonoids by one of two normative methods).
- Test methods: Normative annexes provide validated procedures including:
- Annex A–G: ethanol extractables, drying loss, ash, petroleum ether extractables, total phenolics, and two procedures for total flavonoids.
- Annex H–J: chemical characterization (HPLC/MS or HPLC–PDA) for Poplar (brown), green and red propolis types.
- Annex K: antioxidant capacity (DPPH) and other instrumental methods.
- Traceability and authenticity: Requires traceability systems and authenticity rules (no addition of external resins or bioactive additives). ISO 22005 is referenced for traceability system design.
- Packaging, marking and transport: Includes requirements for hygienic packaging, clear labelling/certificates and storage/transport conditions to preserve quality.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 24381:2023
- Beekeepers and apiary cooperatives seeking export compliance and product specification alignment.
- Processors and manufacturers of propolis extracts, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and food ingredients who need validated test methods and composition limits.
- Quality control and analytical laboratories implementing standardized assays (HPLC, Folin, loss-on-drying).
- Traders, importers/exporters and regulatory authorities requiring consistent product labelling, traceability and authenticity verification.
Related standards
- ISO 22005 - Traceability in the feed and food chain (referenced normative guidance).
- Work prepared by ISO/TC 34/SC 19 (Bee products).
Keywords: ISO 24381:2023, bee propolis specifications, raw propolis quality, propolis testing methods, propolis classification, propolis packaging, propolis traceability.