Overview
ISO 3528:2012 specifies quality characteristics and test methods for the essential oil of mandarin, Italian type (Citrus reticulata Blanco). The standard defines physical, chemical and chromatographic requirements to facilitate consistent assessment of mandarin essential oil for trade, quality control and regulatory purposes. It is the authoritative reference for producers, laboratories and buyers of mandarin oil.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 3528 covers measurable characteristics and how to test them, including:
- Appearance & odour: clear mobile liquid with characteristic fresh pericarp odour.
- Colour: seasonal variants (green, yellow, red) with specified fluorescence.
- Density, refractive index, optical rotation: prescribed ranges at 20 °C for each colour class (e.g., limonene-dominant oils have defined refractive index and rotation limits).
- Residue on evaporation: specified mass-fraction ranges (test portion 5 g; 6 h evaporation).
- Miscibility with 90% ethanol: maximum solvent volumes to obtain opalescent solution.
- Acid value: maximum specified (2.0).
- Chromatographic profile (normative): gas‑chromatography identification and proportion limits for characteristic components - notably limonene (65–75 %) and γ-terpinene (16–22 %), plus α-/β-pinene, myrcene, n-octanal, linalool, n-decanal, methyl N‑methylanthranilate and α-sinensal. The profile is normative and used for conformance assessment.
- Flashpoint: informational mean value reported as +48 °C (Pensky‑Martens method).
- Sampling & test methods: minimum test sample 50 ml; reference methods cited for each determination.
Applications and users
ISO 3528 is practical for:
- Essential oil producers and distillers (expression industry) - specification and batch release.
- Analytical and QC laboratories - routine testing, chromatography and reporting.
- Perfumery, flavour and cosmetic manufacturers - raw material specification and formulation control.
- Importers/exporters and traders - quality verification for contracts.
- Regulatory, transport and safety authorities - safety data and classification (flashpoint guidance).
- Certification bodies - conformance assessment for product standards.
Using ISO 3528 helps ensure consistent product quality, supports supplier specifications, and reduces disputes in international trade.
Related standards
Key referenced documents for methods and handling:
Keywords: ISO 3528, mandarin essential oil, Citrus reticulata, essential oil standard, chromatographic profile, quality assessment.