Overview
ISO 8899:2003 defines quality characteristics and test requirements for Oil of lemon petitgrain [Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.], an essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs (usually without small green fruits) of Citrus limon grown primarily in Spain and Italy. Published as the second edition in 2003 by ISO/TC 54 (Essential oils), the standard helps producers, buyers and testing laboratories assess authenticity and quality of this aromatic essential oil.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 8899:2003 specifies measurable physical, chemical and analytical criteria, including:
- Identity / Description: Essential oil from leaves and twigs of Citrus limon (lemon petitgrain).
- Appearance, colour, odour: Clear liquid; pale yellow to amber yellow; ethereal lemon smell.
- Physical constants
- Relative density at 20 °C: min 0.860 – max 0.887
- Refractive index at 20 °C: min 1.472 – max 1.479
- Optical rotation at 20 °C: +14° to +35°
- Miscibility: Miscible in 85% ethanol using no more than 6–8 volumes of ethanol to 1 volume oil.
- Acid value: Maximum 2.0
- Chromatographic profile (normative): Analysis by gas chromatography with specified component percentage ranges (examples):
- Limonene 30.0–42.0, β-pinene 12.0–21.0, geranial 4.0–15.0, neral 3.0–11.0, plus α-pinene, sabinene, linalol, neryl acetate, geranyl acetate, etc.
- Sampling: Minimum test sample volume 25 ml.
- Flashpoint (informative): Mean value +67 °C (Pensky‑Martens).
- Testing and methods: References to ISO test methods for density, refractive index, optical rotation, acid value, miscibility, and chromatographic guidance (ISO 279, 280, 592, 1242, 875, 11024-1/-2).
Note: the chromatographic profile is normative and must be met for conformity.
Applications and practical value
ISO 8899:2003 is used to:
- Verify authenticity and quality of oil of lemon petitgrain for perfumery, aromatherapy, cosmetics and flavour applications.
- Support quality control and batch release testing in essential oil production and trading.
- Provide objective specification data for contracts, procurement and regulatory compliance.
- Inform safe handling, storage, packaging and transport decisions (references to ISO/TR 210/211).
Who should use this standard
- Essential oil producers and distillers
- Analytical and QC laboratories (gas chromatography users)
- Perfumers, flavorists and cosmetic formulators
- Traders, importers/exporters and procurement specialists
- Transport, insurance and safety officers needing flashpoint/handling info
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 8899:2003, oil of lemon petitgrain, Citrus limon, essential oil, chromatographic profile, relative density, refractive index, flashpoint, gas chromatography, quality control.