Overview
ISO 8902:2009 specifies quality characteristics for Oil of lavandin Grosso (Lavandula angustifolia Mill. × Lavandula latifolia Medik.), French type. Intended to facilitate assessment of authenticity and commercial quality, this International Standard defines physical, organoleptic and chromatographic requirements and references standard test methods for essential‑oil laboratories, producers and traders.
Key topics and requirements
- Identity and description: Essential oil obtained by steam distillation of freshly cut flowering tops of the Grosso lavandin clone (cultivated mainly in southern France).
- Appearance, colour, odour: Clear mobile liquid; light yellow; characteristic slightly camphoraceous, lavender‑like scent.
- Physical properties:
- Relative density at 20 °C: 0.891 – 0.899
- Refractive index at 20 °C: 1.458 – 1.462
- Optical rotation at 20 °C: –7° to –3°
- Miscibility in 70% ethanol (20 °C): ≤ 3 volumes ethanol per 1 volume oil to obtain a clear solution
- Acid value: ≤ 1
- Chromatographic profile (normative): Gas chromatography is used to identify representative components; each component must fall within specified limits. Key constituents and ranges include:
- Linalyl acetate 25–38%, Linalool 24–37%, Camphor 6.0–8.5%, 1,8‑Cineole 4.0–8.0%, Terpinen‑4‑ol 1.5–5.0%, Borneol 1.5–3.5%, plus myrcene, limonene, ocimenes, lavandulyl acetate, lavandulol, α‑terpineol, hexyl butyrate (see standard for full table).
- Flashpoint (informative): Indicative values +75 °C (Setaflash) or +78 °C (Luchaire) - provided for safety/transport considerations.
- Sampling & minimum test sample: See ISO 212; minimum test volume 25 mL.
- Referenced test methods: ISO 279, 280, 592, 875, 1242, 11024‑1/2 and others for standardized measurements.
Applications and users
ISO 8902:2009 is useful for:
- Essential‑oil manufacturers and farmers producing lavandin Grosso who need to certify product quality and origin.
- Analytical and quality‑control laboratories performing GC profiles, density, refractive index and acid value determinations.
- Perfumers, aromatherapy suppliers and fragrance houses verifying batch consistency and ingredient specs.
- Exporters, traders and regulatory/transport authorities requiring standardized data for labelling, safety (flashpoint) and commercial contracts.
Using ISO 8902 helps ensure consistent product quality, supports traceability in supply chains, and provides benchmark data for authenticity testing and regulatory compliance.
Related standards
Relevant standards referenced by ISO 8902:2009 include ISO/TR 210, ISO/TR 211, ISO 212, ISO 279, ISO 280, ISO 592, ISO 875, ISO 1242 and ISO 11024‑1/2 (see standard for full list).