Overview
ISO 9843:2002 specifies quality characteristics and test methods for oil of cedarwood, Chinese type (Cupressus funebris Endlicher). The standard is intended to facilitate consistent assessment and trade of this essential oil by defining sensory descriptions, physical constants, and a normative chromatographic profile used for identification and quality control.
Key topics and requirements
- Identity and appearance
- Product: oil of cedarwood, Chinese type obtained by steam distillation of the wood of Cupressus funebris.
- Appearance: clear, mobile liquid; colour almost colourless to light yellow; odour characteristic, woody and sharp.
- Physical constants (at 20 °C)
- Relative density (d20): Minimum 0.938, maximum 0.960.
- Refractive index (n20): Minimum 1.500, maximum 1.508.
- Optical rotation (20 °C): Between –35° and –20°.
- Miscibility in ethanol 95% (v/v): It shall not be necessary to use more than 5 volumes of ethanol to obtain a clear solution with 1 volume of oil.
- Chromatographic profile (normative)
- Analysis by gas chromatography per ISO 11024-series. The standard requires identification and integrator proportions of key components; their percentage ranges define the oil’s profile:
- α-Cedrene + β-funebrene: 13–29%
- β-Cedrene: 4–11%
- Thujopsene: 18–39%
- Cuparene: 1–3%
- Cedrol: 10–20%
- Widdrol: 0.5–3%
- The chromatographic profile is normative (required), while example chromatograms are informative.
- Sampling and test sample volume
- Minimum test sample volume: 25 ml to permit all specified tests at least once.
- Flashpoint
- Informative annex: mean flashpoint reported as greater than +100 °C (value obtained with Luchaire apparatus). Flashpoint data are for information and safety planning.
Applications and users
ISO 9843:2002 is used for:
- Quality control laboratories performing routine acceptance testing and authenticity checks of cedarwood (Chinese type) essential oil.
- Producers and traders to specify product quality for contracts, grading and export/import compliance.
- Perfumery, cosmetics and aromatherapy formulators ensuring raw material consistency.
- Regulatory, transport and safety personnel for handling, packaging and storage guidance (flashpoint info and references to packaging/labeling standards).
- Analytical labs implementing GC methods for essential oil characterization.
Related standards
Commonly used alongside:
Keywords: ISO 9843:2002, oil of cedarwood Chinese type, Cupressus funebris, essential oil quality, chromatographic profile, gas chromatography, refractive index, relative density, optical rotation, cedarwood oil testing.
