Overview
ISO 9909:1997 is an internationally recognized standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the oil of Dalmatian sage (Salvia officinalis L.). This essential oil is derived from the leaves of Salvia officinalis, a member of the Lamiaceae family, commonly cultivated in the Dalmatian region. The standard outlines the main physical and chemical characteristics necessary for assessing the quality and suitability of Dalmatian sage oil in commercial, industrial, and therapeutic applications.
By establishing clear specifications, ISO 9909:1997 enables suppliers, manufacturers, and buyers to ensure consistent product quality and supports effective quality control in the essential oils industry.
Key Topics
Main Characteristics Defined
- Appearance: Dalmatian sage oil must be a clear liquid.
- Color: Ranges from colorless to yellow.
- Odor: Characteristically camphoraceous with a spicy note.
- Taste: Noted as sharp and bitter.
Quality-Related Parameters
- Relative Density at 20°C: 0.910 - 0.930
- Refractive Index at 20°C: 1.4580 - 1.4740
- Optical Rotation at 20°C: +2° to +30°
- Miscibility in Ethanol: Specifies requirements for clarity and mixing ratios with 70% and 80% ethanol at 20°C.
- Carbonyl Value: Specifies the minimum and maximum content of carbonyl compounds (expressed as thujone) to ensure purity and authenticity.
- Chromatographic Profile: Identification and proportion of key components by gas chromatography ensure authenticity and help detect adulteration.
- Flashpoint: Provided as general safety information for handling and transport.
Testing and Sampling
The standard references precise ISO methods for sample collection, testing, and verification, ensuring reproducibility and reliability of results across laboratories and suppliers.
Applications
ISO 9909:1997 is widely used in several industries to ensure high-quality Dalmatian sage oil, including:
- Aromatherapy and Perfumery: Guides manufacturers in selecting and verifying essential oils for product formulation.
- Pharmaceutical & Health Products: Ensures the oil meets safety, purity, and efficacy standards.
- Food and Flavor Industry: Establishes requirements for use as a natural food flavoring.
- Quality Control Laboratories: Offers standardized procedures for verifying incoming raw materials.
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps local and international regulatory authorities set import/export controls and conduct quality assurance audits.
Manufacturers, traders, and laboratories rely on this specification to maintain consistent product quality, enhance safety, and comply with international trade and safety regulations for essential oils.
Related Standards
ISO 9909:1997 references several key standards relevant to the testing and handling of essential oils, including:
- ISO 1279:1984 - Determination of carbonyl value
- ISO 279:1981 - Determination of relative density at 20°C
- ISO 280:1976 - Determination of refractive index
- ISO 592:1981 - Determination of optical rotation
- ISO 875:1981 - Evaluation of miscibility in ethanol
- ISO 11024-1/2 - Guidance on chromatographic profiles
- ISO 210 / ISO 211 - General rules for packaging, conditioning, storage, labelling, and marking of containers
- ISO 212:1973 - Sampling requirements
- ISO/TR 11018:1997 - General guidance on the determination of flashpoint
By adhering to ISO 9909:1997 and its referenced standards, organizations can ensure that their products meet internationally recognized benchmarks for essential oils, particularly for the distinctive and valued oil of Dalmatian sage (Salvia officinalis L.).