ISO 11043:1998

Overview

ISO 11043:1998 is an international standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies the quality requirements and characteristics of oil of basil, methyl chavicol type (Ocimum basilicum L.). This essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of the basil plant, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The standard provides detailed specifications including physical properties, chemical composition, and testing methods to ensure consistent quality and facilitate reliable quality assessment of this essential oil in the global market.

Key Topics

ISO 11043:1998 outlines essential parameters for the oil of basil, methyl chavicol type, focusing on:

• Physical Characteristics:

  • Appearance: Liquid form
  • Colour: Pale yellow to amber yellow
  • Odour: Characteristic spicy aroma with a slightly aniseed note

• Chemical and Physical Properties:

  • Relative density at 20 °C: 0.948 to 0.970
  • Refractive index at 20 °C: 1.5100 to 1.5200
  • Optical rotation at 20 °C: Between +2° and +21°
  • Miscibility in 80% ethanol at 20 °C: 1 volume oil requiring no more than 7 volumes of ethanol to form a clear solution
  • Flashpoint: Mean value approximately +75 °C (informative)

• Chromatographic Profile:

  • The oil must contain a methyl chavicol content higher than 75%.
  • Other key components include 1,8-cineole, trans-ocimene, camphor, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, and methyl eugenol, each within defined percentage ranges.
  • The chromatographic profile is determined using gas chromatography, following ISO 11024 guidelines for preparation and utilization of chromatographic profiles.

• Testing Norms and Methods:

  • Determination of optical rotation per ISO 592
  • Evaluation of miscibility in ethanol per ISO 875
  • Determination of relative density and refractive index per ISO 279 and ISO 280, respectively
  • Gas chromatography as per ISO 11024-1 and ISO 11024-2
  • Sampling methods according to ISO 212

• Packaging, Labelling, and Storage:

  • Requirements conform to ISO 210 (packaging and conditioning) and ISO 211 (labelling and marking)

Applications

ISO 11043:1998 is critical for manufacturers, suppliers, and quality control laboratories involved with essential oils and basil oil products. Its practical applications include:

• Quality Control: Enables reliable verification of oil purity and chemical composition to meet industry and consumer expectations.
• Safety Compliance: Provides flashpoint data and physical properties to aid in safe handling, storage, and transportation.
• Trade and Export: Facilitates international trade by harmonizing product specifications and ensuring conformity to recognized quality standards.
• Product Development: Assists fragrance, flavor, and pharmaceutical industries in selecting basil oil that meets defined chemical profiles for consistent product formulation.
• Regulatory Requirements: Supports compliance with regulatory frameworks requiring standardized essential oil characterization.

Related Standards

ISO 11043:1998 should be used in conjunction with other relevant ISO standards for comprehensive essential oil evaluation and management:

• ISO 210: General rules for packaging, conditioning, and storage of essential oils
• ISO 211: Rules for labelling and marking of essential oil containers
• ISO 212: Guidelines for sampling essential oils
• ISO 279: Determination of relative density at 20 °C
• ISO 280: Determination of refractive index at 20 °C
• ISO 592: Determination of optical rotation
• ISO 875: Evaluation of miscibility in ethanol
• ISO 11024-1 and ISO 11024-2: Preparation and utilization of chromatographic profiles for essential oils

Keywords: ISO 11043, oil of basil methyl chavicol type, Ocimum basilicum, essential oil standards, basil oil quality, essential oil chromatographic profile, methyl chavicol content, essential oil testing methods, packaging and labelling essential oils, essential oil safety, flashpoint essential oils.