ISO 3063:2004

Overview - ISO 3063:2004 (Oil of ylang-ylang)

ISO 3063:2004 specifies quality characteristics and test requirements for oil of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata forma genuina) produced mainly in Madagascar, Mayotte and the Comores. The standard is intended to facilitate assessment, trade and quality control of ylang-ylang essential oil by defining physical‑chemical limits, chromatographic profiles and testing/packaging guidance for the five commercial distillation fractions (“Extra super”, “Extra”, “First”, “Second”, “Third”).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and origin: Applies to steam‑distilled essential oil from fresh ylang-ylang flowers (Annonaceae), collected in five fractions during distillation.
• Physical and chemical properties: Sets mandatory test parameters and permissible ranges for:
  • Relative density (at 20 °C)
  • Refractive index (at 20 °C)
  • Optical rotation (at 20 °C)
  • Acid value and ester value
• Chromatographic profile (GC): Requires gas‑chromatography analysis and identification of representative components. The standard lists characteristic components (for example: linalool, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, geranyl acetate, (E,E)-farnesene, D‑germacrene) and specifies proportion ranges for each fraction to define an authentic profile.
• Test methods & sampling: References established ISO methods for density, refractive index, optical rotation, acid/ester values, and GC profiling (ISO 279, 280, 592, 1242, 709, ISO 11024‑1/2). Minimum sample volume is specified to allow required testing.
• Packaging, labelling and storage: Guidance references ISO/TR 210 and ISO/TR 211 to ensure correct conditioning and traceability during trade.
• Annexes: Typical GC operating conditions and chromatograms are provided (Annex A); flashpoint information is given in Annex B.

Applications - who uses ISO 3063 and why

• Essential oil producers and distillers: to qualify and classify distillation fractions and ensure product meets trade specifications.
• Quality control and analytical laboratories: to perform standardized testing, authenticate origin/fraction and detect adulteration.
• Perfumery and cosmetics manufacturers: to validate raw material quality for formulations and regulatory dossiers.
• Traders, buyers and regulatory authorities: to set procurement specifications, acceptance criteria and supporting documentation for import/export.
• R&D and certification bodies: to compare chemotypes, provenance effects and ensure conformity with international trade practices.

Related standards

Key normative references include ISO 279, ISO 280, ISO 592, ISO 709, ISO 1242, ISO 11024‑1/2, ISO/TR 210, ISO/TR 211 and ISO 212 - all covering test methods, chromatographic profile preparation, sampling and packaging for essential oils.

Keywords: ISO 3063:2004, oil of ylang-ylang, Cananga odorata, essential oil standard, chromatographic profile, gas chromatography, quality assessment, Madagascar ylang-ylang.