ISO 3520:2022

Overview

ISO 3520:2022 specifies quality characteristics and test methods for the essential oil of bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poit), Calabrian type. The standard helps producers, laboratories and buyers assess authenticity and conformity of Calabrian bergamot oil by defining physical, chemical and chromatographic requirements. It updates earlier editions and clarifies the chromatographic profile, analytical tests and packaging/sampling practices for this Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 3520:2022 focuses on measurable quality attributes and analytical procedures:

• Scope: Defines the Calabrian type as oil mechanically extracted from fresh pericarp of Citrus bergamia picked in Calabria, Italy.
• Physical/chemical tests (referenced ISO methods):
  • Relative density at 20 °C (ISO 279)
  • Refractive index at 20 °C (ISO 280)
  • Optical rotation at 20 °C (ISO 592)
  • Residue on evaporation (ISO 4715)
  • Miscibility in ethanol (ISO 875)
  • Acid value (ISO 1242) and ester value (ISO 709)
  • Bergapten content by HPLC (ISO 7358)
  • CD value by UV spectrometry (ISO 4735)
• Chromatographic profile (normative): Gas chromatography per ISO 11024 identifies and quantifies key components. Required ranges include (integrator %):
  • Limonene 32.0–47.0%
  • Linalyl acetate 22.0–36.0%
  • γ‑Terpinene 6.0–10.0%
  • β‑Pinene 4.0–8.5%
  • Linalool 3.0–15.0%
  • Minor markers: geranial, β‑bisabolene
• Sampling & packaging: Minimum test sample 50 mL; sampling per ISO 212. Packaging, labelling and storage follow ISO/TS 210 and ISO/TS 211.
• Flash point: Informative mean value +59 °C (Pensky‑Martens closed-cup), provided for transport and safety guidance.

Applications - who uses ISO 3520:2022

• Essential oil producers and distillers (Calabria): ensure PDO compliance and export readiness.
• Quality control laboratories and chemists: use specified tests and chromatographic profile for identity and purity testing.
• Perfumers and flavor houses: verify ingredient authenticity and composition (limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool).
• Regulatory, customs and certification bodies: assess conformity and labeling claims.
• Transport, insurance and safety officers: use flash point information for handling and shipping.

Related standards

Key referenced ISO documents include: ISO/TS 210, ISO/TS 211 (packaging/labelling), ISO 212 (sampling), ISO 279, ISO 280, ISO 592, ISO 709, ISO 875, ISO 1242, ISO 4715, ISO 4735, ISO 7358 and the ISO 11024 series for chromatographic profiling.

For anyone sourcing or testing Calabrian bergamot essential oil, ISO 3520:2022 is the authoritative reference for quality assessment, analytical requirements and compliant documentation.