ISO 6538:1997

Overview

ISO 6538:1997 specifies quality and specification requirements for cassia (Chinese, Indonesian and Vietnamese types) - the bark of Cinnamomum species used as a spice (often sold as cassia or cinnamon). The standard covers forms (whole quills, scraped/unscraped bark, pieces and ground powder), classification by commercial grades, organoleptic and chemical criteria, sampling, test methods, packaging, marking and recommended storage/transport conditions.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Definitions & forms: whole quills, scraped bark, unscraped bark, pieces and ground cassia (no additives).
• Types & grades:
  • Chinese type (Kwantung, Kwangsi, broken pieces)
  • Indonesian type (AA, A, B, C; e.g., Korintje/Java cassia)
  • Vietnamese type (thin, medium, thick, broken)
• Organoleptic requirements: fresh, characteristic cassia odor and flavour; ground cassia colour yellowish to reddish-brown.
• Contamination & extraneous matter:
  • Free from live insects; practically free from mould, dead insects and rodent contamination (visible inspection; microscope magnification noted if >×10).
  • Extraneous matter (leaves, stems, dust, sand) ≤ 1% (m/m) - test per ISO 927.
• Chemical limits (typical values from the standard):
  • Moisture content: maximum ~15% (whole cassia values indicated in the standard; test ISO 939).
  • Total ash (dry basis) max: Chinese ~4.0%, Indonesian ~5.0%, Vietnamese ~4.5% (ISO 928).
  • Acid‑insoluble ash max: Chinese 0.8%, Indonesian 1.0%, Vietnamese 2.0% (ISO 930).
  • Volatile oil (ml/100 g dry basis) minimum: Chinese 1.5, Indonesian 1.0, Vietnamese 3.0 (ISO 6571); whole‑cassia values also specified.
• Sampling & test methods: sampling per ISO 948; sample preparation ISO 2825; filth detection ISO 1208; analytical methods referenced in the standard.
• Packaging & marking: clean, dry containers that protect flavor and volatile oil; required markings include product name, brand, manufacturer, batch, net mass, grade, producing country and reference to ISO 6538.
• Storage & transport (Annex A informative): dry, ventilated, odour‑free storage; protection from sun, rain, heat and cross‑infestation; fumigation facilities recommended.

Applications and users

ISO 6538 is practical for:

• Spice producers, peelers and packers preparing cassia quills or ground cassia for export or retail.
• Exporters/importers and buyers specifying quality and grade of cassia for trade.
• Food manufacturers, bakeries and spice blenders requiring consistent raw‑material specifications.
• Quality control and analytical laboratories performing moisture, ash and volatile oil tests.
• Regulatory bodies and certification schemes harmonizing spice quality criteria.

Using ISO 6538 helps ensure traceability, consistent grading (Chinese/Indonesian/Vietnamese cassia), reduced contamination risk, and conformity to international trade expectations for cinnamon/cassia products.

Related standards

• ISO 6539 - specifications for Sri Lankan/Seychelles/Madagascan cinnamon (C. zeylanicum)
• Referenced test standards: ISO 927, ISO 928, ISO 930, ISO 939, ISO 948, ISO 1208, ISO 2825, ISO 6571.