SIST EN ISO 20714:2022 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 20714:2021 / ISO 20714:2019 specifies a validated analytical procedure for quantifying nicotine, propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol in e-liquids used with electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDDs) using a gas chromatographic method (GC-FID). The standard defines sample preparation, required reagents and apparatus, calibration practice, chromatographic conditions, and reporting to ensure consistent, comparable results across testing laboratories.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and principle
  • Quantification by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) using internal standards.
• Reagents and standards
  • High-purity carrier/auxiliary gases (helium or hydrogen; FID hydrogen and air).
  • Solvent: isopropanol (≥99%) for dilution.
  • Reference substances: nicotine (≥98%), propylene glycol (≥99%), glycerol (≥99%).
  • Internal standards suggested: quinaldine, 1,3-butanediol, n‑heptadecane, n‑octadecane (users may assess alternatives).
• Calibration
  • At least five calibration solutions covering expected analyte ranges (example ranges used in the collaborative study: nicotine 0.005–1.5 mg/ml; PG and glycerol 0.12–10 mg/ml).
• Apparatus and column
  • Capillary GC with FID; DB‑ALC1 (30 m × 0.32 mm ID, 1.8 µm) cited as satisfactory. Alternative columns allowed if resolution is adequate.
• Sample handling and procedure
  • Typical test portion: 0.100 g sample diluted with 10 ml isopropanol/internal standard solution; equilibrate to room temperature; store extracts at 2–8 °C if necessary.
  • Example GC conditions provided (oven temperature program, injection volume 1 µl, split 50:1, helium carrier 1.8 ml/min, detector/injection temperatures).
• Quality
  • Monitor internal standard peak consistency; perform repeatability and reproducibility assessments and report results per the standard.

Practical applications

• Routine laboratory testing for e-liquid composition and quality control.
• Regulatory compliance testing and product labelling verification (nicotine strength claims).
• Research and product development (formulation verification, stability studies).
• Forensic and public health labs assessing exposure potential from ENDD products.

Who should use this standard

• Analytical and contract testing laboratories performing e-liquid analysis.
• E-liquid and electronic cigarette manufacturers implementing QC procedures.
• Regulatory authorities and notified bodies overseeing product safety and compliance.
• Research institutions studying aerosol chemistry and nicotine delivery.

Related standards and references

• ISO 13276 (noted in EN ISO 20714 for verifying nicotine purity).
• Developed by ISO/TC 126 (Tobacco and tobacco products) and adopted by CEN/TC 437 (Electronic cigarettes and e-liquids).

Keywords: EN ISO 20714, ISO 20714, e-liquid analysis, gas chromatographic method, GC‑FID, nicotine determination, propylene glycol, glycerol, e-liquids testing, electronic nicotine delivery devices.