Overview
ISO 15592-2:2025 specifies the atmosphere for conditioning and testing samples of fine-cut tobacco and fine-cut smoking articles (FCSA). It defines the temperature and relative humidity conditions, conditioning procedures, equilibrium checks and practical guidance for laboratories that need prior conditioning of tobacco samples before analytical testing. This standard complements sampling and analysis methods for fine-cut tobacco and is harmonized with ISO 3402:2023 and CORESTA recommended methods.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Conditioning atmosphere: temperature 22 ± 2 °C, relative humidity 75 ± 3 %. Monitor and maintain mean values over a defined interval.
- Test atmosphere: temperature 22 ± 2 °C, relative humidity 60 ± 5 %. Report atmospheric pressure if outside 86 kPa to 106 kPa.
- Conditioning duration: generally 72 h with forced air flow; acceptable range 72 h to 10 days to reach equilibrium while limiting loss of volatiles. Longer storage (>10 days) requires original packaging or airtight containers.
- Storage and sample layout: fine-cut tobacco layer depth limited to 20 mm (no external pressure); FCSAs stored in a single layer on perforated trays with at least 8 mm clearance and free air circulation.
- Equilibrium criteria: achieved when mass variation ≤ 0.2 % in 3 h, or when a sample in a closed container attains the conditioning atmosphere RH.
- Alternative (Annex A): methods for laboratories without electronically controlled cabinets - use a saturated salt slurry (NaCl) in a sealed cabinet with low forced airflow; validate temperature and humidity (or use mass-control charts as a secondary standard).
- Quality control: regular monitoring of electronic controls, placement of control samples, and use of calibration/traceable instruments.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 15592-2:2025 is intended for:
- Tobacco manufacturers and product development teams conditioning fine-cut tobacco and wrappers.
- Analytical and quality-control laboratories performing moisture, composition and performance tests on fine-cut tobacco and FCSAs.
- Regulatory laboratories conducting standardized testing for compliance and comparability.
- Research organizations studying tobacco properties, physical stability and sensory attributes.
Practical benefits include consistent sample preparation, reproducible test results, reduced variability from humidity/temperature, and clear reporting requirements for laboratory accreditation and regulatory submissions.
Related standards
- ISO 3402:2023 - atmosphere for conditioning and testing (leaf and cigarette tobacco)
- ISO 558:1980 - definitions for standard atmospheres
- CORESTA Recommended Methods No. 21 and 42 - historical methods for conditioning fine-cut tobacco
Keywords: ISO 15592-2:2025, fine-cut tobacco, conditioning atmosphere, test atmosphere, relative humidity, temperature control, FCSA, tobacco testing laboratory, sampling and analysis.
Open preview (PDF)Fine-cut tobacco and smoking articles made from it — Methods of sampling, conditioning and analysis — Part 2: Atmosphere for conditioning and testing
