Overview
ISO 3065:2021 - Essential oil of Eucalyptus, Australian type - is the international standard that specifies the key characteristics and test requirements used to assess the quality of eucalyptus essential oil rich in 1,8‑cineole. Published as the third edition in 2021, the document defines compositional, physical and analytical criteria (including chromatographic requirements) to facilitate consistent quality evaluation across production, testing and trade.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Defines “Eucalyptus, Australian type” as essential oil obtained by steam distillation of eucalyptus foliage and containing >80% 1,8‑cineole by volume fraction.
- Physical properties (required ranges):
- Relative density at 20 °C: 0.906 – 0.928 (ISO 279)
- Refractive index at 20 °C: 1.455 – 1.470 (ISO 280)
- Optical rotation at 20 °C: −1° to +6° (ISO 592)
- Miscibility in ethanol 70%: complete dissolution in three volumes (ISO 875)
- Chromatographic profile: Mandatory analysis by gas chromatography (per ISO 11024). Key component limits (integrator % by area) include:
- 1,8‑Cineole: 80.0 – 95.0%
- α‑Pinene: 0.1 – 5.0%
- Limonene: 0.1 – 10.0%
- p‑Cymene: 0.5 – 4.0%
- Other components: sabinene, α‑phellandrene (presence limits), with “n.d.” meaning not detected when applicable.
- Flash point: Informative mean value +48 °C (Pensky‑Martens method) included for safety/transport guidance (see Annex B and ISO/TR 11018).
- Sampling & packaging:
Applications and users
ISO 3065:2021 is used to:
- Support quality control and acceptance testing by essential oil producers and analytical laboratories.
- Provide compositional criteria for buyers, traders and regulatory authorities in cosmetics, aromatherapy, pharmaceutical and flavour & fragrance industries.
- Inform safety, transport and insurance assessments (flash point guidance).
- Standardize specifications for product labelling, shipping and storage.
Typical users:
- Essential oil manufacturers and distillers
- QC/analytical laboratories performing GC testing
- Ingredient buyers, formulators and compliance officers
- Transport/safety personnel and customs/regulatory bodies
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 3065:2021, essential oil of Eucalyptus Australian type, 1,8‑cineole, chromatographic profile, gas chromatography, refractive index, optical rotation, flash point, sampling, packaging.
