Overview
ISO 5622:2026 specifies a standardized method for determining carbon monoxide (CO) in the vapour phase of aerosols generated by electrically heated tobacco products (eHTPs) using a non-dispersive infrared analyser (NDIR). The method applies a well-defined puffing regime in accordance with ISO 5501-1, ensuring consistent and reliable analysis across laboratories and regulatory bodies. As eHTPs continue to emerge as alternatives to traditional combustible tobacco products, reliable measurement of their emissions is essential for both industry quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
Key Topics
- Scope of Application: The standard addresses the measurement of carbon monoxide in the vapour phase of eHTP-generated aerosols, with emphasis on method repeatability and reproducibility in lab conditions.
- NDIR Analyser Utilization: Use of non-dispersive infrared analysis ensures specific and sensitive detection of carbon monoxide, with calibration against standard gas mixtures for accurate quantification.
- Puffing Regime Consistency: The method adheres to conditions set in ISO 5501-1, enabling consistent sample generation and collection.
- Result Expression: Guidance is provided for expressing CO content per consumable, per puff, or by volume/mass.
- Reporting and Documentation: Detailed instructions are included on recording product information, sampling procedures, testing conditions, and results for thorough traceability and transparency.
Applications
ISO 5622:2026 is critical for:
- Product Development and Quality Control: eHTP manufacturers use this standard to assess and monitor CO emissions, ensuring compliance with internal specifications and market expectations.
- Regulatory Submissions: Testing laboratories and regulatory agencies rely on this method to verify product claims and enforce emission limits for eHTPs, contributing to public health assessments and tobacco control policies.
- Comparative Emission Analysis: Researchers and policymakers use standardized data from this method to compare CO output between eHTPs and other tobacco or nicotine products, aiding in risk assessment and policy development.
- International Trade and Compliance: The standard supports harmonization of test procedures internationally, facilitating market access and legal conformity for tobacco product manufacturers.
Related Standards
- ISO 5501-1 – Tobacco heating systems - Definitions and standard conditions for aerosol generation and collection - Part 1: Electrically heated tobacco products (eHTPs). Core reference for puffing conditions and sample preparation.
- ISO 22947 – Cigarettes - Determination of carbon monoxide in vapour phase with an intense smoking regime - NDIR method. Applied for cases when CO levels exceed the calibration range described in ISO 5622:2026.
- ISO 6080 – Tobacco heating systems - Vocabulary. Provides terminology definitions relevant to eHTPs and testing methods.
- CORESTA CRM 108 – Recommended method for CO determination in heated tobacco products using NDIR.
- ISO 5725-2 – Methods for determining repeatability and reproducibility of measurement results in laboratory testing.
Practical Value
Implementing ISO 5622:2026 enables organizations to:
- Achieve accurate, reproducible carbon monoxide measurements in eHTP aerosols
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and international testing norms
- Support product safety and transparency
- Provide reliable data for cross-brand comparison and consumer information
- Facilitate international recognition of test results
Adhering to ISO 5622:2026 ensures harmonized, high-quality testing for carbon monoxide emissions in electrically heated tobacco products, underpinning consumer safety, product innovation, and regulatory confidence.
