1. ISO 4730 – Essential Oil of Agarwood (Oud) Standards
Purpose:
- Establishes quality, purity, and analytical specifications for agarwood oil.
Key Requirements:
- Physical properties:
- Appearance: Dark brown to black, viscous oil
- Refractive index: Typically 1.510–1.560 at 20°C
- Specific gravity: 1.050–1.150 g/cm³ (depending on species & grade)
- Optical rotation: –20° to +20° (varies by species)
- Chemical composition:
- Minimum content of key compounds (e.g., sesquiterpenes, agarospirol, α-agarofuran)
- Free from synthetic solvents or adulterants
- Testing methods:
- GC-MS: to verify chemical profile
- Sensory evaluation: aroma characteristics
Use:
- Benchmark for quality assurance, international trade, and certification.
2. IFRA – International Fragrance Association Standards
Purpose:
- Ensures safe use of fragrance materials, including agarwood oil, in perfumes, cosmetics, and personal care products.
Key Requirements:
- Concentration limits: Certain fragrance compounds (e.g., allergenic sesquiterpenes) are restricted in consumer products.
- Labeling and documentation: Must comply with IFRA declarations for ingredient safety.
- Adherence: Manufacturers and exporters must verify that formulations do not exceed IFRA limits.
Use:
- Ensures regulatory compliance in global fragrance and cosmetic markets.
- Critical for exporting premium agarwood oils for perfumery.
3. Export Standards and Regulations
Key Considerations for International Trade:
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| CITES Compliance | Agarwood species (Aquilaria spp.) are Appendix II; export requires CITES permit. |
| Phytosanitary Certificate | Ensures exported wood or chips are pest- and disease-free. |
| Quality Certification | ISO 4730 certificate or equivalent GC-MS report for oil quality. |
| Packaging & Labeling | Must comply with UN packaging standards for volatile oils; label with species, grade, origin, and batch number. |
| Customs & Tariffs | Check HS codes for essential oils (e.g., 3301.29) and import requirements in destination countries. |
| IFRA Compliance | Required for oils used in fragrances to meet allergen and safety limits. |
Common Export Markets:
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait)
- Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia)
- Europe (France, Germany, UK – perfumery sector)
4. Best Practices for Compliance
- Maintain ISO 4730 documentation for every oil batch.
- Run GC-MS or FTIR analysis to verify chemical composition.
- Check IFRA restrictions before supplying to perfumery/cosmetic manufacturers.
- Obtain CITES permits for wood, chips, or oil exports.
- Use proper packaging to prevent leakage and contamination during shipment.
- Keep detailed batch records: species, grade, extraction method, date, and origin.
5. Summary Table
| Standard / Regulation | Scope | Key Requirement | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 4730 | Essential oil quality | Chemical profile, physical properties, purity | QC, export documentation |
| IFRA | Fragrance safety | Allergen limits, concentration restrictions | Perfume/cosmetic formulation |
| CITES / Export | Conservation & legal trade | Permits, phytosanitary certificates, packaging | International trade of wood, chips, or oil |