ISO 15152:2003/Amd 2:2018

Overview

ISO 15152:2003/Amd 2:2018 is an important international standard focused on the determination of total alkaloids content expressed as nicotine in tobacco. It specifies an updated continuous-flow analysis method, providing enhanced procedures for accurate measurement of nicotine levels in tobacco products. This amendment refines the methodology to ensure greater precision and reliability in testing, supporting quality control and regulatory compliance within the tobacco industry.

Key Updates and Method Enhancements

The 2018 Amendment 2 to ISO 15152 introduces several critical revisions to the continuous-flow analysis method used to quantify total alkaloids, specifically nicotine, including:

• Alternative Neutralizing Solution: Introduction of an alternative neutralizing solution (solution C), which is a mixture of sodium hydroxide (20% mass fraction) and sodium hypochlorite (5% active chlorine). This new option improves sample preparation versatility.
• Revised System Setup: Neutralizing solution C can be pumped and mixed directly in a 2-litre Büchner flask, offering streamlined sample processing.
• Updated Analytical Steps: Deletions of certain paragraphs in clauses 5.5 and 5.6 to clarify procedural details and remove outdated instructions.
• Simplified Multiplication Factors: Removal of repeated multiplication expressions (‘5 times’) in procedural steps, increasing clarity and reducing potential errors during calculation.
• Continuous-Flow Analyser Diagram Update: Annex B has been replaced with an updated flow diagram that illustrates the configuration of the continuous-flow analyser, enhancing understanding of the analytical workflow.

Practical Applications

This revised standard is essential for laboratories, tobacco product manufacturers, and quality assurance teams involved in:

• Nicotine Quantification: Accurate measurement of total alkaloids as nicotine in cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products.
• Quality Control: Ensuring products meet regulatory limits for nicotine content and maintain consistent quality.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supporting compliance with national and international regulations related to tobacco product composition.
• Research and Development: Providing reliable analytical methods to innovate and develop new tobacco products with controlled nicotine levels.

By adopting ISO 15152:2003/Amd 2:2018, stakeholders can enhance the precision and reproducibility of nicotine measurement, ensuring test results are internationally accepted and verifiable.

Related Standards

To further support comprehensive tobacco analysis and quality management, the following related standards are often used in conjunction with ISO 15152:

• ISO 6565: Determination of moisture content in tobacco products.
• ISO 16782: Determination of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs).
• ISO 3402: Conditioning tobacco and tobacco products for testing.
• ISO 4387: Determination of total particulate matter in tobacco smoke.

Together, these standards form a robust framework for monitoring, analyzing, and regulating tobacco products, crucial for consumer safety and market consistency.

Keywords: ISO 15152, nicotine determination, tobacco analysis, continuous-flow analysis, total alkaloids, tobacco testing standards, nicotine content measurement, tobacco quality control, tobacco regulation, ISO tobacco standards, chemical analysis tobacco