Updated International Standard for Tea Tree Oil.
From ISO 4730:2025 to ATTIA’s Code of Practice — raising the standard for Tea Tree Oil.
The international standard for tea tree oil has been updated. The new edition, ISO 4730:2025 – Essential oil of Melaleuca, terpinen-4-ol type (tea tree oil), is now available, replacing ISO 4730:2017.
This revision reflects advances in analytical testing and strengthens the specification framework that defines authentic, high-quality tea tree oil.
Key updates in ISO 4730:2025:
Expanded enantiomeric (chiral) testing:
The standard now specifies three components for optical purity analysis — terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, and the newly added α-terpineol.
This addition recognises α-terpineol as an important marker of authenticity and quality, improving traceability and confidence in oil origin.
Refined compositional profile:
Updates to the chromatographic (GC) ranges better reflect the terpinen-4-ol chemotype typical of pure Australian tea tree oil.
Clarified definitions and sampling methods:
The new edition provides clearer guidance on sampling, testing procedures and reference methods for reproducibility between laboratories.
Updated packaging, labelling and storage guidance:
Aligns with current ISO practice for essential oils and international transport standards.
Why this matters:
Quality assurance: Meeting ISO 4730:2025 helps confirm a product is genuine, unadulterated and consistent with international specifications.
Market access: Many buyers and regulatory bodies use ISO standards as benchmarks — adopting the 2025 version demonstrates compliance with the latest quality expectations.
Documentation: Certificates of analysis, lab reports and quality assurance records should now reference ISO 4730:2025.
Beyond ISO — ATTIA’s Code of Practice:
While ISO 4730 sets the international baseline for tea tree oil quality, the ATTIA Code of Practice establishes the global benchmark.
The Code is a comprehensive quality management system that extends beyond composition and testing. It ensures compliance with Australian biosecurity, safety and pesticide regulations, and provides full traceability of 100% pure Australian tea tree oil — from seed to paddock, and distillery to drum.
Together, ISO 4730:2025 and the ATTIA Code of Practice uphold the integrity and international reputation of Australian tea tree oil.
Next steps for producers and processors:
Obtain a copy of ISO 4730:2025 from the International Organisation for Standardisation.
Review and update documentation to reference ISO 4730:2025.
Continue following ATTIA’s Code of Practice, which ensures compliance and reinforces Australia’s position as the leader in tea tree oil quality.
ATTIA will continue to guide our members on implementing ISO 4730:2025 and maintaining the Code of Practice as the foundation for quality, traceability and global leadership.
For further guidance or assistance, contact ceo@attia.org.au.
