Preparation of sample for testing of cigarettes, tobacco sticks, cigarette tobacco, cigars, little cigars, kreteks, bidis, leaf, pipe and smokeless tobacco: T-402
1 Scope of application
1.1
This method is applicable to the preparation of a homogeneous sample of tobacco product for the purpose of analytical testing of cigarettes, tobacco sticks, cigarette tobacco, cigars, little cigars, kreteks, bidis, leaf tobacco, pipe tobacco and smokeless tobacco.
2 Normative references
2.1
Health Canada Official Method T-115. Determination of Tar, Water, Nicotine and Carbon Monoxide in Mainstream Tobacco Smoke, 2016.
3 Definitions
3.1
Refer to T-115 for definitions of terms used in this document.
3.2
Smokeless tobacco means chewing tobacco, nasal snuff and oral snuff.
4 Method summary
4.1
Tobacco is first removed from the product as sold. The tobacco portion is then ground in a batch processor to obtain a homogeneous sample.
4.2
To ensure a proper particle size (< 4 mm), the ground sample is passed through a 4 mm sieve prior to testing.
4.3
Tobacco products that are of a fine particle size (i.e. < 4 mm) and appear to be homogeneous (dry snuff and wet snuff) are mixed thoroughly prior to analytical testing.
4.4
Smokeless tobacco that is contained in packaging (i.e. smokeless tobacco in portion packs) is separated from the packaging material. The packaging material is ground separately, and then is combined with the tobacco contents, where it is thoroughly mixed prior to analytical testing.
Warning: The testing and evaluation of certain products against this test method may require the use of materials and/or equipment that are potentially hazardous and this document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this test method has the responsibility to consult with the appropriate authorities and to establish health and safety practices in conjunction with all existing applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.
5 Apparatus and equipment
5.1
Utility knife.
5.2
Scoopula or spatula.
5.3
Robot Coupe RSI 2V Batch Processor - variable speed to 3000 rpm or equivalent.
5.4
Testing Sieve (A.S.T.M.E.-11) - 4.00 mm (0.157") No. 5.
5.5
Sample storage bags.
5.6
Analytical balance measuring to at least 4 decimal places or Top loading balance.
6 Sampling
6.1
The sampling of cigarettes for the purpose of testing shall be in accord with ISO 8243.
6.2
The sampling of kreteks, bidis and tobacco sticks for the purpose of testing shall be in accord with ISO 8243, but modified such that the term "cigarette" is substituted with "kreteks", "bidis" or "tobacco sticks", whereby the term "carton" is equivalent to 200 units.
6.3
The sampling of cigars and little cigars for the purpose of testing shall be in accord ISO 8243, but modified such that the term "cigarette" is substituted with "cigar" or "little cigar", whereby 200 units of cigarette is equivalent to 200 grams of cigar or "little cigar".
6.4
The sampling of cigarette tobacco and kits containing cigarette tobacco sold in kits for the purpose of testing shall be in accord with ISO 15592-1.
6.5
The sampling of leaf tobacco, pipe tobacco or smokeless tobacco shall be in accord with ISO 15592-1 but modified such that the term "fine-cut" is substituted with "leaf tobacco", "pipe tobacco" or "smokeless tobacco".
7 Sample processing
7.1
Tobacco from Cigarettes, Tobacco Sticks, Cigars, Little Cigars, Kreteks and Bidis
7.1.1
Separate the tobacco from the finished product by carefully removing all non-tobacco elements by dissection using a utility knife.
Note: A minimum sample size of 100 g of tobacco is required for commercially available product. If this amount is not available, prepare an adequate amount of sample for all analytical testing to be conducted on the sample.
7.1.2
Transfer the tobacco portion of the product to the batch processor.
7.1.3
Grind the sample at 2000 rpm until the particle size is approximately 4 mm to obtain a homogeneous sample.
Note: The total grinding time to achieve this particle size should be no more than 3 minutes.
Note: Reduce the rpm or stop grinding if the sample bowl becomes warm to the touch.
Note: Pulse the batch processor, as needed, to complete the grinding.
7.1.4
Sieve the ground tobacco through a 4 mm sieve to ensure appropriate particle size.
7.1.5
Transfer the sample to an appropriate sample storage bag.
7.1.6
Re-mix the sample immediately prior to analytical testing.
7.2
Cigarette Tobacco, Leaf Tobacco, Pipe Tobacco, Smokeless Tobacco other than Nasal or Oral Snuff
7.2.1
Transfer a minimum sample size of 100 g of tobacco to the batch processor for grinding.
Note: If this amount is not available, prepare an adequate amount of sample for all analytical testing to be conducted on the sample.
Note: Smokeless tobacco must be broken or cut apart and added in portions to the grinder at 2000 rpm.
7.2.2
Grind the sample at 2000 rpm until the particle size is approximately 4 mm to obtain a homogeneous sample.
Note: The total grinding time to achieve this particle size should be no more than 3 minutes.
Note: Reduce the rpm or stop grinding if the sample bowl becomes warm to the touch.
Note: Pulse the batch processor, when needed, to complete the grinding.
7.2.3
Sieve the ground tobacco through a 4 mm sieve to ensure the particle size.
7.2.4
Transfer the sample to an appropriate sample storage bag.
7.2.5
Re-mix the sample immediately prior to analytical testing.
7.3
Smokeless Tobacco - Dry and Wet Oral or Nasal Snuff
7.3.1
Grinding of the sample is not necessary if the particle size is less than 4 mm.
7.3.2
Using a scoopula (or spatula), thoroughly mix an adequate amount of sample for all analytical testing to be conducted on the sample.
7.3.3
Transfer the sample to an appropriate sample storage bag.
7.3.4
Re-mix the sample immediately prior to analytical testing.
7.4
Smokeless Tobacco in Portion Packs
7.4.1
Separate the tobacco packaging material (pouch) from the tobacco by cutting open the pouch using a utility knife.
Note: Prepare an adequate amount of sample for all analytical testing to be conducted on the sample.
7.4.2
Grinding of the tobacco contents is not necessary if the particle size is less than 4 mm.
7.4.3
Grind the 'pouch' on the batch processor to obtain a particle size of approximately 4 mm.
Note: The pouch portion may need to be cut with scissors if grinding appears inadequate.
7.4.4
Sieve the packaging material through a 4 mm sieve to ensure the particle size.
7.4.5
Combine the ground packaging material with the previously separated tobacco.
7.4.6
Using a scoopula (or spatula), thoroughly mix the combined sample.
7.4.7
Transfer the sample to an appropriate sample storage bag.
7.4.8
Re-mix the sample immediately prior to analytical testing.
8 References
8.1
United States. Federal Registrar. 1997. Protocol to Measure the Quantity of Nicotine Contained in Smokeless Tobacco Products Manufactured, Imported, or Packaged in the United States. 62, 85: 24115-24117.
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