ISO 23193-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 23193:2020 — Traditional Chinese medicine — Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense fruit. This International Standard specifies minimum requirements, descriptive characteristics and test methods for Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense Mill. fruit (commonly known as goji or wolfberry) when sold and used as herbal raw materials in international trade, including unprocessed and traditionally processed materials.

Abstract

This document defines identity and quality criteria (morphological and organoleptic features, dimensions), physicochemical and contaminant limits, sampling and test-methods, and packaging/storage/traceability provisions for Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense fruit used in traditional Chinese medicine and related herbal applications. It is intended to harmonize requirements for international trade and quality control of goji fruit.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 28 August 2020 (published August 2020)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 11.120.10 (Medicinal products)
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2020)
• Number of pages: 19

Technical committee: ISO/TC 249 (Traditional Chinese medicine), subcommittee ISO/TC 249/SC 1.

Scope

Applies to Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense Mill. fruit used and sold as herbal raw materials in international trade, covering unprocessed and traditionally processed materials. The standard sets out minimum descriptive requirements (appearance, colour, size, seed characteristics, odour and taste), sampling instructions, required tests and limits for physicochemical properties and contaminants, and provides guidance on packaging, storage and labelling to support traceability and consumer safety.

Key topics and requirements

• Descriptive and identity requirements — macroscopic morphological features and distinguishing characteristics for L. barbarum and L. chinense (shape, colour, seed traits, odour and taste).
• Dimensional criteria — typical length and diameter ranges for fruits; seed count/size guidance.
• Physicochemical tests — moisture, total ash, extractives and related quality indicators.
• Contaminant limits and safety — specification of maximum levels or test methods for heavy metals, certain pesticide residues and other contaminants appropriate to international trade.
• Sampling and sample preparation — procedures for representative sampling for testing and conformity assessment.
• Packaging, storage and labelling — requirements to ensure material integrity, shelf stability and traceability during trade and storage.
• Reference test methods and acceptance criteria to be used by quality-control laboratories and regulatory bodies.

Typical use and users

Used by herbal raw material producers, traders and exporters, traditional Chinese medicine manufacturers, nutraceutical and functional‑food producers, quality-control and analytical laboratories, importers, regulatory authorities, pharmacopeial organizations and researchers working on authentication, quality control and safety of goji (Lycii) fruit.

Related standards

Related documents include other ISO and WHO guidance on herbal materials and methods for testing herbal products and contaminants; standards produced under ISO/TC 249 (Traditional Chinese medicine) and ISO documents on analytical methods for herbal materials are commonly referenced when implementing ISO 23193:2020. Examples of related ISO deliverables and guidance for herbal materials and testing methods are cited in the standard's bibliography.

Keywords

Lycium barbarum; Lycium chinense; goji; wolfberry; traditional Chinese medicine; herbal raw material; quality control; sampling; contaminants; heavy metals; pesticide residues; morphological identification; ISO 23193:2020.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 23193:2020 is an International Standard that specifies minimum requirements, descriptive characteristics and test methods for Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense fruit used as herbal raw materials (goji/wolfberry) in international trade.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers identity and descriptive features (appearance, colour, dimensions, seeds, odour/taste), sampling, physicochemical test methods and limits, contaminant controls (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides where specified), and guidance on packaging, storage and traceability for goji fruit.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Producers, exporters, TCM manufacturers, nutraceutical companies, analytical and quality-control laboratories, regulators, importers and researchers concerned with authentication, safety and international trade of goji fruit.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 23193:2020 was published in August 2020 and is the first edition (Edition 1). As with all ISO standards it is subject to periodic review (typically every five years); users should check national bodies or ISO for the latest confirmation or revision status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is one of multiple ISO standards developed under ISO/TC 249 for traditional Chinese medicine and herbal materials; it sits alongside other ISO standards that specify quality and test methods for different medicinal plants and herbal materials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinense, goji, wolfberry, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal raw material, quality control, sampling, contaminants, ISO 23193:2020.