Tobacco Analysis

Tobacco products such as cigars, cigarettes, cigarillos, chewing tobacco or raw tobacco must be analysed in accordance with Swiss Food Law (LMG) and must comply with the guidelines of the Swiss Tobacco Ordinance (TabV). 

Internationally important are the guidelines of the German  Tobacco Ordinance (TabV) and the ACAC list in accordance with the standards of CORESTA (Centre de Coopération pour les Recherches Scientifiques Relatives au Tabac). 

Do you require reliable data as an aid to decision-making when buying tobacco? Would you like the consistent high quality of your products ascertained by an independent, accredited contract laboratory in Switzerland? 

We can offer a variety of common analyses such as nicotine determination, pesticide analysis, heavy metals or additives. With our analytical testing, we will accompany you from the purchase, through the development stage and up to the manufacturing of your products. 

Would you like to known which chemical or physical parameters or which ingredients you should define? There are different national regulations in consumer countries that you need to take account of when exporting. 

Tobacco - A Foodstuff?

As a stimulant, smoking products are subject to The Food Law. Residue analysis plays an important role in quality management and the suitability for export of tobacco products.

In the production of cigarettes, up to 50 types of tobacco from various countries of origin may be blended and mixed. Additives such as aromas, humectants and preservatives are used to achieve a consistent level of quality and product-specific characteristics. 

Additives in tobacco products

Tobacco additives are subject to the same quality requirements as foodstuffs and must be tested accordingly. This also includes simple parameters such as water determination (Karl-Fischer titration), ash, bulk and trace elements. Unwanted substances play a large role here, particularly heavy metals and pesticides.
 

How do pesticides get into tobacco?

Upon purchasing the raw materials, it should be observed that a range of pesticides are used during the cultivation and storage stages in the countries of origin. Although nicotine, an ingredient of tobacco, already possesses insecticide characteristics, the plants must additionally be treated with synthetic substances. These are used for the prevention of harvest loss as a result of infestations of viruses, insects or fungi.
 

The challenges of pesticide analysis

In the analysis of pesticides, these residues must be identified from a complex basic matrix with a sufficient level of sensitivity. This requires a considerable amount of technical equipment. Identification and quantification takes place using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS according to a modified QuEChERS method.

Our services in detail:

• Consultation on the analysis of tobacco and tobacco products
• Pesticides
• Phosphines
• EBDC, MH-30
• Nicotine
• Preservatives (benzoic acid, sorbic acid, PHB ester)
• Humectants
• Heavy metals
• Sweeteners
• GMO screening
• Mycotoxins
• Chemical analysis: Cannabinoids (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabigerol (CBG), hemp, and related substances 
• Additional services are according to the directory of services or upon request.