BS ISO 18449-2021 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS ISO 18449-2021 — Green tea — Vocabulary. This designation refers to the ISO international vocabulary document for green tea (ISO 18449:2021) and its British adoption (BS ISO 18449:2021); the standard provides agreed terms and definitions used for classification, description and commerce of green tea products.

Abstract

This standard defines terminology and concise definitions used to classify and assess green tea for commercial and technical purposes (vocabulary only — it does not specify test methods or quality limits). The vocabulary supports consistent labelling, trading, specification and communication across the tea value chain.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn at international level; revised and replaced by ISO 18449:2025.
• Publication date: May 2021 (ISO publication May 2021; BSI adoption published as BS ISO 18449:2021 in May 2021).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO); British Standards Institution (BSI) for the BS adoption.
• ICS / categories: 01.040.67 (Food technology — Vocabularies); 67.140.10 (Tea).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 — 2021.
• Number of pages: ISO original: 12 pages (ISO edition); BS-adopted publication: commonly issued as a BSI publication with additional national foreword/cover (document listings show up to ~22 pages for BS).

Scope

Defines terms and definitions related to green tea to enable consistent classification, description and commercial communication. The scope is limited to vocabulary (terminology) and does not prescribe analytical methods, sampling procedures or mandatory quality limits — those are covered by other ISO/BS standards and test methods referenced by tea-sector technical committees.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized terms for types of green tea (leaf forms, processing types and common product names).
• Definitions of sensory and physical descriptors used in commerce (appearance, liquor characteristics, leaf condition).
• Terminology for grading, leaf size/grade descriptions and commercial classification.
• Definitions of processing steps and terms used in green‑tea production and trade.
• Harmonisation of vocabulary to support labelling, specification and international trade documents.

Typical use and users

Used by tea producers, packers, traders, importers/exporters, quality and regulatory personnel, sensory laboratories, standardization bodies and any organization drafting specifications, contracts or labels for green tea. It is primarily a reference for technical writers, procurement teams and regulators needing consistent terminology.

Related standards

Related ISO/BS standards from the tea work programme include sensory and sampling standards (for example ISO 3103 — Preparation of liquor for use in sensory tests) and other tea product standards such as ISO 3720 (black tea definitions and requirements). Users typically consult the vocabulary alongside these method and product standards.

Keywords

green tea, vocabulary, terminology, tea classification, grading, sensory descriptors, ISO/TC 34/SC 8, BS ISO 18449, trade specification

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18449:2021 (issued as BS ISO 18449:2021 for the British adoption) is a vocabulary standard that defines terms used for green tea classification and commercial description.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers agreed terminology — names, descriptive terms and definitions relating to green tea types, processing descriptors and commercial classification. It does not contain test methods or mandatory product limits.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Tea industry stakeholders (producers, traders, packers), laboratories, procurement/specification writers, regulators and standards developers use it to ensure consistent language in specifications, contracts and technical documentation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The ISO 18449:2021 edition has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO 18449:2025; the withdrawal was recorded in the ISO lifecycle and the vocabulary was revised and republished in 2025. Users should reference ISO 18449:2025 (or the latest national adoption) for the current vocabulary.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It forms part of the family of ISO standards on tea developed by ISO/TC 34/SC 8. Related documents include product and method standards (for example ISO 3720, ISO 3103 and other tea‑related standards) rather than a strict numeric series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Green tea; vocabulary; terminology; classification; grading; sensory descriptors; tea trade; ISO 18449.