Ylang-Ylang
Ylang ylang oil is the volatile oil distilled from the fresh flowers of Cananga odorata. It is intensely sweet, floral and slightly banana like, and it is one of the pillars of floral perfumery, appearing in a very large share of classical fine fragrance as well as in soap, personal care and aromatherapy. Uniquely among the major naturals, it is sold as successive fractions taken off a single continuous distillation, and those fractions are separate commercial articles with separate odours and separate prices.
Listed ylang-ylang markets
Each line is a grade at a delivery point. Open one for its full specification and terms.
Grades
Ylang is traded on the distillation fraction. The cuts are taken by elapsed time and by density during one continuous run, and which cut you have bought is the first term of the contract.
Botanical source and extraction route
14 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cananga odorata forma genuinaFresh flowers, steam or water distilled | The ylang ylang article, subject of the ISO product standard. |
| Cananga odorata forma macrophylla, cananga oilFresh flowers, distilled | A related but distinct and much cheaper article. It never settles against a ylang contract. |
| Extra superior and extraFirst fraction, taken off in the opening hours of the run | The most volatile, most floral and most valuable cut. Fine fragrance material. |
| FirstSecond fraction | Taken after extra, sweeter and heavier. |
| SecondThird fraction | Heavier again, used in fragrance and in soap. |
| ThirdFourth fraction | The heaviest cut, used mainly in soap and household perfumery. |
| CompleteThe whole run distilled without fractionation, declared | A distinct article, and it is not the same thing as the fractions recombined. |
| Reconstituted completeDeclared, with the fraction proportions | Blended from cuts. It is named as such and never sold as a true complete. |
| Cut point methodDeclared, by elapsed time and by relative density | How the fractions were separated. Different stills cut at different points and the contract states the basis. |
| AbsoluteSolvent extracted to a concrete, then washed with ethanol and the ethanol removed | Sold on its own specification, with the residual solvent limit stated. |
| ConcreteSolvent extracted, waxes retained | An intermediate article, priced on absolute yield. |
| Supercritical carbon dioxide extractExtracted with carbon dioxide at a stated pressure and temperature | A separate article with its own profile. It is not interchangeable with the distilled oil. |
| OrganicCertified under the destination market scheme, distilled and stored on dedicated equipment | Named with the certifier and the certificate number. |
| Batch and distillation dateDeclared, with the still and the campaign identified | Essential oils change in the drum. A batch without a date cannot be assessed. |
Physicochemical identity
8 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Relative density at 20 degrees CelsiusRange, by ISO 279 | The first identity check, and the fastest way to catch a carrier oil. |
| Refractive index at 20 degrees CelsiusRange, by ISO 280 | Read on a refractometer at a stated temperature. |
| Optical rotation at 20 degrees CelsiusRange in degrees, by ISO 592 | The term that separates a natural oil from a synthetic reconstruction, because most synthetics are optically inactive. |
| Miscibility in ethanolVolumes of ethanol at a stated strength to give a clear solution, by ISO 875 | Measured, not judged. |
| Acid valueMaximum, by ISO 1242 | Rises with age and with poor storage. It is the ageing indicator the trade reads first. |
| Ester valueRange, by ISO 709 | Sets the sweet fraction in oils where esters carry the odour. |
| Appearance and colourAgainst a sealed reference sample, or an instrumental scale | Recorded on the certificate for each batch. |
| Flash pointDegrees Celsius, closed cup | A transport classification term as well as a quality one. It travels on the dangerous goods declaration. |
Chromatographic profile
10 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| LinaloolPercentage of total peak area, range | High in the early fractions and a principal marker of an extra cut. |
| Geranyl acetatePercentage of total peak area, range | Concentrated in the early fractions. |
| Benzyl acetatePercentage of total peak area, range | A defining ester of the early cuts. |
| Benzyl benzoatePercentage of total peak area, range | Rises through the run and is high in the later fractions. It is also a common adulterant, which is why the figure is read against the whole profile. |
| Methyl benzoatePercentage of total peak area, range | An early fraction marker. |
| para-cresyl methyl etherPercentage of total peak area, range | Highly odour active and concentrated in the extra cut. |
| beta-caryophyllenePercentage of total peak area, range | Rises through the run, so it is a later fraction marker. |
| Germacrene DPercentage of total peak area, range | A sesquiterpene that rises in the later cuts. |
| Farnesene and farnesolPercentage of total peak area, range | Reported. |
| Full profile against the reference batchEvery peak accounted for | The fraction is identified by the whole trace, not by one marker. This is how a third cut sold as an extra is caught. |
Authenticity and adulteration
9 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cananga oil in ylangNil, declared | The commonest substitution. Read on the full profile. |
| Added benzyl benzoate or benzyl acetateNil, declared | Used to bulk the later fractions. Detected against the natural ratios and on isotope analysis. |
| Fraction misdeclarationNil, declared | A later cut invoiced as an earlier one. The chromatogram settles it. |
| Full chromatogram against a reference profileEvery peak accounted for, with the reference batch named | The whole trace is the specification, not the two or three headline markers. Adulteration hides in the peaks nobody contracted. |
| Enantiomeric ratio, chiral gas chromatographyRatio of the optical isomers of the named marker compounds | The definitive test for synthetic addition. A nature identical molecule is still the wrong molecule at the isomer level. |
| Stable isotope ratio analysisCarbon and hydrogen isotope ratios, by mass spectrometry | Detects synthetic and non plant carbon sources. Contracted where the value of the oil justifies it. |
| Added carrier and diluentNil, declared | Vegetable oil, dipropylene glycol, benzyl benzoate, isopropyl myristate and ethanol. Tested for, because the density alone will not catch a small addition. |
| Cross species and cross grade blendingNil, declared | Cheaper related species blended into a premium oil. Detected on the full profile. |
| ReconstitutionNil, declared | Oil rebuilt from isolates to hit a marker specification. It will pass a marker test and fail a full profile. |
Contaminants, safety and regulatory
8 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| Peroxide valueMaximum | Oxidation is the main quality loss in transit and in store. It is also what turns a benign oil into a sensitiser. |
| Pesticide residuesMilligrams per kilogram, against the destination market limits | Distillation concentrates lipophilic residues, so the limit is applied to the oil and not to the crop. |
| Heavy metalsMilligrams per kilogram | Lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury. |
| Phthalates and plasticisersMilligrams per kilogram | Picked up from drums, liners and hoses rather than from the plant. |
| Residual solventMilligrams per kilogram, where the article is an extract or an absolute | Nil for distilled oils, and a stated limit for extracts. |
| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonsMicrograms per kilogram | Comes from direct fire stills and from smoke contact at origin. |
| Allergen declarationPercentage of each declarable fragrance allergen present | Required for cosmetic use in most destination markets. It is calculated from the chromatogram and it travels with the batch. |
| Safety data sheet and transport classificationIssued for the batch, with the UN number and packing group | A shipping document and a compliance document at once. |
Certification, documentation and packing
8 grades
| Grade | Definition |
|---|---|
| OrganicCertificate under the destination market scheme | EU, NOP, JAS or an equivalence arrangement, named with the certifier and the certificate number. |
| Fair trade or community benefit schemeCertificate and transaction certificate | Named scheme, with the transaction certificate issued against the specific batch. |
| Kosher and HalalCertificate from the named authority | Travels with the batch. |
| Cosmetic and food grade documentationSpecification, safety data sheet, allergen statement and IFRA conformity certificate | The document set is part of the goods. An oil delivered without it is not deliverable. |
| Non GMO and vegan declarationsDeclaration | Issued where the destination market or the customer requires it. |
| PackingDeclared: aluminium, epoxy phenolic lined steel or high density polyethylene, with the drum size and the net weight | The container is a specification term. Bare steel and unlined plastic will both change the oil. |
| Headspace and inert blanketingDeclared, with the gas and the fill level | Nitrogen blanketing and a full drum are how an oil holds its acid value and its peroxide value across a voyage. |
| Storage and transit temperatureDeclared, with the range and the monitoring method | Cool and dark, evidenced. Where the contract is silent, an arrival dispute over oxidation cannot be settled. |
Grades outside this list trade on request. Send us the contract specification you work to and we will price against it.
Locations
| Country | Region | We trade it as |
|---|---|---|
| Comoros | Anjouan, Moheli, Grande Comore | Origin and destination |
| Madagascar | Nosy Be, Sambava | Origin and destination |
| Indonesia | Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra | Origin and destination |
| Philippines | Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao | Origin and destination |
| Mayotte | Nationwide | Origin and destination |
| Reunion | Nationwide | Origin and destination |
| Vietnam | Southern | Origin and destination |
| Thailand | Southern | Origin and destination |
| Malaysia | Peninsular, Sabah | Origin and destination |
| India | Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar | Origin and destination |
| Sri Lanka | Southern | Origin and destination |
| Papua New Guinea | New Britain | Origin and destination |
| Solomon Islands | Guadalcanal | Origin and destination |
| Fiji | Viti Levu | Origin and destination |
| Samoa | Upolu | Origin and destination |
| Tanzania | Zanzibar, Pemba | Origin and destination |
| Mozambique | Nampula | Origin and destination |
| Seychelles | Mahe | Origin and destination |
| Colombia | Choco, Valle del Cauca | Origin and destination |
| Brazil | Bahia | Origin and destination |
| France | Grasse | Destination |
| United States | New Jersey, California | Destination |
| Switzerland | Nationwide | Destination |
| Germany | Nationwide | Destination |
| United Kingdom | Nationwide | Destination |
| Netherlands | Nationwide | Destination |
| Spain | Nationwide | Destination |
| Italy | Nationwide | Destination |
| Japan | Nationwide | Destination |
| South Korea | Nationwide | Destination |
| Singapore | Nationwide | Destination |
| United Arab Emirates | Dubai | Destination |
| Saudi Arabia | Nationwide | Destination |
| Turkiye | Nationwide | Destination |
| Mexico | Nationwide | Destination |
| Poland | Nationwide | Destination |
Origins and destinations outside this list trade on request. We are not limited to the locations shown here.
Timing
Harvest is when the plant material is cut at origin. Arrival is when a shipment from that origin typically lands in a consuming market. The gap between them is distillation, settling, batch testing and the voyage.
HarvestArrival
| Origin | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comoros | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Jan to Dec, arrival Jan to DecFlowers are picked and distilled year round with a peak through the warmer months. Comoros is the reference origin for the extra cut. |
| Madagascar | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Jan to Dec, arrival Jan to DecNear continuous flowering on Nosy Be, with a warm season peak, shipped through Toamasina and Mahajanga. |
| Indonesia | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Jan to Dec, arrival Jan to DecYear round flowering, with a large part of the crop going to cananga rather than ylang. The article is named on the contract. |
| Philippines | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest Mar to Oct, arrival May to DecFlowering peaks through the warm months. | ||
| Mayotte | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Oct to Apr, arrival Dec to JunA small, high specification campaign concentrated in the warm season. | |||
| Vietnam | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest Apr to Sep, arrival Jul to DecWarm season flowering in the south. | |||
| Tanzania | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest Oct to Mar, arrival Jan to JunZanzibar and Pemba flower through the warm season. | |||
| Papua New Guinea | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Sep to Feb, arrival Dec to MayWarm season flowering, small volume. | |||
| Malaysia | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest and arrival | Harvest Jan to Dec, arrival Jan to DecEquatorial, near continuous. |
| Colombia | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Arrival | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest and arrival | Arrival | Harvest Mar to Nov, arrival May to JanTwo flowering peaks, small volume. |
Windows outside this pattern trade on request, including carry, forward positions and stock already sitting in a destination warehouse.
Customs, packing and contract terms
Indicative terms for ylang-ylang. Tariff classification is the importer’s responsibility and limits change, so confirm both against the destination customs authority and the current regulation before you fix a contract.
- HS heading3301.29 Essential oils, other, including ylang ylang oil
- PackingEpoxy lined steel drums of 180 kg to 190 kg, aluminium drums or bottles for reactive oils, IBCs for volume grades. Full headspace nitrogen blanket, out of direct sun, away from heat.
- Container loading20ft: 80 drums at roughly 14 t to 15 t. Segregation applies where the oil is classified flammable.
- Contract and arbitrationSale on specification and retained sample with a GC-MS profile and an IFRA conformity certificate. EFEO and IFEAT trade customs. Arbitration under ICC rules or at the contract seat.
- Destination limitsIFRA Standards for restricted materials, EU REACH registration above one tonne per year, CLP classification and labelling given that most oils are flammable and many are sensitisers, allergen declaration under the Cosmetic Products Regulation 1223/2009, CITES for sandalwood, agarwood and rosewood oils, and IMDG class 3 shipping for flammable oils.
Common questions
What grades of ylang-ylang does SIP Global trade?
We quote 57 published grades of ylang-ylang, including Cananga odorata forma genuina - Fresh flowers, steam or water distilled, Cananga odorata forma macrophylla, cananga oil - Fresh flowers, distilled, Extra superior and extra - First fraction, taken off in the opening hours of the run, First - Second fraction, Second - Third fraction and Third - Fourth fraction. Every grade is tied to a delivery point and a settlement route. Grades outside the published list are priced on request.
How is ylang-ylang graded?
Ylang is traded on the distillation fraction. The cuts are taken by elapsed time and by density during one continuous run, and which cut you have bought is the first term of the contract. Grading runs on 6 systems: Botanical source and extraction route, Physicochemical identity, Chromatographic profile, Authenticity and adulteration, Contaminants, safety and regulatory and Certification, documentation and packing.
Where does SIP Global trade ylang-ylang?
We trade ylang-ylang in Comoros, Madagascar, Indonesia, Philippines, Mayotte, Reunion, Vietnam and Thailand and 28 further markets. Origins and destinations outside this list trade on request. We are not limited to the locations shown.
When is ylang-ylang harvested and when does it arrive?
Typical windows are Comoros: harvest jan to dec, arrival jan to dec; Madagascar: harvest jan to dec, arrival jan to dec; Indonesia: harvest jan to dec, arrival jan to dec; Philippines: harvest mar to oct, arrival may to dec; Mayotte: harvest oct to apr, arrival dec to jun. Harvest is when the lot is taken at origin, arrival is when a shipment from that origin lands in a consuming market. Windows outside this pattern, including carry, trade on request.
What is the HS code for ylang-ylang?
Ylang-ylang is normally classified under HS 3301.29 (essential oils, other, including ylang ylang oil). The heading follows the form the goods are in at the border, and national tariffs extend it beyond six digits, so confirm the full line with the destination customs authority before you fix a contract.
How do I get a price for ylang-ylang?
Send the grade, the origin and the delivery window to the SIP Global desk. That is enough for a trader to come back with a level and a settlement route. 1 listed ylang-ylang market is published on this page, each with its full specification and terms. We take both sides, physical and financial, prompt to long dated.
Standards and data sources
The grading language on this sheet follows published standards. Trade volumes and tariff lines are public record. Verify anything here against the source.
- ISOInternational Organization for Standardization
- UN ComtradeOfficial international trade statistics by HS code
- ITC Trade MapBilateral trade flows and tariff data
- FAOSTATFAO production and trade series for agricultural commodities
Price this with our desk
Grade, origin and window if you have them. If what you are carrying does not fit the sheet above, describe it in your own words and a trader will take it from there.