The appropriate storage and preparation of tobacco samples is one of the most important factors regarding the achievement of representative and reproducible test results. A laboratory can only produce high quality results if the integrity of samples is maintained.

In 2018, the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Analytes Sub-Group (TTPA SG) decided to carry out a collaborative long-term stability study of the substances listed in CORESTA Guide No. 11, “Technical Guideline for Sample Handling of Smokeless Tobacco and Smokeless Tobacco Products”, in order to add the scientific data to support the storage condition claims.

This Technical Report includes tabulated data for different compounds in smoke-free tobacco samples stored in the refrigerator and at room temperature during a period of twelve weeks. Based on these data, an interpretation of the influence of storage on compound stability was given, and the Guide No. 11 updated accordingly.