In late 2021, the CORESTA Tobacco and Tobacco Products Analytes Sub-Group (TTPA) initiated an interlaboratory study for the determination of nitrate and nitrite in tobacco and tobacco products by Ion Chromatography (IC). This study included a variety of samples including ground tobacco, cigarette filler, cigar filler and four styles of smokeless tobacco. The intent of this study was to draft a technical report to include repeatability (r) and reproducibility (R) values, z-scores, and a CRM if supported by the study results.

The study demonstrated that the method was suitable for the determination of nitrate in tobacco and tobacco products, resulting in the publication of the CORESTA Recommended Method No. 103.

However, the results for nitrite were inconsistent and suggested either the laboratories needed further practice implementing the method or the method needed additional development for use as an international consensus standardized method.