Verify identity before reading the numbers
Check supplier name, product name, code, grade, batch number, manufacture or test date and approval status. The COA should correspond to the material being sampled or shipped.
Review results against the controlling specification
Look for missing tests, results reported only as typical values, units that differ from the specification, and methods that do not match the intended analyte. Botanical ingredients may also require risk-based review of microbiology, heavy metals, pesticides or residual solvents.
Buyer and formulator checklist
- Supplier and product identity
- Batch number and date
- Specification version
- Test item, result, unit and limit
- Analytical method
- Approval or signature status
- Relevant contaminant controls