Documentation is the foundation of trust in botanical extract sourcing. Understanding the difference between a COA, an MSDS, and a third-party test report — and knowing when you need each — will help you make smarter procurement decisions.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A COA is a document issued by the manufacturer or supplier that confirms that a specific batch of product meets its published specifications. For botanical extracts, a complete COA typically includes:

• Assay results: HPLC or UV measurement of the active constituent(s), compared to the agreed specification range
• Physical parameters: Appearance, color, odor, particle size
• Chemical parameters: Moisture content, ash, heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg)
• Microbiological results: Total plate count, yeast & mold, E. coli, Salmonella
• Batch number and manufacturing date: Essential for traceability

Always request the COA for your specific shipment, not just a sample COA. Batch-to-batch variation is normal in natural products — the COA for your actual order is what matters for compliance.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

The MSDS (also called SDS — Safety Data Sheet) is a standardized document describing the hazardous properties, handling requirements, first aid measures, and storage conditions of a chemical substance. While most botanical extracts are non-hazardous, an MSDS is still required for:

• Customs clearance in most countries
• Shipping documentation (especially air freight)
• Workplace safety compliance in manufacturing facilities

Ensure your supplier provides an English-language MSDS that complies with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) format.

Third-Party Testing (SGS, Eurofins, Intertek)

Third-party test reports add an independent layer of verification beyond the supplier's internal COA. They are particularly valuable for:

• EU market entry (REACH compliance, novel food applications)
• US FDA compliance for dietary supplements
• Cosmetic ingredient documentation in the EU (CIR review support)
• Resolving disputes about batch quality

Third-party testing typically adds 5-10 business days to your lead time and costs $200-800 depending on the test panel. Common panels include:

• Full heavy metal panel: Pb, As, Cd, Hg, plus uranium and thallium for EU compliance
• Pesticide screen: 500+ pesticide residues for organic/natural claims
• Microbiological full panel: Total plate count, salmonella, E. coli, listeria, staphylococcus
• Solvent residue: For products extracted with organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, etc.)

Working with Nourish Ingredients

We provide COA per batch, English MSDS for all products, and can arrange SGS, Eurofins, or Intertek testing on request. Contact us to discuss your documentation requirements.