Certificate of analysis (COA)
A document in which the producer or an independent laboratory reports the test results for a specific lot together with the specification limits. It shows the product name, lot number, production date, test method (e.g. ASTM, ISO), measured value and acceptance range. A TDS gives a product’s typical properties; a COA gives the actual values of the lot delivered. Under a letter of credit the COA must be issued by the party and with the content the credit requires.
Related terms
Technical data sheet (TDS)
A product description sheet showing typical physical and chemical properties, test methods, applications, processing conditions and storage advice. For a plastic resin it lists MFI, density, tensile strength, impact strength and recommended melt temperature. Because the values are “typical” they are not guaranteed; binding values should be written into the contract as a specification and confirmed for each lot by a COA.
Safety data sheet (SDS / MSDS)
A document setting out, in 16 standard sections following the GHS, a chemical’s hazards and information on safe handling, storage, transport, personal protective equipment, first aid, firefighting, accidental release and disposal. It is mandatory for hazardous substances under REACH in the EU and similar laws elsewhere, and must be supplied in the recipient’s language. Carriers and customs rely on section 14 for dangerous-goods classification and the UN number.
Batch and lot number
A unique code identifying a quantity of product made under the same conditions, from the same raw materials and in the same time window. It appears on packages, the COA and the packing list, and lets you trace which goods are affected by a complaint or recall. Lot-level traceability is a legal requirement in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and feed; buyers of plastics and metals may also ask for single-lot shipments for consistent quality.
Umpire analysis
Analysis of the retained sealed sample by an independent laboratory agreed in advance, used when the seller’s and buyer’s results differ by more than the splitting limit set in the contract. It is common in ore and concentrate trade; the umpire result is usually binding, or is averaged with whichever party’s result is closer. The cost is normally borne by the party whose result is further from the umpire’s.