COA
Certificate of analysis
From the laboratory
Lot-specific results against the buyer's specification.
Certificate of analysis
Certificate of analysis (COA) for export shipments
We test your export lot against your buyer's specification and issue an accredited certificate of analysis showing each result, its method and its limit, ready for your shipping documents.
COA for export
What is a certificate of analysis?
A certificate of analysis (COA) is a document issued by a laboratory that states the test results for a specific batch or lot, the methods used and how the results compare with the required specification.
Buyers, importers and border authorities use the COA to decide whether a lot meets the contract and the importing country's rules. A COA from an accredited laboratory carries more weight than one prepared by the seller.
Accurate Universal Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. issues COAs based on testing in our NABL accredited laboratory, covering residues, mycotoxins, heavy metals, microbiology and quality parameters as your buyer requires.
Shipping a COA soon?
Test before the container is sealed, not after a rejection at the port.
Why a COA matters
Proof that your lot meets the contract
A clear, accredited COA answers the buyer's questions before they are asked, speeds up payment and reduces the risk of claims after delivery.
Testing parameters
What a COA contains
A good COA gives the buyer everything needed to judge the lot.
- 1lot per certificate
- NABLaccredited testing
- Buyerspecification
| Section | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Sample and lot details | Links the results to the right shipment |
| Parameters tested | Shows the full specification was checked |
| Test methods | Shows results are scientifically sound |
| Results and units | The actual evidence for the buyer |
| Specification limits | Shows whether the lot complies |
| Authorisation | Makes the certificate verifiable |
Get a quote for a COA testing
Share the product, lot size and destination. We'll confirm the tests and send an itemised quotation.
COA, test report and certificates
Which document does your shipment need?
Exporters often need more than one document. This is how they differ.
TR
Test report
From the laboratory
The full laboratory report of the tests performed on a sample. A COA is often based on it.
HC
Health certificate
From the export authority
Issued by EIC or another authority for food exports to markets that require it, supported by laboratory results.
PC
Phytosanitary certificate
From plant quarantine
Confirms freedom from plant pests, issued by the plant quarantine authority, not by a laboratory.
How it works
From specification to COA in five steps
- Step 1
Share the specification
Send the buyer's specification, product and destination.
- Step 2
Sample the lot
Send a sample or ask our team to draw it from the lot.
- Step 3
Laboratory testing
Each parameter tested in our accredited laboratory.
- Step 4
COA issued
Results, methods and limits in a signed certificate.
- Step 5
Support
We help with any results outside the specification.
Industries we serve
Who needs a COA
COAs are requested across food, agri and ingredient exports.
- Merchant exporters
- Spice exporters
- Groundnut exporters
- Rice exporters
- Ingredient manufacturers
- Processed food exporters
- Importers & buyers
- Trading houses
Not sure what your buyer needs?
Send us the buyer's specification or destination and we'll build the test plan.
FAQs
Certificate of Analysis (COA): common questions
What is a certificate of analysis (COA)?
A COA is a laboratory document stating the test results for a specific batch or lot, the methods used and how the results compare with the required specification.
Who can issue a COA?
Manufacturers sometimes issue their own COAs, but for export, buyers usually prefer a COA from an independent laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and recognised by export bodies.
Is a COA the same as a test report?
Not exactly. A test report records all the tests performed on a sample. A COA summarises the results for a specific lot against the buyer's specification, and is usually based on the test report.
What is the difference between a phytosanitary certificate and a health certificate?
A phytosanitary certificate confirms freedom from plant pests and is issued by plant quarantine. A health certificate covers food safety and is issued by an export authority such as EIC. Laboratory results can support a health certificate.
How much does a COA cost?
The cost depends on the tests in your buyer's specification. Share the specification and we will send an itemised quotation.
Is Accurate Universal Laboratories accredited for this testing?
Yes. Our Ahmedabad laboratory is accredited by NABL to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (certificate TC-5021) and our Rajkot laboratory under certificate TC-7988. The tests and products covered are listed in our scope of accreditation, and we confirm whether your parameters are within scope before testing.
Still have a question about a COA testing?
Talk to our export testing team about limits, sampling or a failed result.
Related services
Tests that often go on a COA
Get a quotation
Need a certificate of analysis?
Send us the buyer's specification, product and destination. We'll reply with the tests, turnaround time and an itemised quotation.
- Call us+91 90330 44571
- WhatsAppChat with our team
- Emailinfo@accurateuniversal.com
- Based on NABL accredited testing
- Matched to your buyer's specification
- Sampling available
Standards and regulatory references
- EIC – Export Inspection Council of India
- APEDA – Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- ISO/IEC 17025 – testing and calibration laboratories
Standards and limits change; we confirm the current requirements for your product and market at the time of testing.