Free certificate of analysis template (CoA)
A certificate of analysis (CoA) reports the results of the tests carried out on a specific batch or lot against the agreed specification, and is signed by the laboratory or the manufacturer's quality control. Buyers of food, chemicals, cosmetics and raw materials may ask for one with each shipment. Enter only results from tests that were actually performed.
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What the template covers
- Issuer (laboratory or manufacturer) and the customer
- Product name and code, batch or lot number and quantity
- Manufacturing date, expiry or retest date, sampling and test dates
- Each test parameter with its method and unit
- Specification limits (minimum and maximum) and the result
- PASS or FAIL worked out by formula for numeric limits
- Conclusion that the batch conforms or does not conform to the specification
- Names and signatures of the analyst and the approver, with the CoA number and date
Sources
Guides on this topic
What a certificate of analysis shows
A CoA belongs to one batch or lot. For each test it gives the parameter, the method used, the unit, the specification limit and the result found, followed by a conclusion that the batch conforms or not. It is dated and signed by the person who approves the results, usually in the laboratory or the quality control department.
Certificate of analysis under a letter of credit
When a credit calls for a certificate of analysis, it should show that an analysis was actually carried out, be issued by the party the credit names, if it names one, and be signed. Its data, such as the goods description, batch and shipping marks, must not conflict with the invoice and the other documents (UCP 600 article 14(d)). If the buyer needs an independent laboratory, a CoA from the manufacturer will not do.
Real results and accredited laboratories
Enter only results from tests carried out on the batch, and keep the laboratory records. Where a buyer or an importing authority asks for an accredited laboratory, use one accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, for the tests concerned.
Common questions
What is a certificate of analysis?
A document that reports the test results of a specific batch or lot against its specification, with the methods used, signed by the laboratory or the manufacturer's quality control.
Who issues a CoA?
The manufacturer's quality control laboratory, or an independent laboratory when the buyer, the letter of credit or the importing country requires one. The issuer dates and signs it.
What is the difference between a CoA and a certificate of quality?
A CoA reports measured test results for a batch. A certificate of quality is a statement that the goods meet the agreed specification, often issued by the exporter; buyers sometimes ask for both.
Can the template work out pass or fail?
Yes, for numeric limits: enter the minimum, the maximum or both, and the result, and the sheet shows PASS or FAIL. For text specifications such as appearance, type the result and the conclusion yourself.
Is a CoA required for export?
It depends on the product, the buyer and the destination. Contracts and letters of credit may call for one; check the buyer's requirements and the import rules for the product.
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