Introduction

In the competitive world of food exports, trust, transparency, and safety are the pillars of long-term success. That’s where the Certificate of Analysis (COA) becomes a powerful tool for both buyers and exporters. Whether you’re dealing with edible oils, A2 ghee, pickles, or dry fruits, a COA ensures that the product you’re purchasing meets global safety and quality standards.

Let’s break down what a COA is, why it matters, and why buyers especially in B2B food trade should always demand one.

What Is a COA (Certificate of Analysis)?

A COA is an official document issued by an accredited laboratory that outlines the chemical, microbiological, and physical composition of a food product.

It typically includes:

  • Nutritional values

  • Microbial load (yeast, mold, E. coli)

  • Presence/absence of heavy metals or toxins

  • Adulteration checks

  • Shelf life indicators

Why Is COA Important for Food Buyers?

Buyers especially international ones face several risks:

  • Inconsistent product quality

  • Hidden preservatives or banned chemicals

  • Regulatory rejection at customs

  • Consumer health issues

A COA gives objective proof that the food product is:

  • Safe to consume

  • Meets export standards

  • Free from contamination

  • Labeled truthfully

For exporters like Manjulam Impex, it’s a trust badge. For buyers, it’s a non-negotiable document before bulk orders.

What Products Should Have a COA?

Virtually every edible product should be backed by a COA before export, such as:

  • A2 Desi Bilona Ghee

  • Wood-pressed Mustard or Groundnut Oils

  • Dry fruits (cashews, almonds, raisins)

  • Pickles, chutneys, and spice mixes

  • Rice and flours

Especially when exporting to markets like the EU, USA, Canada, and GCC, COAs help products clear customs and avoid delays or penalties.

What Should Buyers Look for in a COA?

Always check that:

  • The lab is NABL-accredited or government-recognized

  • The batch number on the COA matches the product received

  • The values meet the limits set by FSSAI, EU, or USFDA

  • There are no red flags in microbial or toxin parameters

  • It is recent and product-specific (not generic)

At Manjulam Impex, we provide batch-wise COAs for all export consignments. Each COA is traceable and comes from certified labs.

COA vs. Other Documents – Know the Difference

Don’t confuse a COA with:

  • MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) – for chemicals, not foods

  • Health Certificate – issued by quarantine/customs, not a lab

  • Product Specification Sheet – contains ideal values, not test results

Only a COA confirms the real-time condition of your food product batch.

Conclusion

For global buyers, especially in retail, HoReCa, or wellness segments, product integrity is critical. A Certificate of Analysis is not just paperwork it’s your shield against risk, your evidence of quality, and your gateway to regulatory compliance.

At Manjulam Impex, we follow rigorous quality control practices and provide COAs for all our shipments from ghee to oils to dry foods. This is how we ensure repeat buyers, smooth customs clearance, and brand trust across continents.