Supplier Information

This information is generally found in top section of a Certificate of Analysis and it contains identification information about the material supplier. Most often, the content will have embedded graphics, such as the company logo, along with addresses and other pertinent contact information. This data may be different for products shipped from a common source if, for instance, the manufacturer supports multiple brands or acts as a contract manufacturer for others.

Materials Information

This information is generally found in top section of a Certificate of Analysis and it contains identification information about the material supplier. Most often, the content will have embedded graphics, such as the company logo, along with addresses and other pertinent contact information. This data may be different for products shipped from a common source if, for instance, the manufacturer supports multiple brands or acts as a contract manufacturer for others.

Transportation Information

Typically, transportation-related content is also provided when creating a Certificate of Analysis in a make-to-order industry. This content may include the Ship To customer name and address, original purchase order, the bill of lading number or other details such as destination, trailer or rail car number. This content in the Certificate of Analysis is generally provided to meet shipping requirements and to aid the receiver in confirming the material is authorized and expected. With this information, the receiver can track the shipment in their records and confirm chain of custody. This area of content may be omitted in circumstances where the same lot of materials is shipped to multiple customers for products produced on a make-to-stock basis.

Conformance Information

The primary value of creating a Certificate of Analysis is in the evidence data presented in the body of the document. The specific characteristics, test results or other evidence cited is often defined by industry standards, regulatory requirements or customer-specific request. The same evidence might not be cited on each document and both the content and layout of the data may vary depending on your customer’s specifications. Typically, an identifier of the test or standard is provided and a result indicating that monitoring processes occurred is presented. In some cases, the performance standards (specifications) expected will also be shown for reference. It is expected that source records can be provided to substantiate evidence cited on the COA.

Signature Information

This last section of the COA may include a specific signature and title or boilerplate language indicating that the evidence presented was reviewed by a person authorized to complete such a review. There may also be additional boilerplate content identifying any special circumstances or properties of either the material or the evidence-gathering process. While we list it last in our explanation, there is no requirement that this content be located in the bottom of the COA.