got asked this enough times that im just writing it down. when a seller sends you a "third party CoA", dont just nod at the pdf. go field by field:
- named lab. an actual lab with a name and address, not "independent laboratory"
- accreditation + scope. ISO 17025 is nice but check the *scope* covers what theyre testing for, not just "they have a cert for something"
- sample/batch ID that matches the lot printed on YOUR jar
- the method used
- the values WITH a limit of detection. "not detected" means nothing without an LOD
- dates. when was it collected, when tested
any one of those missing isnt automatically a scam but it is a question you get to ask. a blank where a field should be is information.
ok saving this. genuinely didnt know "not detected" was meaningless on its own, thought that was the good result lol
@Jayzz not detected just means below the line they could see down to. if that line is high its hiding a lot. no LOD = no answer
the batch ID match is the one people skip. ive seen jars with a lot number stamped on the lid and a CoA for a totally different lot. nobody checks bc the doc *looks* official
small correction worth making: "ISO 17025 accredited lab" and "this test is within their accredited scope" are not the same statement. labs can be accredited for some methods and run others off-scope. ask for the scope document, or at least the accreditation body and cert number so it can be verified.