This is a document signed by a competent analyst that includes the product name, list of ingredients, product batch number, the analysis, the method used, results, conclusion of the analysis ( satisfactory or unsatisfactory), the name and position of the analyst and the date of issuance of the document. Generally, this certificate is provided by the laboratories by giving them the lot number.
A signed COA is a regulatory document and it may be used as a judicial proof. It shall provide complete information relating to quality and performance of products.
For the issue of a certificate of analysis you can usefully refer to the requirements of paragraph 5.10 of the EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard. The most important requirements are shown below:
a title (e.g. "Test Report" );
the name and address of the laboratory, and the location where the tests were carried out, if different from the address of the laboratory;
the name and address of the customer;
identification of the method used;
a description of, the condition of, and unambiguous identification of the item(s) tested;
the date of receipt of the test item(s) where this is critical to the validity and application of the results, and the date(s) of performance of the test;
reference to the sampling plan and procedures used by the laboratory or other bodies where these are relevant to the validity or application of the results;
the test results with, where appropriate, the units of measurement;
where applicable, a statement on the estimated uncertainty of measurement;
where relevant, a statement of compliance/non-compliance with requirements and/or specifications;
where appropriate and needed, opinions and interpretations.
the name(s), function(s) and signature(s) or equivalent identification of person(s) authorizing the test report certificate;