Every bulk botanical order needs three documents: a certificate of analysis that proves what the product is, a phytosanitary certificate that clears it through customs, and a certificate of origin that proves where it came from. This guide explains what each document does, who issues it, and why missing paperwork becomes the buyer’s problem at the border.
Last updated: 2026.
The three documents at a glance
The certificate of analysis covers quality, the phytosanitary certificate covers plant health, and the certificate of origin covers provenance. Together they answer the three questions every customs officer, QA team, and end-customer eventually asks: what is it, is it safe to import, and where is it from?
| Document | What it proves | Who issues it |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Identity and quality of the batch | An analytical laboratory |
| Phytosanitary certificate | The plant product meets plant-health rules | The exporting country’s plant-protection authority |
| Certificate of origin | The country and region of origin | The exporter, often chamber-certified |
Certificate of analysis (COA)
A certificate of analysis confirms the identity and quality of a specific batch, typically covering microbiology, heavy metals, and pesticide residue, with thresholds set for food grade or cosmetic grade. The key word is “specific.” A COA tied to your lot is meaningful; a generic specimen is not. Ask when the COA is issued and whether you can pre-clear it before shipment. See what we test and the timing on our certificate of analysis process page.
Phytosanitary certificate
A phytosanitary certificate is the export document that certifies a plant product meets the importing country’s plant-health requirements. It is issued by the exporting country’s plant-protection authority, on every shipment. For our exports, it is issued by DPV Bénin on departure from Cotonou. Without it, plant-product shipments can be held or refused at the border. We explain the document on our phytosanitary certificate page.
Certificate of origin
A certificate of origin documents the country and region a product comes from, and it is the backbone of any authenticity claim. For single-origin botanicals, this is also a commercial asset, because it lets you prove the provenance your brand is selling. A credible supplier names the country, the region, and the cooperative, not just the continent.
Beyond the three: import documentation by market
Different destinations add their own import requirements on top of the three core documents. Plan for these before your shipment leaves origin, because the paperwork is destination-specific.
| Market | Additional requirement |
|---|---|
| United States | FDA Prior Notice |
| United Kingdom | GB IMP |
| European Union | TRACES |
| United Arab Emirates | ESMA |
| Canada | CFIA |
Our import documentation by market guide maps these in detail.
What happens when a document is missing
When a document is missing, the risk does not disappear, it transfers to the buyer. A missing phytosanitary certificate can mean a held or refused shipment. A missing or generic COA can mean a failed QA acceptance or a compliance gap on your label. A missing certificate of origin undermines the provenance claim your brand is built on. The cost of incomplete paperwork is almost always higher than the cost of demanding it up front.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a COA and a phytosanitary certificate?
A certificate of analysis proves the quality and identity of the batch through lab testing, while a phytosanitary certificate proves the plant product meets plant-health rules for export and import. You need both, because they answer different questions.
Who issues a phytosanitary certificate?
The exporting country’s plant-protection authority issues it, on every shipment. For our exports it is issued by DPV Bénin on departure from Cotonou.
Do I need extra documents for the US or EU?
Yes. On top of the three core documents, the US requires FDA Prior Notice, the EU uses TRACES, the UK uses GB IMP, the UAE uses ESMA, and Canada uses CFIA. Plan for the destination’s requirement before shipment.
The paperwork is not bureaucracy, it is the proof your brand runs on. Insist on all three documents on every shipment, plan for your market’s extra requirements, and your supply chain becomes auditable instead of assumed. See the full documentation set on our compliance and documentation page.