How to Read a Kratom COA (Certificate of Analysis)

What Is a COA?

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a laboratory report that documents the testing results for a specific production lot of kratom. Every legitimate COA is tied to a unique lot number that should match the label on the finished product. This is the document that tells you what is actually in the kratom you are holding.

The COA is the single most important quality document in the kratom industry. In the absence of FDA regulation, it is the primary mechanism for verifying product safety, purity, and alkaloid content. Learning to read a COA takes five minutes and pays dividends in product confidence.

Section 1: Header & Sample Information

The top of a COA identifies the testing lab, the product tested, and the batch information. Check for:

Lab name and accreditation: The lab should be named, with contact information and accreditation credentials (ISO/IEC 17025). Verify the accreditation through bodies like ANAB or A2LA.

Sample description: Product name, form (powder, capsule, extract), and the vendor who submitted the sample.

Lot/batch number: This must match the number on your product packaging. If the numbers do not match, the COA does not apply to your product.

Date of testing: Recent tests are more relevant. COAs older than 12 months may not reflect the current state of the product.

Section 2: Alkaloid Panel

This section reports the concentrations of kratom's key alkaloids. The two most commonly reported are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Results are typically reported as a percentage of total weight or in mg/g.

For standard kratom leaf powder, typical ranges are: mitragynine 1.0–2.0% (10–20 mg/g) and 7-OH 0.01–0.04% (0.1–0.4 mg/g). Results significantly outside these ranges merit investigation — very high mitragynine may indicate an enhanced product, while unusually high 7-OH in a product labeled as plain leaf suggests possible adulteration or enhancement.

Section 3: Heavy Metals Panel

Since kratom is an agricultural product grown in soil, heavy metals screening is essential. This panel tests for four primary heavy metals using ICP-MS: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). Results are reported in ppm (parts per million) or mg/kg. Ideally, all results show ND (Not Detected) or values well below established safety limits.

Section 4: Microbial Panel

This section screens for microbial contamination that could indicate improper handling, storage, or processing. Key tests include total plate count (TPC), yeast and mold, coliforms, and E. coli. Results are in CFU/g (colony-forming units per gram). E. coli should ideally be not detected or below 100 CFU/g.

Section 5: Pathogen Screen

Tests for dangerous pathogens, primarily Salmonella. The result should be Absent or Not Detected in 25g of sample. Salmonella contamination in kratom products has triggered FDA recalls in the past, making this panel critically important.

Common Abbreviations on a COA

What a Bad COA Looks Like