Short answer: Expect a COA per lot, TDS, SDS, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and bill of lading. The COA lot number must match the markings on the packaging.
Document checklist
| Document | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Analysis (COA) | Confirms the lot meets the agreed specification; one per production lot |
| Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | The specification you bought to, with typical values and test methods |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | 16-section GHS/CLP document in the destination language, required for transport and workplace handling |
| Commercial invoice | Product, grade, HS code, Incoterm, price — used for customs valuation |
| Packing list | Number of bags or drums, net and gross weights, lot numbers, pallet count |
| Certificate of origin | Needed to claim preferential duty under a free trade agreement |
| Bill of lading | Transport contract and title document |
Common problems worth preventing
- Lot numbers on the COA that do not match the bag markings.
- An SDS in the wrong language or not in the local GHS format.
- A missing certificate of origin when preferential duty was expected.
More detail: how to read a COA and importing bulk surfactants.