Understanding Botanical Ingredient Specifications

A specification is the shared reference that lets a buyer and supplier agree on what is being bought. For botanical ingredients it usually combines identity, physical characteristics and, where required, test parameters.

Typical elements of a specification

• Identity: the common name, the botanical name where verified, and the plant part.
• Form: whole, cut, sliced or powder, with mesh size for powders.
• Physical parameters: appearance, colour, odour, and limits on foreign matter, where you require them.
• Test parameters: for example moisture or other tests your regulatory or quality team requires.
• Packaging and labelling: pack type, pack size and any labelling needs.
• Documentation: which documents must accompany each batch.

Write what you need, not everything possible

A specification that lists many tests without a clear purpose can increase cost and lead time. Focus on the parameters that matter for your product and your market's requirements.

Batch-specific versus general information

General product information describes what is normally supplied. Batch-specific results describe the particular lot you receive. When a parameter is critical to you, ask for batch-specific documentation and, where appropriate, independent testing.

Share it at the enquiry stage

Including your specification with the first enquiry helps the supplier say early whether they can meet it, which avoids surprises after the quotation.