How to Read a Coconut Product Specification Sheet
By Hilmi, Content Researcher · Reviewed by Many Hands Origins editorial team · Last updated: 21 October 2026
Short answer: Read every line of a coconut specification sheet through five questions: what is the value, the unit, the test method, the basis (as received or dry) and is it a limit or a typical value? Then look for what is missing: aflatoxin for copra, potassium for coco peat, a named standard for charcoal.
This guide is for buyers who receive a supplier's specification sheet and must decide whether it can be trusted. A spec sheet is a promise, not proof: it shows what a supplier says it can deliver. The skill is spotting vague wording, missing parameters and numbers that contradict each other. The guide uses the benchmarks from the research behind this series for copra, coco peat and coconut shell charcoal briquettes. Those benchmarks are market conventions, not legal limits.
Key takeaways
- A spec sheet is a claim; a COA is a measurement; the contract is the binding promise. Never treat the first as the second.
- Use the 5-Question Read on every line: value, unit, method, basis, limit type.
- "Typical" is not a guarantee. Look for max or min limits you can enforce.
- Missing parameters are red flags. Copra without aflatoxin or moisture, coco peat without potassium, and charcoal without a named test method are all incomplete.
- Check the numbers against each other. A "buffered" coco peat with potassium near 400 ppm contradicts itself, and proximate-analysis figures that add to more than 100% cannot be on the same basis.
What is a specification sheet, and what is it not?
A specification sheet lists the parameters a supplier says a product will meet. It is not a Certificate of Analysis (a laboratory measurement of one batch) and it is not a contract (a binding agreement). Use the sheet to compare suppliers, the COA to verify a lot, and the contract to make the numbers enforceable.
| Document | What it is | Who produces it | Binding? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specification sheet | What the supplier says the product will meet | Supplier | No, unless the contract adopts it |
| COA / ROA | Measured results for one batch | Accredited third-party lab | Evidence, not a promise |
| Sales contract | Agreed obligations, specification and remedies | Buyer and seller | Yes |
What does a typical specification sheet contain?
A complete sheet covers identification, physical properties, chemical properties, safety or contamination limits, packaging, storage, shipping classification and revision details. A sheet that omits whole categories, especially safety limits and test methods, should be treated as incomplete. Check each block in turn.
| Block | What should appear | If missing |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | Product name, grade, origin, HS Code, revision date | Cannot tie the sheet to a product or a version |
| Physical | Moisture, particle or briquette size, appearance, odour | Cannot judge handling and storage |
| Chemical | Product-specific parameters (see tables below) | Cannot judge fitness for use |
| Safety / contamination | Aflatoxin and mold for copra; dangerous-goods class for charcoal | Regulatory and safety exposure |
| Packaging | Bag or carton type, weight, pallet and container loading | Weight and loading disputes |
| Storage and shelf life | Conditions and duration | Quality loss in storage |
| Shipping classification | For charcoal: UN 1361, Class 4.2, Packing Group III, CAS 68647-86-9 | Misdeclaration risk |
| Test methods | Named standard for each parameter | Numbers cannot be verified |
What is the 5-Question Read?
Ask five questions of every line on the sheet: What value? What unit? What test method? What basis? What type of limit? A line that answers all five is verifiable; a line that answers fewer is marketing. The 5-Question Read takes seconds per line and catches most vague sheets.
| Question | Why it matters | Example of a weak line | Example of a strong line |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Value | The number itself | "Low moisture" | "Moisture ≤ 7%" |
| 2. Unit | Same number, different meaning | "EC 0.5" | "EC 0.5 mS/cm" |
| 3. Test method | Different methods give different results | "Ash 2%" | "Ash ≤ 2.5% (ASTM D3174)" |
| 4. Basis | As received vs dry vs extraction ratio | "Moisture 5%" | "Moisture 5% as received" |
| 5. Limit type | Max/min is enforceable; typical is not | "Fixed carbon 75% typical" | "Fixed carbon ≥ 75%" |
Two bases to watch closely:
- EC extraction method. The SME method reads roughly twice the 1:1.5 volume method for the same coco peat. "EC 0.5" with no method is unusable.
- Moisture basis. Moisture quoted on an as-received basis differs from the dry basis; make the sheet state which one.
How do you read a copra specification?
Copra is judged on moisture first, because above 7% Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus can grow and produce aflatoxins, which survive oil extraction. A good sheet gives a moisture limit, an aflatoxin result or limit, appearance and odour criteria and the drying method. Missing moisture or aflatoxin data is the biggest red flag.
| Parameter | Benchmark | What it means | Red flag on the sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture | Stable at 6–7%; reject or re-dry above 7% | Above 7% supports mold growth | No limit, or "typical" only |
| Aflatoxin | Lab test; regulated markets (EU, US) test for it | Heat-stable toxin; detection can mean seizure and destruction | Not mentioned |
| Colour / grade | White copra for premium use | Linked to drying method | "Premium" with no criteria |
| Odour | No rancid or acrid smoky smell | Rancid = deterioration; smoky = direct smoke drying | Not mentioned |
| Drying method | Indirect hot-air or solar hybrid gives cleaner copra | Direct smoke/kiln drying brings PAHs and dark, charred product | "Sun-dried" without weather or mold controls |
| Mold / insects | None visible | Storage and drying quality | Not mentioned |
| FFA (for crude coconut oil) | Free Fatty Acid reported | Oil quality indicator | Quoted without method |
How do you read a coco peat specification?
Coco peat is judged on EC, pH and, above all, potassium. Low EC shows washing; only low potassium with high calcium shows buffering. A good sheet states whether the peat is washed or buffered, gives EC with its extraction method, pH and potassium in ppm. A "buffered" claim with no potassium figure cannot be checked.
| Parameter | Benchmark | What it means | Red flag on the sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC | Premium buffered < 0.5 mS/cm; standard washed < 1.0 mS/cm | Salt level in the extract | No extraction method; no unit |
| pH | 5.5–6.5 | Nutrient availability | Missing, or outside range |
| Potassium | Buffered < 150 ppm with high calcium; unbuffered about 200–600 ppm | The proof test for buffering | Not reported; or "buffered" with K around 400 ppm |
| Sodium / calcium | Reported | Raw coir holds Na and K; buffering with calcium nitrate displaces them | Calcium not reported on a buffered claim |
| CEC | Raw coir about 40–100 meq/100 g | Capacity to bind ions | Not mentioned (acceptable if the sheet covers buffering evidence) |
| Washed vs buffered | Stated in writing | Washing removes loose salts only; buffering displaces bound Na and K | Vague word such as "treated" |
How do you read a charcoal briquette specification?
Charcoal is judged on proximate analysis (ash, fixed carbon, volatile matter, moisture), calorific value and physical strength, plus dangerous-goods information. A good sheet gives each figure with a named method and states UN 1361, Class 4.2, Packing Group III and the correct CAS number. Missing methods or missing dangerous-goods data both signal an unprepared exporter.
| Parameter | Premium benchmark (market convention) | Commonly cited method | Red flag on the sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash | < 2.5% | ASTM D3174 | "Low ash" with no number |
| Fixed carbon | > 75% | ASTM D3172 | Typical only; below 75% |
| Volatile matter | < 15% | ASTM D3175 | Missing; very high |
| Moisture | < 5–6% | ASTM D3173 | "Max 8%" or higher |
| Calorific value | 7,000–7,500 kcal/kg | ASTM E711 | No unit; "approx." only |
| Drop test weight loss (1–1.5 m) | < 5% | ASTM D440 / D441 | Not reported |
| Binder | Food-grade, typically cassava starch, < 5% | n/a | Binder not named |
| Classification | UN 1361, Class 4.2, PG III; CAS 68647-86-9 | IMDG Code | Missing; or CAS 7440-44-0 (activated carbon) |
How do you cross-check the numbers?
Check that figures are consistent with each other, with the product claim and with the method. Contradictions show that the sheet is copied, careless or wrong. Three cross-checks catch most problems: the buffering check, the EC-method check and the proximate-analysis sum.
- Buffering check. "Buffered" plus potassium above 150 ppm means the claim is unproven. Potassium near 400 ppm is in the unbuffered range.
- EC-method check. Do not compare an EC from one method with an EC from another. SME is roughly double the 1:1.5 result.
- Proximate-analysis sum. Moisture + ash + volatile matter + fixed carbon should add to about 100% on one basis (fixed carbon is commonly calculated by difference). If the figures add to noticeably more or less than 100%, they are mixed bases or copied numbers .
Worked example (hypothetical numbers):
| Parameter | Sheet A | Sheet B |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Ash | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Volatile matter | 15.0% | 15.0% |
| Fixed carbon | 77.5% | 80.0% |
| Sum | 100.0% | 102.5% |
Sheet A is internally consistent. Sheet B cannot be right on a single basis: ask the supplier to explain the basis of each figure and request the lab report. Illustrative numbers.
What does a bad specification sheet look like?
A weak sheet uses vague words, omits methods and mixes limits with typical values. The hypothetical extracts below show what to challenge. They are illustrations, not real supplier data.
Coco peat extract (hypothetical)
Buffered coco peat · EC 0.4 · pH 6.0 · K 380 ppm · Washed
Problems: (1) no unit or extraction method for EC; (2) "buffered" contradicted by potassium of 380 ppm, which sits in the unbuffered range; (3) "washed" and "buffered" appear together without explanation; (4) no calcium or sodium result.
Charcoal extract (hypothetical)
Ash 3.1% typical · Fixed carbon min 70% · Moisture max 8% · Calorific value approx. 7,500 · No method named
Problems: ash is "typical" (not a limit) and above the 2.5% benchmark; fixed carbon below the 75% benchmark; moisture limit above the 5–6% benchmark; calorific value has no unit; no test method for any line; no UN 1361 or CAS information.
How do you turn a spec sheet into something enforceable?
Copy the parameters into the sales contract as limits, with units, methods and the sampling rule, and name a referee laboratory for disputes. Then require a lot-specific COA that matches the batch before final payment. Until the contract adopts the numbers, the spec sheet is only a brochure.
- Convert "typical" into max or min limits.
- Write the test method and basis next to each limit.
- State how and where the sample is drawn and who holds the sealed duplicate.
- Name an accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025) for the lot COA and for disputes.
- Link remedies to failures: reject, re-dry, re-process or price adjustment, as agreed.
- For charcoal, list the SHT report, MSDS and Vanning Certificate as required documents.
See also: How to order samples from an Indonesian supplier and Payment terms in commodity trade: T/T, L/C and deposits.
Specification-sheet checklist
- Every line gives value, unit, test method, basis and limit type
- "Typical" values converted to max or min limits
- Copra: moisture limit (at or below 7%), aflatoxin and odour criteria, drying method
- Coco peat: washed or buffered stated; EC with extraction method; pH; potassium in ppm; calcium
- Charcoal: ash, fixed carbon, volatile matter, moisture, calorific value, drop test with methods
- Charcoal: UN 1361, Class 4.2, Packing Group III and CAS 68647-86-9 stated
- Cross-checks passed (buffering, EC method, proximate-analysis sum)
- Revision date, product name and grade present
- Parameters copied into the contract with a referee lab named
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a specification sheet and a COA? A specification sheet states what a supplier says its product will meet. A Certificate of Analysis reports what an accredited lab measured on one batch. Use the sheet to compare suppliers and the COA, signed and matching the batch, to verify each shipment.
What does "typical" mean on a spec sheet? "Typical" means a usual value, not a guaranteed one. It is not enforceable. Ask the supplier to convert typical values into maximum or minimum limits, and write those limits, with their test methods, into the contract.
Why must a coco peat sheet state the EC method? Different extraction methods give different numbers. The SME method reads roughly twice the 1:1.5 volume method for the same material. Without the method, EC cannot be compared between suppliers or checked against your target of below 0.5 mS/cm (premium buffered) or 1.0 mS/cm (standard washed).
What is the best proof that coco peat is buffered? Potassium. Buffered coco peat shows potassium below 150 ppm with high calcium; unbuffered material typically shows about 200–600 ppm. A sheet that says "buffered" but gives potassium near 400 ppm contradicts itself.
Which numbers matter most on a charcoal briquette spec? Ash, fixed carbon, volatile matter, moisture, calorific value and drop-test loss, each with a named method. Premium benchmarks are ash below 2.5%, fixed carbon above 75%, volatile matter below 15%, moisture below 5–6%, 7,000–7,500 kcal/kg and drop loss below 5%.
Which parameters must a copra specification include? Moisture, aflatoxin, appearance, odour and the drying method. Stable copra holds 6–7% moisture; above 7% it supports growth of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. A copra sheet with no moisture limit or no aflatoxin information is incomplete.
Conclusion
A specification sheet earns trust only line by line: a value, a unit, a method, a basis and an enforceable limit. Check what is missing, cross-check the numbers, and copy the figures into the contract with a referee lab. Your next action: apply the 5-Question Read to the sheet you have now and send the supplier a list of questions.
Sources
Compiled from a research report that draws on the publications below (URLs as listed in the report):
- Washed, Buffered or Raw: What Coco Peat Grades Mean — https://cocolabs.lk/coco-peat-grades-washed-buffered-raw/
- Low EC vs High EC Coco Peat (Vimsen Exim) — https://vimsenexim.com/blog/low-ec-vs-high-ec-coco-peat/
- How to Export Copra from Indonesia (Istana Machineries) — https://istanamachineries.com/en/how-to-export-copra-from-indonesia/
- Charcoal Shipping Rules 2026: UN 1361 Guide (CocoVnex) — https://cocovnex.com/blog/charcoal-shipping-rules-2026-un-1361-guide
- How to Source Coconut Products from Indonesia: A Buyer's Guide — https://indonesiancoconut.com/source-coconut-products-from-indonesia/
Disclaimer
This article is general information, not legal, regulatory or technical-compliance advice. Specifications vary by application and destination market. Confirm the parameters and test methods that apply to your use with your laboratory and the relevant authorities.
About the author
Hilmi is a Content Researcher at Many Hands Origins, preparing practical research for international coconut-product buyers.
Editorial disclaimer: The factual, technical, regulatory, pricing, shipping, and product-specific statements in this draft are presented as supplied and are assumed correct for editorial purposes. This content is general information, not legal, customs, regulatory, financial, safety, or quality advice. Rules, standards, prices, and specifications can change; confirm current requirements before relying on this article for a transaction or shipment.