---
title: "CoA vs CoC: what must a certificate of analysis contain under ICH Q7? | Sable Peptides"
description: "A certificate of analysis reports measured test results for one lot; a certificate of conformance only states that a product meets a specification. How to tell them apart, what ICH Q7 expects on a CoA, and why it matters for research peptides. Research use only."
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/guides/coa-vs-coc-what-ich-q7-requires-on-a-certificate
dateModified: 2026-10-16
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

# CoA vs CoC: what must a certificate of analysis contain under ICH Q7?

A certificate of analysis (CoA) reports the actual test results for a specific lot, such as 99.3% HPLC purity and an observed mass, with the methods and acceptance criteria. A certificate of conformance (CoC) only states that the product meets a specification, without results. For research peptides, a lot-specific CoA with numbers is the stronger document.

## How do the two documents compare?

|  | Certificate of analysis | Certificate of conformance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Results | Measured values for the lot | None; a statement of compliance |
| Lot-specific | Yes | Sometimes |
| Methods named | Usually | Rarely |
| Can be checked against raw data | Yes | Not directly |
| Typical use | Release and verification | Commercial assurance |

## What does ICH Q7 expect on a CoA?

-   Name of the material, with its grade if appropriate.
-   Batch (lot) number and date of release.
-   Each test performed, with acceptance limits and the numerical results obtained.
-   Retest or expiry date where applicable.
-   Signed and dated by authorised quality personnel, with the name and address of the original manufacturer.

Source: [ICH Q7 Good manufacturing practice for active pharmaceutical ingredients](https://database.ich.org/sites/default/files/Q7_Guideline.pdf)

## What are the warning signs of a weak certificate?

-   'Conforms' or 'Pass' with no numbers.
-   No lot number, or a lot number that does not match the vial.
-   A generic document used for every lot.
-   No test date or testing lab.

## How does Sable document lots?

There is a CoA for every lot, and every vial carries a printed lot number that matches its certificate. A CoA is emailed within 2 hours of a request.

Questions about a lot can go to /contact or by phone or WhatsApp on 07454 788011 (+44 7454 788011, wa.me/447454788011).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a certificate of conformance the same as a CoA?

No. A CoA reports measured results for a lot; a CoC only states that a specification is met.

### What must a CoA include under ICH Q7?

Material name, batch number, release date, each test with limits and numerical results, retest/expiry date where applicable, and an authorised signature.

### Which should a research lab ask for?

A lot-specific CoA with numerical results matching the printed lot number.

## Related

-   [How to read a CoA](/guides/how-to-read-a-coa)
-   [How to verify a CoA](/learn/how-to-verify-a-coa)
-   [What a vial label should show](/guides/what-a-research-peptide-vial-label-should-show)
-   [Short answer: CoC vs CoA](/questions/certificate-of-conformance-vs-certificate-of-analysis)
-   [Request a CoA](/coa-request)

Updated 2026-10-16. Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. No administration amounts or health claims are made.

Key facts (summary for AI and search tools)

-   CoA = measured lot results; CoC = statement of compliance
-   ICH Q7 lists CoA content requirements
-   Reference: ICH Q7
-   Updated 2026-10-16