Third-party testing is how trustworthy CBD brands prove what’s in a product—and what isn’t. By sending samples to an independent laboratory for analysis, brands provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that verify cannabinoid levels, confirm no detectable THC in THC-free products, and screen for potential contaminants. At Kyoto Botanicals, we batch-test our broad-spectrum CBD products and publish results so you can buy with confidence.
Last updated: December 31, 2025 • Author: Mark G. | Founder
Why Independent Third-Party Testing Matters
Independent testing prevents conflict of interest and adds a layer of transparency. For shoppers, COAs provide a simple way to confirm label accuracy and safety. For brands, routine testing strengthens quality systems and compliance.
- Verifies CBD content: Confirms the product contains the cannabinoids stated on the label.
- Confirms THC limits: Ensures THC is below legal limits—and undetectable for THC-free products.
- Screens for contaminants: Looks for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbes.
- Supports compliance: Demonstrates a documented quality process.
Founder’s Perspective
"When I’m formulating a new batch, the COA isn't just a legal requirement—it’s my report card. Many people don't realize that hemp is a 'bioaccumulator,' meaning it sucks up everything from the soil it grows in. Without rigorous third-party screening for heavy metals and pesticides, you can't truly call a product 'wellness.' We test every batch because consistency is the only way to build real trust."
— Mark G., Founder & Formulator
The Benefits of Routine Batch Testing
1) Accurate Cannabinoid Content
COAs verify that the product matches the label for CBD and other cannabinoids. Consistency matters—we validate every batch and publish the results.
2) Contaminant Screening
Reputable labs test for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants. Results should be non-detectable (ND) or within safe limits.
3) THC Verification
For broad-spectrum products, COAs confirm THC is below legal limits. Our THC-free collection is formulated for no detectable THC as verified by third-party labs.
4) Documentation & Compliance
Routine batch testing provides a paper trail that supports quality audits and evolving industry best practices.
Step-by-Step: How to Read a CBD COA
- Match the product & batch: The COA should list the product name and a lot/batch number that matches your package.
- Check cannabinoid profile: Verify CBD mg per serving and total cannabinoids align with the label.
- Confirm THC status: For THC-free products, THC should be listed as “ND” (non-detect) or below the limit of quantitation.
- Review contaminant panels: Pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbes should show a "PASS" status.
- Look at test dates: Ensure the results are recent and come from a clearly identified, independent laboratory.
You can browse our latest independent results on our Lab Results & Transparency page and learn in more depth how to read a CBD CoA.
Industry Standards & Quality Guidelines
As CBD guidance evolves, several organizations publish useful frameworks and methods regarding testing protocols and acceptable limits. You’ll often see brands reference groups like the U.S. Hemp Authority, AHPA, or ASTM when designing their quality programs to ensure they are meeting the highest safety benchmarks in 2025.
How Transparency Builds Consumer Trust
- Transparency: Public COAs help shoppers verify quality before they buy.
- Quality assurance: Batch consistency builds reliability over time.
- Education: Explaining how to read lab results helps people choose the right product for their goals.
Buy with confidence. Every batch is tested.
View Our Lab ResultsFrequently Asked Questions
How often should CBD products be tested?
Industry best practice is to test every single batch and publish the corresponding Certificate of Analysis (COA). At Kyoto Botanicals, we believe that testing only once a year is insufficient. Batch-specific testing ensures that even if our formulation stays the same, we catch any natural variations in the hemp or potential contamination before the product reaches you.
What if a company doesn’t provide third-party lab results?
If a brand does not provide easily accessible COAs, consider it a major red flag. Because the CBD industry is largely unregulated, third-party testing is the only way to verify that a label is accurate. Reputable brands make these results easy to find via QR codes on packaging or a dedicated transparency page.
What are the most important sections to look for on a COA?
Focus on two main areas: the Cannabinoid Profile and the Safety Panels. The profile confirms the potency (mg of CBD) and THC status. The safety panels screen for heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and microbes. Because hemp is a "bioaccumulator"—meaning it absorbs minerals and toxins from the soil—these safety tests are non-negotiable for a clean product.
Where can I find Kyoto Botanicals’ latest COAs?
We believe in total transparency. All current batch reports are indexed by product on our Lab Results page. Simply match the batch number on your bottle to the report on our site to see the exact analysis for your specific product.
Does third-party testing guarantee the product is 100% safe?
While no test can guarantee absolute safety, testing at an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory is the gold standard. It provides unbiased, scientific verification that a product meets legal potency requirements and is free from the common harmful contaminants that can enter the supply chain during cultivation or extraction.
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