What it means for a research store
Everything produced in one run shares a lot number, and the lot is the unit that testing describes. A COA is only meaningful for the lot printed on it. When a store restocks from a new production run, it has a new lot, and the previous lot’s COA no longer describes what is being shipped.
Traceability depends on recording the lot at every step: on receipt from the supplier, on the vial label, in inventory, and ideally on each order line. If a problem is reported, the store can then identify which orders received that lot and contact only those customers, instead of guessing.
On the storefront, show which lot is currently shipping and link that lot’s documentation. Keep previous lots’ documents available and clearly labelled for customers who received them. A common mistake is updating the product photo and COA for a new lot while stock from the old lot is still being picked, which creates a mismatch between what the page says and what arrives.
How Torva OS handles it
Torva OS attaches certificates to products and keeps the lot identifier on certificates brought in by a site import. When you upload a new lot’s COA yourself, put the lot number in the document title so customers can tell lots apart.
Related guides
Updated September 25, 2026. General information for merchants, not legal, tax or financial advice. This glossary does not describe the use of any compound in people.
