| Species and origin traceability | Confirmation that the raw material is Ascophyllum nodosum; harvest or sourcing area; traceability from raw material to finished lot. | Written species identification, origin records, lot codes, and documented chain of custody. | 20% | 0 = no records; 3 = lot-level origin stated; 5 = origin and chain of custody documented and auditable. |
| Harvest and environmental management | Harvest permissions where applicable, harvest practices, and measures to manage impacts on the source area. | Relevant permits or supplier records, a written harvesting policy, and evidence of monitoring or independent verification where available. | 15% | 0 = no information; 3 = documented policy; 5 = policy supported by records and applicable independent verification. |
| Product specification and consistency | Guaranteed composition, physical form, solubility or dispersibility, pH, moisture, and other relevant product characteristics. | A current specification sheet with defined test methods and acceptance limits, plus consistent results across multiple lots. | 15% | 0 = no specification; 3 = key parameters stated; 5 = clear methods and limits supported by lot history. |
| Batch testing and contaminant controls | Testing relevant to the product and destination market, including applicable heavy metals and microbiological or other safety parameters. | A dated, lot-specific certificate of analysis (CoA), stated methods, and results assessed against the applicable local requirements or agreed specification. | 15% | 0 = no test results; 3 = periodic results; 5 = relevant lot-specific results with methods and clear compliance review. |
| Quality management and laboratory competence | Document control, corrective actions, complaint handling, and competence of laboratories performing tests. | A quality-system certificate within its valid scope, audit information, and testing by a competent laboratory; ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is relevant when the specific test is within scope. | 10% | 0 = no quality records; 3 = documented procedures; 5 = current, relevant system and test-scope evidence. |
| Agronomic evidence | Whether product claims are supported for the crop, application method, and conditions relevant to the buyer. | Trial reports identifying crop, location or growing conditions, application rate and timing, comparison treatment, replication, and measured outcomes. | 10% | 0 = unsupported claims; 3 = limited or single-condition data; 5 = transparent, replicated evidence relevant to intended use. |
| Regulatory and label readiness | Product classification, label language, import documents, and registration or notification requirements in the destination market. | Current documents matched to the product and destination jurisdiction; organic claims supported by certification applicable to that market and product scope. | 10% | 0 = requirements unclear; 3 = key documents available; 5 = complete, current, jurisdiction-specific documentation. |
| Supply reliability and support | Lead times, minimum order quantities, packaging options, storage guidance, change notification, and technical response process. | Written delivery terms, product shelf-life and storage information, documented complaint handling, and a clear process for notifying customers of specification changes. | 5% | 0 = no defined support; 3 = basic terms provided; 5 = clear service commitments and documented change control. |