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Three documents travel with every masterbatch order. Knowing what belongs in each one is the fastest way to tell a real supplier from a reseller with a spreadsheet.
A TDS describes the product, not a specific batch. A usable one lists, for every parameter, both the value and the test condition. If a datasheet says "MFI: 2" and stops there, it is incomplete — MFI has no meaning without the temperature and load.
At minimum, a masterbatch TDS should state:
A COA describes one production batch. It carries a batch number and the measured values for that batch, so you can confirm that what arrived matches what you were quoted. A COA issued per product family rather than per batch defeats the purpose.
When a shipment arrives, take the batch number from the bag label and match it to the COA. If the numbers do not match, stop and raise it before the material goes into the hopper.
Masterbatch is not a hazardous good, but the MSDS is still required for shipping and for customs clearance in most destinations. It should be in the 16-section format and in English. Ask for the HS code guidance at the same time — a misclassified masterbatch shipment is an expensive delay at the port.
Tell us the grade and the destination country. We send the English TDS and MSDS for that grade, and a sample COA showing the format so you can verify the batch-number structure before ordering. Batch-specific COAs are issued with the shipment.
Each of these appears regularly on supplier websites and each one means the number cannot be verified.
No number given. Ask for a recommended range and the property that limits it.
Missing test conditions. Without temperature and load the figure is meaningless.
Adjectives in place of parameters. There is nothing here a purchasing engineer can check.
A COA you cannot see before ordering cannot confirm the grade. Ask for a sample COA format first.