Quality
Quality Assurance — From Origin to Destination
Five steps from origin partner audit to buyer sign-off. ISTA-format COAs, OECD seed-scheme tags, Sortex-graded sesame, SHU-graded chilli.
Kehkashan operates a five-step quality protocol covering origin partner audit, pre-shipment sample plus draft Certificate of Analysis, ISTA-accredited lab testing, port-side phytosanitary plus Certificate of Origin plus fumigation, and final buyer sign-off before Letter of Credit release.
- ISTA-format COA
- OECD seed-scheme
- Sortex 99–99.95%
- EU aflatoxin compliant
The five-step quality protocol
Each step is a documented gate. No shipment moves without the prior gate signed off.
1. Origin partner audit
Each producer cooperative, processor or exporter is audited on storage, pest control, batch traceability and historical phytosanitary record before the first PO. Re-audits run annually or on first deviation.
Gate 1
2. Pre-shipment sample plus draft COA
A 100 to 500 gram sample courier with the draft Certificate of Analysis confirms purity, germination, moisture, pathogen and aflatoxin where applicable. The buyer signs off before any production order.
Gate 2
3. ISTA-accredited lab testing
Seed lots run ISTA tests for purity, germination and dodder. Spices run aflatoxin (EU 2023/915), SHU and ASTA. Oilseeds run Sortex grade, FFA, moisture and admixture. Each test reports on the COA.
Gate 3
4. Port phyto plus COO plus fumigation
At Jebel Ali, the lot clears the UAE phytosanitary inspection, receives the Certificate of Origin from the Dubai Chamber, and undergoes methyl-bromide or aluminium-phosphide fumigation where the destination requires.
Gate 4
5. Buyer sign-off before LC release
The full export pack — BL, commercial invoice, packing list, COA, phyto, COO, fumigation certificate — issues to the buyer for sign-off. Letter of Credit releases on confirmed acceptance, never before.
Gate 5
Certifications and grading
| Certification | Scope | Products covered | Verification method |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISTA | Purity, germination, dodder, moisture | Forage, vegetable, sprouting, specialty seed | ISTA-accredited lab Certificate of Analysis per lot |
| OECD seed-scheme | Variety identity, breeder lineage | Forage and vegetable seed where origin permits | OECD-tagged bag plus lot reference |
| USDA APHIS | Phytosanitary compliance for US-origin | Alfalfa, sorghum-sudan, red clover from USA | USDA phytosanitary certificate per shipment |
| EU phyto | EU 2019/2072 phytosanitary compliance | Forage, spice, oilseed shipping into EU | EU-format phytosanitary certificate |
| ISO 9001 | Quality management system at processor level | Spice, oilseed, sprouting where origin partner certified | ISO 9001 certificate at the producing facility |
| HACCP | Food-safety hazard analysis | Sprouting, herbal, food-grade spice | HACCP certificate at the food-grade processor |
Every certification we cite is verifiable on the lot's Certificate of Analysis or the supplementary inspection report.
Sample-first policy
We courier a 100 to 500 gram sample on request, with the draft Certificate of Analysis. Buyer pays courier; sample fee credits against the first FCL on contract acceptance. Sample dispatch from Jebel Ali within 24 hours of confirmed request.
Testing methods, by product family
Each product family runs a distinct test set. Buyers may nominate SGS or Bureau Veritas as a counter-sampling agent at vessel loading.
- Sesame: Sortex optical-sorter grading at 99, 99.5 or 99.95% threshold; FFA below 2%; moisture below 6%; admixture below 0.5%.
- Forage seed: ISTA germination test at 90% minimum; purity 99 to 99.9%; dodder-free certification per lot.
- Chilli: Scoville Heat Units measured by HPLC for capsaicinoids; ASTA color count for Byadgi; aflatoxin against EU 2023/915.
- Castor and sesame oil-grade: oil content tested at the producer crusher or referee lab; FFA, moisture and admixture cross-checked at Jebel Ali pre-load.
Quality FAQ
Order the sample. Verify the spec. Then place the PO.
Send an RFQ with product, variety preference and destination port. The sample, COA and indicative pricing land in your inbox within one working day.
Quality protocol governs every Kehkashan dispatch ex Jebel Ali. ISTA, OECD, EU 2023/915, ISO 6579 references documented per lot.