Quality Standards
Evidence that fits the herb
BQA applies a diagnostic-led toolkit to the specific links, risks and evidence needs of each botanical supply chain.
BQA Framework
Quality Standards
Science-based expectations that help botanical ingredients earn trust across the global supply chain.
What We Advance
Standards That Strengthen Trust
Authenticity
Verify botanical identity with fit-for-purpose methods and clear documentation.
Safety
Support risk-based testing that protects people and product integrity.
Traceability
Build transparent records from source materials through finished products.
Transparency
Encourage clear, credible information for partners, regulators, and consumers.
A Shared Baseline
From Evidence to Action
BQA brings practical guidance to the points where quality decisions matter most, helping organizations align on credible, repeatable practices.
Diagnose before acting
BQA uses a repeatable process so the toolkit is applied by diagnosis rather than habit.
01
Nominate and diagnose
A candidate herb is assessed across identity, origin, processing, testing, specifications, trade, safety and trust.
02
Convene the right group
When need and member commitment are clear, a working group forms around the Herb Diagnostic.
The highest-priority weak links set the agenda.
03
Select the toolkit
The group chooses the standards, methods, evidence, economics, origin capacity or education work that fits.
04
Publish and review
Outputs are reviewed, approved and revisited as the supply chain changes.
A practical quality toolkit
A herb rarely needs every tool. BQA selects the mix that addresses its weakest links.
Identity clarity
Species, synonyms, plant parts and common confusions.
Specification alignment
Compare pharmacopoeias and buyer specifications to identify a credible baseline.
Method reviews
Assess whether analytical methods are fit for purpose.
Authentication guidance
Match identity methods to known adulteration risks.
Safety evidence
Review evidence and communicate risk accurately.
Traceability guidance
Define minimum chain-of-custody records for the herb.
BCOQ screening
Use economic plausibility ranges as a prompt to verify.
Education
Build shared capability for buyers, exporters and analysts.
BCOQ safeguards
Economic signals, not price setting
The Botanical Cost of Quality method connects quality expectations with the cost layers an authentic ingredient must plausibly recover.