Vanilla Beans Quality Specifications – Moisture, Vanillin & Export Inspection

IEC | INDONESIA EXPORT CENTER

INDONESIAN VANILLA BEANS QUALITY GUIDE

MOISTURE | VANILLIN | PHYSICAL GRADING | MICROBIOLOGY | TRACEABILITY

Understanding Vanilla Beans Quality Specifications

International vanilla buyers need clear, measurable product specifications before purchasing.

Vanilla quality depends on botanical identity, curing, moisture, aroma, physical condition, analytical composition, microbiological safety, and intended application.

IEC | Indonesia Export Center facilitates enquiries for Indonesian vanilla beans and encourages buyers to establish written quality requirements.

REQUEST VANILLA SPECIFICATIONS

Reference Product Information

Parameter	Promotional Reference
Origin	Indonesia
Harvest	June–November
Moisture	10–35%
Pod Length	8–23 cm
Grades	A, B, C
Product Forms	Whole, Split, Cut

These are broad promotional figures, not an approved specification for a particular grade or lot.

Key Quality Parameters

1. Botanical Identity

Confirm whether the product is Vanilla planifolia, a verified Tahitian-type species, or another declared material.

2. Moisture Content

Moisture affects texture, storage, transport, and microbial risk. The appropriate limit depends on the product form and intended use.

3. Vanillin Content

Specify analytical method, reporting units, sample basis, and acceptance limit where testing is required.

4. Pod Length

Agree on minimum and maximum length, distribution, and measurement method.

5. Physical Defects

Define tolerances for splits, broken pods, discoloration, foreign matter, and visible deterioration.

6. Aroma

Evaluate representative samples against an agreed sensory reference.

7. Microbiological Quality

Set appropriate criteria based on food safety hazards, processing, and destination requirements.

8. Chemical Contaminants

Review applicable pesticide residues and other relevant contaminants.

9. Traceability

Require identifiable commercial lots and supporting supplier records.

Example Buyer Specification Template

Parameter	Buyer Acceptance Requirement
Species	[Specify]
Origin	[Specify]
Grade	[Define]
Moisture	[Minimum–Maximum %]
Length	[Range in cm]
Vanillin	[Limit, Method, Basis]
Foreign Matter	[Maximum %]
Broken / Split	[Maximum %]
Microbiology	[Applicable Limits]
Packaging	[Specification]
Inspection	[Method and Sampling Plan]

COA vs. Technical Data Sheet

A Technical Data Sheet describes the product’s general specification.

A Certificate of Analysis reports testing information for an identified sample or lot.

Both may be useful, but neither automatically proves that all future shipments meet the same values.

Sampling and Inspection

Sampling should represent the commercial lot. Buyers should agree on the sampling plan, inspection method, laboratory, and dispute procedure before shipment.

Quality Specification RFQ

Subject: Indonesian Vanilla Beans – Quality Specification Request

Company: [Name]

Species: [Specify]

Grade: [Specify]

Quantity: [kg]

Moisture: [%]

Length: [cm]

Vanillin Requirement: [Specify]

Microbiological Criteria: [Specify]

Packaging: [Specify]

Destination: [Country]

Please provide available product information, sample arrangements, technical documents, and pricing.

SEND QUALITY SPECIFICATION RFQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 10–35% moisture acceptable for every grade?

No. Each grade and application needs an appropriate agreed range.

Is Grade A a technical standard?

Not universally. Its definition varies by supplier.

Does a COA replace inspection?

Not necessarily.

Can buyers request independent testing?

Yes, subject to agreed arrangements.

Request Quality-Verified Indonesian Vanilla