Technical Data Sheets (TDS) • Product Specifications • Quality Parameters

Tea Quality Specification Sheet: Structuring Technical Data Sheets (TDS) for Bulk Tea

Authoritative technical guide explaining physical evaluation standards, analytical testing protocols, sensory cupping disciplines, and specification benchmarks in commercial bulk tea export.

Quality Assurance Hub Sensory Tasting Process Export Quality Control

Technical Quality Reference

• Guide Focus: Technical Data Sheet & Specification Architecture Guide
• Technical Scope: Framework for designing and evaluating technical product specifications for commercial tea
• In-House Testing: Sensory organoleptic cupping, visual grading, and rapid moisture screening at Siliguri hub.
• Analytical Testing: Chemical residue analysis, heavy metals, and microbiological cultures contracted through independent NABL-accredited food laboratories where required.

The Role of the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) in Commercial Procurement

In international commercial trade, contractual ambiguity is the root cause of commercial disputes. When a buyer places an order simply for "Assam CTC Black Tea" without documented technical parameters, neither party has a legally enforceable baseline for what constitutes acceptable quality.

A Tea Quality Specification Sheet—also designated as a Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Product Description Schedule—eliminates subjectivity by translating sensory expectations into measurable physical, chemical, microbiological, and packaging standards.

This technical guide details the universal structural architecture of an authoritative commercial tea specification sheet.

Standard Architectural Framework of an Export Tea Specification Sheet

An authoritative specification sheet contains six distinct technical modules:

The Six Specification Modules

1. General Product Identification: Commercial trade name, botanical species (Camellia sinensis), processing style (CTC / Orthodox / Green), regional origin (Assam / Dooars / Darjeeling), and HS code classification (0902.40).
2. Physical & Granulometric Parameters: Leaf particle size profile (mesh sieve retention ranges), visual color, bulk density (g/L), foreign matter tolerance (0.0%), and stalk/fiber limits.
3. Chemical Quality Limits (ISO 3720): Moisture content, total ash, water-soluble ash, acid-insoluble ash, alkalinity of water-soluble ash, water extract, and crude fiber.
4. Organoleptic & Sensory Criteria: Standard brewing ratio (ISO 3103), target liquor brightness, briskness level, body depth, infusion color, and flavor profile.
5. Food Safety & Contaminants: Compliance declaration for destination pesticide MRLs, heavy metal limits, and microbiological criteria.
6. Packaging & Storage Conditions: Multi-wall kraft paper sack construction, inner food-grade liner specifications, net weight per sack, palletization format, and recommended warehouse storage conditions.

ISO 3720 Chemistry Standards Reference Matrix

Under international trade standards, the chemical parameters of black tea are benchmarked against ISO 3720:

Chemical Parameter	ISO 3720 Specification	Significance
Moisture Content	Max 6.5% – 8.0%	Microbial stability & shelf life
Water Extract	Min 32.0% (m/m dry basis)	Soluble tea solids & liquor strength
Total Ash	4.0% to 8.0% (m/m dry basis)	Botanical purity indicator
Water-Soluble Ash	Min 45.0% of Total Ash	Proper cell rupture during processing
Acid-Insoluble Ash	Max 1.0% (m/m dry basis)	Absence of sand or dirt contamination
Alkalinity of Soluble Ash	1.0% to 3.0% (as K2O)	Standard mineral balance
Crude Fiber	Max 16.5% (m/m dry basis)	Absence of coarse stalks or woody stems

How Byahut Formulates Custom Product Specifications

Byahut Tea Company collaborates closely with international commercial importers, blenders, and private-label packers to develop tailored Technical Data Sheets (TDS) aligned with exact commercial use cases:

In-House Sensory & Physical Calibration: Master tasters match leaf particle size, liquor briskness, milk infusion speed, and flavor profile to your target market.
Independent Analytical Verification: Chemical parameters, heavy metals, and pesticide MRLs are verified through independent NABL-accredited food testing laboratories where mandated.

Every production run is documented against its master specification sheet, guaranteeing commercial consistency and total transparency.

Technical & Quality FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Tea Quality Specification Sheet

What is a Tea Quality Specification Sheet or Technical Data Sheet (TDS)?

A Quality Specification Sheet (or TDS) is a formal technical document defining the target physical, chemical, microbiological, sensory, and packaging specifications of a commercial tea product. It establishes the baseline criteria against which all production batches are evaluated.

What are the core physical parameters defined on a bulk tea specification sheet?

Physical parameters include: botanical identification (Camellia sinensis), commercial grade mark (e.g., CTC BP, Orthodox TGFOP), particle size distribution (mesh sieve retention percentages), appearance and color, bulk density (g/L), and absence of foreign matter.

What chemical parameters are defined under ISO 3720 standards?

ISO 3720 benchmarks include: moisture content (max 6.5–8.0%), total ash (4.0–8.0%), water-soluble ash (min 45% of total ash), acid-insoluble ash (max 1.0%), alkalinity of water-soluble ash (1.0–3.0%), water extract (min 32%), and crude fiber (max 16.5%).

How does a buyer use a specification sheet during commercial procurement?

The buyer attaches the agreed specification sheet as a binding technical schedule to the sales contract and Letter of Credit, establishing the clear quality standard against which bulk pre-shipment lot samples and contractually agreed third-party laboratory COAs are evaluated; commercial offer samples are supplied for sensory evaluation and do not include laboratory reports.