How to Read Agarwood Identification Certificate: Institution, Items and Conclusion

This article teaches you how to interpret an agarwood identification certificate, from the qualifications of the institution to the testing items and conclusion, helping you make informed decisions when purchasing agarwood.

1. Identification Institution: Qualifications and Authority

When you receive an agarwood identification certificate, first check the issuing institution. A legitimate testing institution should have CMA (China Metrology Accreditation) or CNAS (China National Accreditation Service) qualifications, usually printed on the cover or footer. Additionally, professional institutions specializing in wood and spices are more trustworthy, such as the Research Institute of Wood Industry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, or the National Wood and Wood Products Quality Supervision and Inspection Center. Be cautious if the certificate comes from an unknown small laboratory. For systematic knowledge about agarwood, please refer to Agarwood Encyclopedia.

2. Testing Items: Interpretation of Key Indicators

The testing items on an agarwood certificate typically include species identification, oil content, density, and alcohol-soluble extractives. Species identification is the core, determining through anatomical structure whether it is a plant of the Aquilaria genus in the Thymelaeaceae family, such as Aquilaria sinensis or Aquilaria crassna. Oil content and density reflect the degree of resin formation but are not the only criteria. For special varieties like Kyara, characteristic components should also be noted. Certificates with micrographs or chromatograms are more credible. For the unique properties of Kyara, please see Kyara Pillar Page.

3. Conclusion Statement: Understanding the Identification Opinion

The conclusion section should clearly state the identification result, such as "the submitted sample is agarwood" or "the submitted sample is wood of the Aquilaria genus." Pay attention to the wording: is it "consistent with agarwood characteristics" or "confirmed as agarwood"? The former may leave uncertainty. Moreover, the certificate should specify the standard used (e.g., GB/T 18107-2017 "Hongmu" or LY/T 2904-2017 "Agarwood"). If the conclusion is vague or the standard is missing, question its rigor. For common pitfalls in identification, refer to Identification Pillar Page and Chinese Incense Studies · Agarwood Identification column.

4. Comprehensive Judgment: Certificate is Only a Reference

An identification certificate is an auxiliary tool, not the sole basis. Combine physical observation (oil lines, aroma, texture) and merchant reputation for a comprehensive evaluation. Beware of "certificate swapping," where the certificate does not match the actual item. When purchasing high-value agarwood, request a photo of the certificate with the item and keep transaction records.

(This is industry observation and popular-science summary, not investment advice. Buy agarwood through legal channels with traceable, testable sources.)