Comprehensive product specification and testing guidelines are now available to kava industry vendors to help ensure the safety and quality of kava and kava-derived products around the world. The Harmonized Multinational Kava Standards (2025) serves as a framework for compliance and quality assurance for kava and products derived from the plant Piper methysticum.
The guidelines include best practices for processors, manufacturers, and distributors and offer recommended tests and limits for various kava and kava-derived product types. The guidelines are for traditional kava aqueous extracts, instant and micronized kava powder, and non-aqueous kava extracts.
“The creation and adoption of these guidelines are a testament to the industry’s dedication to safety and product integrity,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Kava Coalition and a sponsor of the standards guidelines. “These guidelines give consumers assurance that those manufacturers who comply with these standards are offering safe and clean kava and kava derived products.”
The guidelines include definitions and identifies specifications for purity and contaminants, potency, composition specifications, physical characteristics, storage and packaging, labeling, shelf life and expiry dates.
The guidelines also provide a list of recommended tests for kava and products derived from Piper methysticum such as kavalactones and flavokavains, heavy metals, microbials, residual solvents, moisture content, pesticides, and mycotoxins.
Testing guidelines also includes a description of product types, instrumentation, target analytes, limits and reporting. To help kava vendors with application, the guidelines also include sections on validation, sampling guidelines and recommendations.
These guidelines are not designed to replace the Codex Alimentarius Regional Standard for Kava, any relevant laws such as the Vanuatu Kava Act (2002), or guidelines from regulatory agencies or industry associations such as FDA, FSANZ, EFSA, USP, AHPA, Kava Coalition, or IKO. Instead, these guidelines were generated by combining aspects of each of these in order to generate a comprehensive set of standards that are fit for purpose.
“The Kava Coalition is proud to have played a part in creating these guidelines which will enhance consumer trust,” said Lowe. “These guidelines will help create industry norms and standards, which is vital as the industry seeks favorable policy and regulations around the world.”
The guidelines are applicable at various stages of the Piper methysticum product supply chain including processors, manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers and retailers. The guidelines are offered at no cost.
Harmonized Multinational Kava Standards (2025) is available for download on the Kava Coalition website: https://www.kavacoalition.org/kava-industry-standards.
About the Kava Coalition
Kava Coalition (KC) is a global alliance of kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. Through educational initiatives and community engagement, KC promotes awareness and appreciation for kava’s traditional practices and cultural significance. Simultaneously, KC advocates for modern regulation that reflects current scientific knowledge, ensuring consumer safety and product integrity.
