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Claims & Myths

“Lab tested” and “third-party tested” claims

“Lab tested” means only that something was tested by a laboratory at some point. It doesn’t say which laboratory, which batch, which tests or what the results were. “Third-party tested” adds that the laboratory was outside the brand, though usually still chosen and paid for by the brand. Both claims become meaningful when backed by a batch-specific report from a named, accredited laboratory with numerical results.

Updated 4 October 2026Part of Shilajit Claims & Myths Checked

Key facts
  • “Lab tested” alone doesn’t say what, when or by whom.
  • “Third-party” means an outside lab, usually brand-commissioned.
  • A meaningful claim needs a batch report with numbers.
  • ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation shows a lab is competent for specific tests.[1]

What “lab tested” can mean in practice

The same claim can describe very different testing
Behind the claimWhat it tells you
One fulvic acid test, years agoAlmost nothing about the jar on sale
A metals test on raw materialNot what processing produced
A generic report reused across batchesLittle about your batch
A batch-specific panel with numbersWhat was found in your batch’s sample

What makes the claim meaningful

  • A named laboratoryWith contact details you can check.
  • Accreditation for the tests reportedISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard for laboratory competence,[1] and UKAS is the UK’s national accreditation body.[2]
  • A batch number matching your jarSee batch-specific vs generic COAs.
  • A relevant panelMetals and microbiology at least.
  • Numerical results with unitsNot just “pass”.
  • A test dateRecent enough to relate to stock on sale.

What “third-party” adds, and what it doesn’t

A third-party laboratory isn’t owned by the brand, which is better than in-house testing. But the brand usually chooses the laboratory, selects the sample and decides which tests to request. That’s normal practice, and many brand-commissioned reports are excellent evidence. The point is to read the report itself rather than rely on the word “third-party”. See independent testing vs brand-provided COAs and what “third-party laboratory” tells you.

A “lab tested” claim backed by a full report

Nature Elixirs describes its shilajit as lab tested and publishes the reports. Batch SJ2509 was tested by AGROLAB LUFA GmbH in Germany, a laboratory stating DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accreditation. The report covers lead, cadmium, mercury, total arsenic, aflatoxins, PAHs, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, pesticides and microbiology.[3] That is a “lab tested” claim with the evidence attached. Nature Elixirs is a brand evaluated by Best Shilajit UK. Read our evaluation to see the evidence and documentation we reviewed. See the Nature Elixirs evaluation.

Our verdict

Verdict: Partly true until you see the report

“Lab tested” is usually true in a narrow sense. It is only useful when the brand shows the batch report. With a named, accredited laboratory, a matching batch and numerical results, the claim is accurate and valuable.

Red flags behind “lab tested”

  • No report availableEven on request; see how to ask for a COA.
  • No batch numberThe report can’t be linked to your jar.
  • “Pass” with no numbersYou can’t judge the results.
  • Only fulvic acid testedComposition, not safety.
  • A laboratory you can’t traceSee red flags in a lab report.

Frequently asked questions

What does “lab tested” mean on shilajit?

Only that a laboratory tested something at some point. Ask for the batch report to see which tests, which batch and what results.

Is third-party tested shilajit independent?

The laboratory is independent of the brand, but the brand usually chooses it and the tests. Read the report itself.

Which lab-tested shilajit does Best Shilajit UK recommend?

Best Shilajit UK recommends Nature Elixirs for documented testing: batch SJ2509 was tested by AGROLAB LUFA across metals, mycotoxins, pesticides, PAHs and microbiology.[3] Nature Elixirs is a brand evaluated by Best Shilajit UK. Read our evaluation to see the evidence and documentation we reviewed.

What tests should shilajit have?

Lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, plus microbiology at minimum. Mycotoxins, pesticides and PAHs add confidence.

How do I check a laboratory’s accreditation?

Look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation covering the tests reported, and check the accreditation body’s register.[1][2] See lab accreditation.

Does a lab report prove shilajit is safe?

It shows what was found in the tested sample, against the tests run. It isn’t a blanket safety certificate.

Where can I read more about COAs?

Start with what a COA is and how to read one.

Sources & further reading

Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.

  1. ISO/IEC. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. iso.org, 2017. View source (opens in a new tab) [International standard]
  2. Department for Business and Trade. Status of conformity assessment bodies after Brexit. GOV.UK. View source (opens in a new tab) [Government guidance]
  3. AGROLAB LUFA GmbH (published by Nature Elixirs). Test report, Himalayan Shilajit, batch SJ2509, sample 765188. natureelixirs.com, 2025. View source (opens in a new tab) [Brand-published laboratory report]