Introduction
A Batch Production Record (BPR) is one of the most important documents in professional hemp manufacturing.
A well-structured BPR not only ensures consistency and repeatability — it protects your brand, supports retailer onboarding, and strengthens compliance documentation.
This guide provides a comprehensive technical SOP for building a robust BPR suitable for tinctures, gummies, topicals, capsules, and other hemp-derived finished goods.
📄 1. What a BPR Is — and Why It Matters
A Batch Production Record is the master document that:
- Records every production step
- Verifies ingredient identity and quality
- Tracks weights, temperatures, and timings
- Ensures repeatability
- Supports audits
- Links final product to COAs and COCs
- Keeps your operation “retail ready”
Retailers and regulators increasingly expect BPRs that show clear, consistent control.
🧬 2. Core Sections of a Complete BPR
A. Header Information
Should include:
- Product name
- Batch number
- Lot number
- Production date
- Formulator name
- QC reviewer
- SKU/variant
B. Ingredient Verification (Incoming Materials)
For every ingredient, record:
- Ingredient name
- Supplier
- COA number
- Lot number
- Amount weighed
- Identity verification initials
- Specification match confirmation
- Weight and measurement units
Attach:
- COA
- Supplier COC
- DEA testing (if applicable)
- Chain-of-custody documentation
C. Equipment & Sanitation
Document:
- Equipment ID numbers
- Calibration date
- Sanitation verification
- Operator initials
D. Detailed Manufacturing Steps
Break into sequential steps:
- Pre-weighing
- Heating
- Blending
- Emulsification (if applicable)
- pH adjustment
- Cooling
- Filling
- Packaging
For each step, record:
- Time
- Temperature
- Speed (RPM)
- Operator initials
- Verification initials (dual verification recommended)
E. In-Process Quality Checks
Include:
- pH
- Weight checks
- Visual inspection
- Viscosity (topicals)
- Texture (gummies)
- Homogenization status
- aᵥ for gummies/edibles
F. Final Product Testing
Attach:
- Final COA
- Potency verification
- Microbial testing
- Heavy metals
- Residual solvents
- Water activity (if applicable)
- Stability test schedule
G. Yield Calculation
Record:
- Theoretical yield
- Actual yield
- Loss %
- Notes explaining any deviation
This protects your margins and supports inventory accuracy.
H. Packaging & Label Verification
Document:
- Packaging lot numbers
- Label version number
- Compliance statements
- Product claim verification
- QR code check
📚 3. How to Organize and Store BPRs
Best practices:
- Assign batch numbers with year-month-day format
- Digitize all BPRs
- Maintain hard copies in QC binders
- Store for minimum 2–3 years
- Use version control
This supports audits, retailer onboarding, and private label partners.
🧠 4. Most Common BPR Mistakes
- Missing signatures
- Lack of temperature logs
- No yield calculation
- Incomplete COA attachments
- Not documenting deviations
- Missing equipment ID numbers
Avoiding these issues increases professionalism instantly.
🔚 Final Thoughts
A strong BPR is more than documentation — it’s a sign of operational excellence.
Manufacturers who keep complete, organized BPRs earn retailer trust, accelerate onboarding, and build more resilient product lines.
👉 For COA-backed ingredients that strengthen your BPR from day one
