COA
ICUMSA colour, polarisation, moisture, ash, reducers when relevant and method.
Agricultural commodities / Sweeteners
ICUMSA 600-1200 Sugar
Higher-colour commercial sugar specified by method, lot and contract, not by a purity percentage.
ICUMSA terminology
600-1200 refers to colour, not purity
ICUMSA 600-1200 describes a commercial range associated with colour measurement in the relevant analytical context; it does not mean 60-120% or 600-1200% purity.
The specification should name the applicable method or reference, polarisation, moisture, ash, reducing sugars where relevant, crystal size, foreign matter and packing.
Compared with ICUMSA 45, typical of refined white sugar, ICUMSA 600-1200 is associated with darker or less-refined sugar depending on origin, process and contract.
MeasuresColour / ICUMSA units
Does not measurePurity percentage
ComparisonDifferent from ICUMSA 45
ContractMethod + lot
Loading published market reference…Automatic reference data; no estimated value is shown if the source is unavailable.
From cane or beet to commercial sugar
1Raw material
Cane or beet is processed according to origin, crop campaign and plant.
2Extraction and clarification
Juice is treated to separate impurities and concentrate sucrose.
3Crystallisation
Refining level influences colour, ash, moisture and crystal characteristics.
4Drying and classification
Product is stabilised, screened and prepared for packing.
5COA and packing
ICUMSA colour, polarisation, moisture and cleanliness are documented by lot.
Colour specification
ICUMSA 600–1200 versus ICUMSA 45
ICUMSA 45 is commercially associated with highly refined white sugar, whereas ICUMSA 600–1200 describes sugar with higher colour and, depending on origin, process and contract, a lower degree of refining. They should not be treated as interchangeable grades. Comparison should consider colour method, polarisation, moisture, ash, reducing sugars, crystal characteristics, foreign matter and contractual specification.
The buyer should request colour by applicable method, polarisation, moisture, ash, reducing sugars when relevant, crystal characteristics, foreign matter and packing.
ICUMSA 600-1200 should not be presented as one universal grade. Acceptance depends on contract, origin, analytical method and destination.
Controlling colour, moisture and cleanliness
Sugar logistics require dry conditions, protection from moisture, odour, contamination, bag damage and caking. Packing may be bags, FIBC or another agreed mode.
Documentation should align COA, ICUMSA method, polarisation, moisture, ash, crystal size, origin, lot, weight and shipment documents.
KaizenGTC supports documentary review and commercial comparison; it does not certify plant, stock or quality outside the agreed analyses and contracts.
ICUMSA 600-1200 sugar controls
| Element | Verification |
|---|---|
| ICUMSA | Read as colour in method context, not purity. |
| Polarisation | Confirm contractual value and analytical method. |
| Moisture | Control caking, stability and logistics condition. |
| Ash / reducers | Request when part of the agreed specification. |
| ICUMSA 45 | Use only as refined white sugar comparison. |
Raw, brown or less-refined sugar by specification
Sugar markets are read through production and trade data, but the ICUMSA 600-1200 range is bought by lot specification and contract.
| Commercial reading | Prudent use | Source / period |
|---|---|---|
| World sugar | Context | USDA FAS publishes sugar circulars with production, consumption and trade by campaign. |
| ICUMSA colour | Specification | ICUMSA provides the technical framework; proprietary methods are not reproduced. |
| Food standards | Reference | Codex provides sugar standards; the contract defines applicable edition and limits. |
Sources: ICUMSA · Codex standards list · USDA FAS Sugar circular
Documents that prevent terminology errors
Contract
Origin, product, packing, destination, tolerances, inspection and documents.
Logistics
Dry condition, weight, lot, seals, bags, FIBC or agreed mode.
Questions about ICUMSA 600-1200 sugar
What does the ICUMSA number measure?
It relates to colour measured in the relevant technical context; it is not a purity percentage.
Is ICUMSA 600-1200 a purity value?
No. It should be treated as colour and commercial specification, alongside other lot parameters.
How does it differ from ICUMSA 45?
ICUMSA 45 is associated with highly refined white sugar; ICUMSA 600-1200 describes a darker or less-refined product depending on contract.
Is there one global specification?
It should not be assumed. Method, edition, origin, destination and contract define applicable limits.
Which documents should be requested?
COA with colour, polarisation, moisture, ash, method, lot, origin, packing, weight and shipment documents.