Copra Classification Standards in Philippines, India and Papua New Guinea

The oil content, the color and appearance, and the moisture content are variable. These characteristics are demonstrated in the grades and standards used for copra.

Quality Standard for Copra in the Philippines: Classes of Copra (Based on Method of Drying and Appearance)
In the Philippines there are four recognized classes of copra designated A, B, C and D. The classification is based on the method of drying. Under each class are seven grades, from 1 to 7, based on moisture content. The classes are given in Table 3 and the grades in Table 4. These tables show the 3 types of copra drying in existence: sun drying, smoked tapahan drying and hot air drying. It is also indicates among the grades, as high as 22 percent moisture content (Corriente) is traded. The best grade copra contains no more than 6 percent moisture.

Grades of Copra Used in the Philippines (Based on Moisture Content)
It must be noted however, that trading of copra is essentially based on moisture content. In the Philippines where roughly 90-95 percent of total production is sold to the village trader, copra with 20-25 percent moisture content are bought at a discounted price. This is referred to as the "pasa system" of copra buying where a discount on the copra price is based on moisture. Thus, copra is classified according to its moisture content even at the first point of sale. Since moisture meters are not readily available in the villages, moisture content determination is done visually or by cracking or splitting the copra by hand and feeling. Experienced and highly skilled copra buyers do this.

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