ASTA's Cleanliness Specifications were developed to ensure that spices meet federal regulatory requirements for safety and cleanliness. They were designed to meet or exceed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Defect Action Levels.

The IOSTA Good Agricultural Practices Guide was developed as a joint project by members of the International Organization of Spice Trade Associations (IOSTA). The English version was updated in May of 2020 to make minor clarifications and add additional references and resources. The guidance reflects U.S. regulations and issues specific to exporting to the U.S. and provides recommendations on how to mitigate mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticide residues, allergens, and microbiological and environmental contamination. Versions in Vietnamese, French, and Spanish are also included and are based on an earlier 2016 version.