A manufacturer controls formulation, raw materials, and production process, and can issue batch traceability and certificates of analysis from in-house QC. A distributor mainly resells product and typically cannot adjust formulation or provide detailed process support beyond storage and delivery guidance. A toll producer runs production on behalf of another brand owner, so responsibility for formulation, approvals, and change control may sit with the client. For buyers, the difference shows up in technical accountability, ability to customize grades, QC depth, and how quickly issues are diagnosed and corrected.