BCI Good Cotton May Dynamic Express | Transparent, rigorous, and compliant, promoting the sustainable development of the cotton industry
Cotton is the most widely used natural fiber in the world, with over one-fifth of the world's cotton licensed by Better Cotton. BCI has always played a key leading role in the field of sustainable cotton development. In May 2025, BCI released a seriesof important updates covering certification standards, pesticide use, brand certification, and CB (Certification Body) audits. Follow me to see the key information.
Key Update - COC
01. Brand Certification Audit Report Template Now Available on CB/3PV CoC Resource Centre
BCI continues to optimize its certification standards and is committed to improving the sustainable development level of the entire cotton industry. The CB/3PV CoC Resource Center now offers a brand new template for brand certification audit reports. CB will use this template for brand certification review. Brands can have a clearer understanding of certification requirements and their own performance, and the audit process will be more standardized and unified, ensuring the fairness and consistency of certification.
02. Member Monitoring Protocol & BCP Terms and Conditions
BCI has strictly regulated the membership monitoring agreement and BCP platform terms and conditions. If suppliers fail to comply with these regulations, they may face the risk of suspending cooperation. This measure effectively ensures the seriousness and credibility of good cotton standards, and creates a fair and healthy development environment for the industry.
03. Variation Request Form– Coming Soon
This form will allow certification bodies to formally apply for certain reasonable adjustments to the Chain of Custody (CoC) standards with sufficient justification. This form will improve transparency and consistency in handling exceptions and will soon be available in the CoC Resource Center.
Key Update - P&C
01. Revised Audit Report Templates – Producer Level
The Knowledge Center has now provided a new template for audit reports for producer level certification. CB will use a new template in subsequent audit work to ensure a more standardized and transparent certification process, allowing consumers to have a clearer understanding of sustainable cotton products.
02. Better Cotton HHP Exceptional Use Decisions 2025-26 published
High risk pesticides (HHPs) are pesticides associated with significant health and environmental risks, and BCI has released the 2025 to 2026 Special Use Decisions for Pesticides in various countries. This decision was made after comprehensive consideration of the actual situation in various regions and has strict limitations. Considering the practical needs of ensuring cotton yield and quality, while minimizing the potential harm of pesticides to the environment and human health.
For more details, please refer to: https://bettercotton.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pesticide-committee-decisions-summary-2025_v.2.0.pdf
Data Insight
At present, in China, India, Türkiye, Australia, Pakistan and other countries, the demand for BCI certification audit is extremely prominent. As of May 6, 2025, 81 certificates have been issued and 150 audits have been arranged. Cotton industry practitioners can also use this data to understand market trends and adjust their business strategies in a timely manner.