Important Notice | New BCI Better Cotton CoC Self-Assessment Regulations Are Now in Place, Quick Overview of Key Timelines!
Recently, the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) officially released the "Chain of Custody – Self Assessment Guidance v1.0" (CoC Self-Assessment Guidance), which clarifies the full process requirements for supply chain organizations to conduct BCI-compliant self-assessment of the good cotton chain traceability. In 2027, multiple key time nodes will directly affect enterprise certification and compliant operations. Whether you are a certified supplier, a prospective certifying enterprise, or a non-certified BCP user, this time node guide is a must-have!
The core of this new regulation is formulated around three dimensions: the implementation time of self-assessment, certification alignment, and compliance deadline. It not only sets a reasonable transition period but also clarifies the compliance rules that are permanently enforced. All supply chain organizations that purchase, sell, and operate BCI-certified cotton (applicable to ginning factories, brand owners, and retailers) must comply. Next, we will highlight and sort out all core time nodes and corresponding requirements.
1. Time nodes for the first certification audit
1. Prior to January 31, 2027, the certification body/auditor initiating the first certification shall not compel the submission of self-assessment. The organization must complete the self-assessment within 9 months after certification (a 90-day non-compliance rectification period needs to be reserved, and additional execution time shall be reserved according to the number of venues for multiple venues)
After January 31, 2027, the first certification audit will be initiated. The organization must complete self-assessment before initiating the certification audit
2. Transition period nodes for certified organizations
February 28, 2027: The deadline for the transition period set for certified organizations that have purchased/sold BCI cotton
Requirements: Self-assessment must be completed within 9 months from the date of issuance of this document (a 90-day rectification period must be reserved, and the number of days reserved should be adjusted according to the number of venues in case of multiple venues)
3. Core Reminder
All supply chain organizations purchasing/selling BCI cotton are required to complete self-assessment according to the above-mentioned nodes. Failure to do so within the deadline will affect certification and BCP account usage.
In addition to considering the 90-day non-compliance rectification period, multi-site enterprises also need to plan their self-assessment time in advance based on the number of sites (for example, one day for each site), to ensure that all sites complete self-assessment and rectification within the deadline.
ASCP, as a certification body approved by BCI, will provide customers with efficient and compliant certification support. Self-assessments can be sent to our official email: info@ascpservices.com
For enterprises requiring templates, time planning, and multi-site coordination plans, they can directly log in to the BCP platform and download the official documents from the Help section at https://bettercotton.org/document-library/ or contact the BCI service desk at helpdesk@bettercotton.org
Contact Information
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Email: info@ascpservices.com
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