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Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC)

Certify your sustainable cotton supply chain at world standards. Verify your environmentally and socially responsible production processes with the Better Cotton Initiative CoC certificate.

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What is Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC)?

The Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC) is a basic framework that links Better Cotton Initiative production (produced in accordance with the Better Cotton Initiative Principles and Criteria) with demand. This standard ensures traceability and verifiability of Better Cotton Initiative use by organizations in the supply chain.

The Better Cotton Initiative CoC Standard sets auditable requirements for organizations that buy or sell physical Better Cotton Initiative or products containing Better Cotton Initiative as Better Cotton Initiative Mass Balance orders.

Traceability

Provides transparency in the supply chain by tracing Better Cotton Initiative to the final product.

Reliability

Third-party verification ensures the accuracy of Better Cotton Initiative claims every step of the way.

Sustainability

Better Cotton Initiative aims to protect water, soil and ecosystem health by reducing the environmental impact of cotton production, thus contributing to global sustainability.

Better Cotton Initiative CoC Certification System

For farmers who grow Better Cotton Initiative, suppliers who process it, and fashion retailers and brands who use it in their products, certification guarantees that robust controls are in place every step of the way, from the farm to the label you see in stores. This gives confidence both to the companies that invest in Better Cotton Initiative and want to spread the word, and to their consumers.

The audit process includes assessing the organization’s compliance with the requirements of the Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody Standard. Certification bodies (CBs) assess the organization’s management system, record-keeping practices and physical segregation measures. Audit processes provide stakeholders with confidence in the accuracy of Better Cotton Initiative claims they can make.

Better Cotton Initiative’s sustainability and ethical values are based on a holistic approach to the environmental, social and economic impacts of cotton production. These values aim to create better conditions not only in the cotton field, but throughout the entire supply chain.

Sustainable Supply Chain Assurance with Better Cotton Initiative CoC Certificate!

Strengthen transparency, traceability and sustainability in your cotton supply chain with Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC) certification.

Get free support from USB Certification’s team of experts and certify your supply chain in line with international standards.

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Implement an effective management system

Protection of natural resources

Reducing the use of hazardous chemicals and safe pesticide use

Maintaining and improving fiber quality

Promoting decent work practices

Taking measures to improve sustainable livelihoods and resilience

Better Cotton Initiative CoC Standard

Key Principles of the Better Cotton Initiative CoC Standard

The Better Cotton Initiative Standard includes six key principles to ensure sustainability in cotton production

Certification Process

How does the certification process work?

Under the Better Cotton Initiative certification approach, 100% of certification decisions are made by a third party certification body. These certification bodies must be accredited by an international organization and operate in accordance with international standards (ISO 17065).

Situation Assessment

Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC) due diligence is a preliminary review process to determine a business’ level of compliance with the Better Cotton Initiative CoC standard and to plan necessary improvements. This assessment involves analyzing existing systems, documentation and supply chain practices prior to applying for certification.

The Better Cotton Initiative CoC baseline assessment identifies strengths and areas for improvement in terms of traceability, mass balance management and documentation practices throughout the supply chain. This analysis enables the early identification of non-conformities that may be encountered during the certification process and the planning of corrective actions.

– Current Practices and Processes

The company’s management system, record keeping, purchasing and sales processes are reviewed according to Better Cotton Initiative CoC requirements.

– Chemical Use and Management

Assess whether Better Cotton Initiative cotton flows are accurately monitored by the mass balance system and documentation is in line with the CoC model.

– Environmental and Social Impacts

Production practices in the supply chain are analyzed for social compliance and environmental impacts.

– Supplier and Customer Relations

The accuracy of communication, data sharing and traceability records with stakeholders in the Better Cotton Initiative chain of custody are examined.

– Improvement Plan

According to the results of the assessment, the corrective and preventive actions that the company needs to take for Better Cotton Initiative CoC certification are determined.

Better Cotton Initiative Certification process

Better Cotton Initiative CoC certified companies are re-audited according to the standard requirements every three years or annual follow-up audits.

1
Application
The organization registers with Better Cotton Initiative and applies for the CoC program.
2
Offer and Contract
The certification body prepares a proposal and issues a contract for the scope to be assessed.
3
Preparation / Adaptation Studies
The organization establishes systems in accordance with CoC standards; processes are examined in the audit and corrections are made if necessary.
4
Certificate Decision / Approval
Compliance is assessed according to the audit results. If appropriate, a certificate is issued.
5
Validity and Renewal
The certificate is valid for a certain period of time, after which a re-audit is required.

Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC)

Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC) certificate, you must first register on the Better Cotton Initiative Platform and then contact a certification body (CB) to start the audit process. During the audit process, your compliance with the requirements of the CoC standard is evaluated and you can receive your certificate after a successful audit. Contact us now for more detailed information.

Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC) certification covers all actors in the cotton supply chain: Ginning mills, spinning mills, fabric mills, garment manufacturers, traders, Brands, sourcing agents and retailers.

The certification ensures that these organizations comply with Better Cotton Initiative standards and traceability of the supply chain. Contact us now for more detailed information.

Certification from the Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC) is required for organizations that want to source and sell products from physically traceable Better Cotton Initiative sources. While it is not currently required for those sourcing through a mass balance system, this may change in the future. Contact us today for more information.

Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC) certificates are valid for three years. However, regular audits and non-conformities may need to be addressed during this period. Contact us today for more information.

There is no precise information on the incentives provided for Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC) certification. However, various government and private sector incentives may be available to encourage sustainable production practices. It is recommended that you contact the relevant institutions for more information. Contact us now for more detailed information.

The mass balance system is a model that allows Better Cotton Initiative to be mixed with conventional cotton and tracked through the supply chain without being physically separated. This system allows retailers and brands to support sustainable cotton production by purchasing cotton from Better Cotton Initiative farmers, even if they do not use physically traceable Better Cotton Initiative. Contact us today for more information.

The audit process assesses the organization’s compliance with the requirements of the Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody Standard. Certification bodies (CBs) assess the organization’s certification, record-keeping practices and physical segregation measures. Contact us today for more information.

Accreditations

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Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody (CoC)