We are inviting all interested stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed updates to the Better Cotton Initiative’s assurance requirements.
BCI has launched a public consultation on targeted updates to the assurance processes defined in our General Certification Requirements, and the Principles & Criteria (P&C) Monitoring and Certification Requirements.
This is a partial revision, and it follows the relevant processes to target impacted stakeholders. The consultation will be open from 11 to 25 February 2026. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Proposed updates
Click below to download and review the proposed updates to these normative documents.
Principles & Criteria Monitoring and Certification Requirements v1.3 – Draft for Consultation
Get involved and share your feedback
Whether you are a farmer, partner, supply chain company, retailer, or brand, your voice matters. We encourage everyone to participate and help shape the assurance processes.
To share your feedback on the General Certification Requirements v1.2, click the relevant language option below to submit responses via our survey:
To share your feedback on the Principles & Criteria Monitoring and Certification Requirements v1.3, click the relevant language option below to submit responses via our survey:
What is being revised?
This update focuses on changes relating to:
- Aligning with corporate due diligence legislation
- Confirming P&C audit team social auditing competency and interview guidance
- Clarifying the transition process to P&C v3.2
- Better defining and improving credibility of various processes
- Improving consistency and clarity
This revision process is overseen by the Internal Steering Committee, which includes key staff from across Better Cotton Initiative and provides technical input.
Why your feedback matters
This public consultation is your opportunity to shape how the assurance processes evolve. We are looking for input on whether the proposed changes are:
- Credible and aligned with best practice
- Feasible to implement
- Understandable
Following the public consultation and further internal consultations, the Better Cotton Initiative will review all input and publish a summary of feedback, including how it was taken into account.
What is Better Cotton Initiative Assurance?
Assurance at the Better Cotton Initiative includes both third-party certification and first and second-party monitoring of producers and supply chain companies. These processes are defined across three documents:
- The General Certification are the overarching requirements for certification for both Chain of Custody and Principles and Criteria.
- The Principles & Criteria (P&C) Monitoring and Certification Requirements define the additional requirements for certification and other monitoring activities specific to P&C assurance for producers
- The Chain of Custody (CoC) Monitoring and Certification Requirements define the additional requirements for certification and other monitoring activities specific to CoC assurance for supply chains, retailers and brands
Timeline
- December 2025: Revision process launched
- 11-25 February 2026: Public consultation open
- March 2026: Consultation review, finalisation and publish
- April 2026: The requirements become effective
Questions?
If you have any questions about the consultation, you can reach us at [email protected].