Is BCI's definition for subcontractors different from Textile Exchange? Does the subcontractor bring their own exemption token?

Many friends who have been certified for Textile Exchange products may have heard of the term 'subcontractor' and are very familiar with it. Recently, with the increasing popularity of BCI's good cotton certification, many customers have raised questions. Are BCI's requirements for subcontractors the same as Textile Exchange? Is there anything special about it?

For the definition of subcontractors, BCI's official documents provide a diagram. I would like to share my insights and welcome everyone to discuss together.

1. Firstly, it is necessary to determine whether the organization meets the requirements of 2.8 and has implemented appropriate management of subcontractors?

No: No assessment is required and an NC is issued to the organization as it does not meet the standards.

2. If the requirements of 2.8 are met, it depends on whether the subcontractor has independently obtained CoC standard certification?

Obtained: No assessment required.

3. If the subcontractor has not obtained CoC standard certification, it depends on whether the subcontractor represents the organization in the initial cotton rolling or spinning activities?

Yes: A assessment is required.

No: Check the banned list.

4. Is the subcontractor on the prohibited list of Good Cotton or Textile Exchange certifications.

On the list: requires assessment.

5. If the subcontractor is not on the banned list, it is necessary to check whether they have independently obtained Good Cotton Certification or Peer Sustainability Certification (GOTS, Textile Exchange).

Obtained: No assessment required

6. If the subcontractor has not obtained sustainable certification, it depends on whether they are only carrying out one or more of the following processes for the organization? For example, warehousing and distribution, printing, trade, washing, packaging, retail, dyeing.

Yes: No assessment is required.

No: Further consider the issue of product ownership transfer.

7. Did the subcontractor obtain product receipts from the organization's suppliers, process them, and send them to the organization's customers, meaning that the organization did not participate in physical storage at any stage?

Not obtained: No assessment required.

Obtained: assessment required.

brief summary

The BCI subcontractor representative organization needs to be audited and certified for the initial cotton rolling or spinning activities. If the process flow (storage and distribution, printing, trade, washing, packaging, retail, dyeing, cutting, sewing, etc.) that does not involve the transfer of buying and selling rights does not require auditing and certification.

In short, subcontractors need certification for cotton ginning or spinning work, while others do not require certification.