Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
QIMA is an approved third-party assessor for Independent Assessments for BCI consumption measurements. Partner with us to drive environmentally and socially responsible cotton practices.
QIMA is an approved third-party assessor for Independent Assessments for BCI consumption measurements. Partner with us to drive environmentally and socially responsible cotton practices.
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is the world's largest cotton sustainability program, founded to enhance the environmental, social, and economic aspects of global cotton production. Since its establishment in 2005, BCI has collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders to promote sustainable cotton farming practices that benefit the planet, farming communities, and the future of the industry.
BCI's mission is to transform cotton production globally through several core sustainability goals:
Minimize environmental impact: encourage practices that reduce water use, limit harmful chemicals, and protect ecosystems.
Enhance economic development: improve the livelihoods of farmers and workers through better farming techniques and fair labor conditions.
Promote better working conditions: ensure safe, equitable labor practices in cotton farming communities.
Ensure supply chain integrity: provide traceable and transparent supply chains for responsibly sourced cotton.
Mandatory membership requirement: The Independent Assessment is essential for all Retailer and Brand (RB) members to ensure consistency and reliability in cotton fibre consumption data. Retailers and Brands must calculate their total cotton fibre consumption measurement annually and submit it to Better Cotton by January 15. Failing to meet this requirement can result in membership suspension and loss of eligibility to make claims related to Better Cotton Membership.
Enhanced credibility and compliance: Conducting an Independent Assessment strengthens the credibility of your claims regarding Better Cotton sourcing. As legislation around green claims evolves, having verified data will ensure compliance and support your business’s reputation and accountability in the marketplace.
Foundational step: The Independent Assessment serves as a verification process to confirm compliance with BCI standards. Establishing compliance allows you to confidently pursue Chain of Custody certification, ensuring traceability and responsible sourcing throughout your supply chain.
As an approved third-party assessor for Independent Assessments for Better Cotton consumption measurements, QIMA can ensure your cotton sourcing practices are transparent and sustainable. Here's how we support you:
Comprehensive assessments: We review essential documents such as your Better Cotton Calculation Sheet and production orders to ensure compliance with BCI standards.
Documentation review: We verify key details about your products and cotton sourcing, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Independent Assessment Outcome Declaration and Conformity Assessment: After our assessment, we provide a detailed outcome declaration confirming compliance and identifying areas for improvement.
Global coverage: Our independent assessments can be conducted remotely, enabling us to cover all countries worldwide. This flexibility ensures that brands and retailers can easily engage in the verification process.
Reach out to find out more about the supporting documents required for assessment.
In-depth local knowledge with auditors attuned to the culture, laws and practices of their region.
CSR experts receive regular training on regulations and best practice.
Global coverage across 100 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America.
Continuous improvement approach drives long-term change and empowers suppliers to act.
Online program management book audits, make payments and download detailed reports.
Custom compliance dashboard to assess supplier performance, track progress and visualize your supply network.