BCI Update Notice - May 2026: Regarding the INTACT Platform Upgrade and Standard Reference Specifications
In May 2026, the BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) released its latest update requirements. As a certification body, we have identified the key changes pertaining to business continuity and compliance. Relevant enterprises are advised to prioritize the June system maintenance window and promptly adjust their supply chain audits and certification applications.
1. System Notice: INTACT Platform June Maintenance Window
According to the official BCI announcement, the INTACT platform will undergo a fundamental architecture upgrade in June 2026.
Maintenance duration: The service is expected to be suspended for approximately half a day.
Business Impact: During this period, the Certification Body (CB) will not be able to access the system to perform operations such as creating BCI audit orders, generating audit reports, uploading certificates, or closing audit orders.
Recommendation: Given that the maintenance window may delay the certification process, enterprises planning an audit are advised to initiate the application process in advance and ensure that audit orders are created and assigned before the system goes offline.
2. Reaffirmation of Compliance: Uniform use of the "Better Cotton Initiative" logo
Recent audits have revealed that some organizations still use the outdated designation "Better Cotton (BC)" in their promotional materials and management system documents. The BCI has explicitly mandated uniform adoption of this term.
Official name: The full name "Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)" must be used in all external communications, documents, and website statements.
Standard Reference: References to the standard must be formally stated as the Better Cotton Initiative Chain of Custody Standard v1.2.
Recommendations: Immediately verify whether the logo is the latest version and whether all system documents properly reference the standards.
3. Timeliness Reminder: A 48-hour reporting mechanism for negative review results
To strengthen the oversight mechanism, BCI has reiterated stringent requirements for the timeliness of reporting negative review results:
Regulation: For any negative certification decision (e.g., non-recommendation, suspension, revocation, etc.), the certification body must notify the BCI Compliance Department via email within 48 hours.
Consequences: Upon reporting, BCI headquarters will take immediate action, which may directly result in the organization's BCP account being locked, disrupting transactions and settlements.
Important Notice: All organizations must prioritize non-conformities (NC) identified during audits and ensure effective corrective actions are completed within the specified timeframe to mitigate account risks.
About Cotecna Kaixin Certification
Beijing Cotecna Kaixin Certification Co., Ltd. ("BCK") is a third-party certification body accredited by CNAS and ANAB. Focusing on providing certification services covering quality and safety, agri-food products, intellectual property, information security, energy, and sustainability, we have served over 20,000 clients, and remains committed to delivering premium and efficient service to clients, contributing to economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.