The primary component of the Permanent Bale Identification (PBI) system is the identification number. This identifier is a 12-digit number displayed on the tag in both eye-readable and barcode formats. The first numbers, a 5-digit component, is the gin code, which is assigned by USDA. The following number, a 7-digit component, is the bale number, which is assigned by the gin (or in some cases, by the warehouse).
The success of the PBI system is based on the principle that all numbers will be unique across multiple years. Even though USDA-AMS monitors PBI numbers to ensure that there are no duplicates, it is important to remember that there really is no practical need to repeat PBI numbers. The 12-digit identifier enables every bale to have a unique number across multiple years and allows for 10 million bales to be identified before a gin would need to repeat any number.
Additionally, and most importantly, if numbers are repeated after the specified five year period, there is a risk of limiting an operation to its previously used numbers, and, therefore, limiting its annual production. This may prove to be too restrictive for your operation. The following is an example of the preferred bale number sequences for the ginning seasons beyond the fifth year:
| Year | Tag Number Used | Production
(in bales) |
| 2002 | (1) 0000001 – 0010000 | 10,000 |
| 2003 | (2) 0010001 – 0017000 | 7,000 |
| 2004 | (3) 0017001 – 0029000 | 12,000 |
| 2005 | (4) 0029001 – 0054000 | 25,000 |
| 2006 | (5) 0054001 – 0086500 | 32,500 |
| 2007 | (6) 0086501 – 0126500 | 40,000 |
Repeating previously used numbers introduces the potential of duplicating numbers. Referring to the above example, if an operation begins repeating their 2002 PBI numbers this year, its production would be limited to 10,000 bales (its volume from 2003) because it would not be able to use 2003 PBI numbers until 2008, and so on.
Even though an operation can repeat its numbering series after five years, it is a better business practice to continue the PBI numbering sequence from the previous year, as shown in the above example. USDA-AMS is continuing to enforce compliance with PBI tag requirements. If they determine that a duplicate bale number exists, they will require the gin to correct the problem before classing services can be delivered.
For more information, contact:
Dale Thompson
Manager, Marketing & Processing Technology
National Cotton Council
901.274.9030