4.1. Certificates of Analysis (COA): Manufacturers, fabricators, importers and/or distributors of approved packaging materials shall provide COA to users of those materials when requested by the purchaser. The JCIBPC may request COA from manufacturers, fabricators, importers and/or distributors of approved packaging materials at any time.
4.1.1. Required Information: The following information must be recorded on a COA.
4.1.1.1. Bale Tie or Bag Lot number or Other Identifier: An itemization of the units delivered (rolls, coils, pallets, bundles, etc.).
4.1.1.2. Bale Tie and Bag Code: The bale tie and bag code for the material used in the tie or bale bag.
4.1.1.3. Date: The day(s); month; and year when the bale ties or bags were manufactured / fabricated.
4.1.1.4. Name and Address of manufacturer / fabricator: The name and physical address of facility manufacturing / fabricating the bale ties or bags. The address shall consist of a street name and number (or other geographic identifier); city; state; and country of origin.
4.1.1.5. Importer’s Name and Address: When imported materials are permitted and are used, importers are responsible for obtaining and maintaining a COA from foreign manufacturers / fabricators. Importers shall also provide a physical address for foreign manufacturers / fabricators. The address shall consist of a street name and number (or other geographic identifier); city; state; and country of origin.
4.1.1.6. Distributor’s Name and Address: When the manufacturers / fabricators / importers are not the distributors, the COA provided to the purchaser or JCIBPC shall contain the name and physical address of the distributor. The address shall consist of a street name and number (or other geographic identifier); city; and state.
4.1.1.7. Tested properties and test methods: The COA shall contain references to tests stipulated in these specifications for the bale tie or bag code referenced in 4.2.1.2. The references shall be followed by the results from the tie lot tests. Test results shall be stated in the prescribed units of measure.
4.1.1.8. Date Inspected: Date of inspections along with the name and telephone number of person responsible for overseeing manufacturer’s / fabricator’s bale tie or bagging inspections.
4.1.2. Bale Tie Certification: Manufacturers, fabricators and/or distributors of each category of bale tie shall comply with the applicable manufacturing, inspection and certification requirements found in the bale tie specifications. Guidance for wire ties is in 1.2.1.2. Certification of Wire Ties Required. Guidance for PET plastic strapping is in 1.2.2.4.4.3. Certification of PET Plastic Strapping Required.
4.1.3. Bagging Certification: Manufacturers, fabricators, importers and/or distributors of each category of bagging shall apply the manufacturing, inspection and certification requirements in bagging specifications as applicable. Guidance for cotton bags 2.2.1.4.4.3. Certification of Fabric Furnished. Guidance for PE film bag certification is found in section 2.2.2.4.4.3. Certification of Film Furnished. Guidance for woven polypropylene certification is found in section 2.2.3.6.4.3. Certification of Fabric Furnished. Guidance for woven polyethylene certification is found in section 2.2.4.4.4.3. Certification of Fabric Furnished. Guidance for woven PET bag certification is found in section 2.2.5.3.4.3. Certification of Fabric Furnished.
4.1.4. Record Keeping: Manufacturers, fabricators, importers and/or distributors of approved packaging materials shall keep a copy of each COA along with a record of the COA lot numbers; dates of delivery; and purchasers names for a minimum of 24 months from the date the lot was delivered.
4.2. Approved List: Upon receipt of satisfactory test results and a COA from PET plastic strap, PE film, woven polypropylene or woven polyethylene manufacturers or fabricators, the JCIBPC will publicize throughout the cotton industry lists of approved manufacturers and their trademarks. Upon receipt of satisfactory testing results and a COA for cotton bale bags from the bag importer or manufacturer, the JCIBPC will publicize throughout the cotton industry a list of approved bag importers or domestic fabricators and their trademarks. The lists are maintained on the Bale Packaging page of the National Cotton Council website.