Introduction of New “D” Suffix IWTO Test Certificate

AWTA Ltd is required to identify the Wool Preparation Category on IWTO Test Certificates. This is done both in words (e.g. “Classed Grower Lot”) and by the use of the Test Number suffix, “P”, “B”, “I” etc.

IWTO recently approved changes to the definitions of Wool Preparation Categories at its Congress in Edinburgh and these changes will come into effect on January 1st 2008.  These changes allow for two categories of grower lots; the “Classed Grower Lot” which will retain the “P” suffix and the “Other Grower Lot” which will be identified by a new “D” Test Number suffix.  At the same time, the Bulk Class definitions have been refined so that “Classed Bulk-Class Lot” category with a “Q” suffix represents wools that meet classing standards whilst the “Other Bulk-Class Lot” category with a “B” suffix is for wools that don’t.

1. What is an IWTO Wool Preparation Category?

The Wool Preparation Category (WPC) is a means by which buyers can identify how wool lots have been prepared for sale.  IWTO Regulations define the different WPC categories, which must be declared by sellers if they wish to obtain an IWTO certificate on a lot of wool. 

2. What wools now qualify as Classed Grower Lots?

The wool must be:
• A lot of raw wool from an individual grower comprising bales from one clip; and
• Classed by an AWEX registered classer or classing house in accordance with the AWEX Code of Practice.

3. What wools now qualify as Other Grower Lots?

The wool must be:
• A lot of raw wool from an individual grower comprising bales from one clip, not necessarily classed in accordance with the AWEX Code of Practice.

4. What happens to a Classed Grower Lot if it fails to meet the AWEX COP?

If a lot is inspected by AWEX prior to auction and does not meet the Code of Practice (NB: Preparation Issues only), it can be:
• Reclassed to the COP standard; or
• Sold as an “Other Grower Lot” which does not meet the Code of Practice.  The test certificate will be amended to display the correct category and suffix.

5. What wools now qualify as Classed Bulk-Class?

Wools blended from various sources that are classed by an AWEX registered classing house in accordance with the AWEX Code of Practice.

6.  What happens if a Classed Bulk-Class lot fails to meet the AWEX COP?

If a lot is inspected by AWEX prior to auction and it does not meet the Code of Practice (NB: Preparation Issues only), it can be:
• Reclassed to the standard; or
• Sold as an “Other Bulk-Class Lot”, which does not meet the Code of Practice. The test certificate will be amended to display the correct category and suffix.

7. Are Objectively Matched Lots (OML’s) affected?

The definition of OML’s is unchanged – individually tested Classed Grower Lots (WPC = ‘P”) that meet tolerances for Yield, VM and Micron.  Other Grower Lots (WPC=”D”) will not be included in OMLs.