Although participation in TOPMARK does not require the testing of top samples, mills will be able to benchmark the performance of their own laboratory by submitting top samples for testing. AWTA Textile Testing will provide both Hauteur and Fibre Diameter measurement data on each consignment allowing a direct comparison with the data obtained in the mill laboratory.

To allow this testing to occur, a minimum of 5 samples of top, each 1.2 metres in length, are required from each processing batch. Each top sample should be taken sequentially throughout combing so that they are representative of the whole consignment. The most practical method of sampling is to take 2 lengths of top when sampling for in-house mill testing (see sampling note below).

Each sample should be identified by the name of the participant, the consignment reference number and a suffix to indicate the production sequence.

AWTA Textile Testing has announced reduced fees for TOPMARK participants. The testing options are as follows:

1. Almeter and Laserscan AUD$60.00

2. In addition to Almeter and Laserscan, the following tests are available:

- Extractable Matter AUD $50.00
- Vegetable Matter AUD $50.00
- Uster Evenness AUD $50.00
- Dark & Coloured Fibre AUD $50.00

All fees are applicable until 30th June 2006.

If testing of top samples is required, please attach the Processing Report (either the Mills own combing report, or the proforma TEAM-3 Processing Report) to this Nomination form, then despatch it and the top samples to:

AWTA Ltd
Attn: David Crowe, Senior Research Officer
Cnr Byron and Military Roads
GUILDFORD, NSW 2161
AUSTRALIA

NOTE:
1. The sampling requirements are based on those set out in the IWTO Regulations for the testing of Wool Slivers for Mean Fibre Diameter & Mean Fibre Length.

2. Each 1.2 metre length of sample sliver should be twisted as per the requirements of Section 6.1.1 (i) of IWTO-17-85 or wrapped onto formers.

Further information on AWTA Textile Testing can be found at: www.awta.com.au/Textiles/