A good cashmere standard needs to be formulated based on the changing market, tracing the origin of cashmere production and future sustainable development. A good cashmere standard should make sure that in goat farming, the goat welfare is ensured, the herder’s basic needs are met and the sustainable development of the environment and biodiversity is guaranteed. At the same time, it’s necessary to create transparency in the production process so as to facilitate the sustainable development of cashmere.

Promotion and implementation of the standard

"Farm Animal Welfare Requirements: Cashmere Goat" was drafted by International Cooperation Committee of Animal Welfare, and jointly developed by scientific research institutions, industry associations and companies at home and abroad. It was planned that the standard would be promoted in global cashmere industry.

In sustainable cashmere industry, apart from establishing traceability of cashmere from its origin, it’s also necessary to strengthen the control and management of cashmere processing and sales, especially increasing animal welfare awareness of retailers and distributors in the international market, so as to guarantee the basic interests of herders and improve their recognition of environmental sustainability.

Herders

ICCAW evaluates the farms and carries out on-site review based on "Farm Animal Welfare Requirements: Cashmere Goat" to assess whether the requirements set out in the standard in goat farming, transport and cashmere collection have been satisfied. If the review is passed, ICCAW will issue certification to the herders, which proves that the goat farming is in line with the regulations and indicators in "Farm Animal Welfare Requirements: Cashmere Goat" and secures more economic benefits and opportunities in sales.

Raw material manufacturer

If a raw material manufacturer wants to become our member, please download and fill in the membership application form in the attachment at the bottom of the webpage. We will contact you after receiving your application.

All the purchased cashmere has to be traceable with animal welfare certifications. The company needs to submit its relevant information, after passing the review, it will need to pay a membership fee to become our member. The invoice will be issued as requested. We will provide the member company with an animal welfare certificate in both paper and electronic versions. The certificate is valid for 5 years. Afterwards, we will discuss about membership renewal with your company.

Spinner or garment manufacturer

If a spinner or garment manufacturer wants to become our member, they can also download and fill in the membership application form. We will contact you after receiving your application.

After passing the review, the company will need to pay a membership fee to become our member. The invoice will be issued as requested. We will provide the member company with an animal welfare certificate in both paper and electronic versions. The certificate is valid for 5 years. Afterwards, we will discuss about membership renewal with your company.

Brands

Brands can also use animal welfare certifications issued by ICCAW after becoming our members. In the application, they need to submit certifications of animal welfare certified raw material suppliers and garment manufacturers to ensure that the products are in compliance with "Farm Animal Welfare Requirements: Cashmere Goat". If necessary, ICCAW can provide the brands with paid testing services for raw materials to create transparency in the market.