The Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme has launched a formal partner programme to connect stakeholders across the certified wool supply chain, offering exclusive benefits through structured membership. The initiative targets businesses from selling agents and exporters to processors and brands seeking recognition while supporting the scheme's integrity and operational efficiency.
- AWSS Partners will receive exclusive access to request Wool Certificates of Compliance for individual bales or consolidated lots.
- Members can obtain official Partner Badges, unique partner numbers, and listing in the AWSS Partner Directory for public recognition.
- Annual partnership fees apply with discounts available for AWEX members, computed from 1 July each year.
WHAT'S AT STAKE: The programme addresses growing market demand for certified, traceable wool by providing a credible framework for supply chain businesses to demonstrate their commitment to responsible industry conduct
KEY TAKEAWAY: This initiative establishes a structured pathway for wool industry stakeholders to engage with Australia's certification scheme, offering tangible benefits including exclusive compliance certificates and promotional recognition. The programme strengthens AWSS certification integrity and creates a formal ecosystem where businesses can demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices.
THE STANDARD: Developed for and owned by the Australian wool industry, through the Australian Wool Exchange Ltd (AWEX), the Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme provides credible, digital traceability from farm to first stage processing, and means on-farm practices have been adopted and can be verified for responsible environmental stewardship, wellbeing of the sheep, care for people, customers, community and industry and high-quality wool preparation standards.
CLOSE FOCUS: The programme offers two distinct certificate types designed to streamline trading and support documentation across different supply chain stages.
- Selling agents can request Lot Wool Certificates of Compliance to verify AWSS certification at individual bale or lot level for both auction and non-auction sales.
- Exporters can request Consignment Certificates of Compliance to consolidate multiple certified lots under a single certificate for enhanced shipment efficiency.
- Both certificate types cost AUD $100 excluding GST per request, with AWSS certification ending at the greasy wool stage.
- No chain of custody tracing requirements exist for wool lots certified under SustainaWOOL or ResponsiWOOL standards.
WORTH NOTING: Applicants must demonstrate genuine interest in the AWSS and commit to upholding certification integrity by following the AWSS Partner Program Business Rules throughout their membership.
- Annual fees are non-refundable unless applications are declined due to ineligibility, under which circumstances refunds are provided.
- Payment is due within 30 days of 1 July each year, with discounted rates available to AWEX members.
- Partner Badges must be used in accordance with official AWSS Partner Badge Usage Guidelines.
- Ongoing compliance with Business Rules is required to maintain partnership status and benefits.
CONTEXT FRAME: The partner programme connects to the broader industry shift towards formalised sustainability certification systems as global textile markets increasingly demand verified responsible production practices across supply chains.
