In March 2025, the Izmir Ticaret Borsası (ITB) Laboratory in Turkey was audited by ICA Bremen as part of their Laboratory Certification Program. The audit, which took place on March 3-4, is part of ICA Bremen’s ongoing aim to promote worldwide cotton testing standards and assure trustworthy, independently confirmed fibre quality results throughout the industry.
Following a thorough examination of the laboratory’s quality assurance system in accordance with the Certification Procedure and Criteria, the ITB Laboratory met the essential requirements and passed the certification process.
Scope of the Audit. The audit included a full review of:
- The laboratory’s quality management system
- Adherence to international testing standards
- Use and maintenance of High Volume Instruments (HVI)
- Calibration and verification processes
- Human resources and staff training
- Quality manual and records provided by the laboratory
- Physical inspection and operational performance across all relevant testing areas
The laboratory provided quality documents which included the manual, data, charts and images in accordance with the audit procedure.
During the post-audit review, audit team members raised various technical questions about quality assurance techniques. The laboratory and auditors thoroughly answered these enquiries, and all issues were satisfactorily handled, paving the way for certification to be provided as soon as possible.
The ITB Laboratory’s certification demonstrates ICA Bremen’s dedication to increasing cotton testing standards around the world. Laboratories certified under ICA Bremen’s certification process are renowned for satisfying required quality standards that assure data reliability, uniformity across testing settings, and increased trust among business partners.
This achievement marks another step in harmonising cotton quality evaluation globally — helping buyers and sellers operate with greater confidence in a complex and technical market.
We extend our congratulations to the team at Izmir Ticaret Borsası for their efforts and commitment to maintaining high laboratory standards, and we look forward to their continued contribution to industry best practices.
For more information on ICA Bremen’s Laboratory Certification Programme, visit: https://ica-bremen.org/contact-us/