Round Trials

In order for your cotton testing results to be of any value in today’s market, they must prove to be reliable at an international level – this is where ‘Round Trials’ can help.

What are Round Trials?

These tests check the reliability and consistency of results from all participating laboratories. This demonstrates their capability to meet recommended standards and to improve their performance.

ICA Bremen Round Trials are a free service of ICA Bremen. The CSITC Round Trials are an external service, but participation in it is necessary to apply for laboratory certification.

The ICA Bremen Round Trials are open to all cotton testing laboratories in the world*, offering an opportunity for each participant to compare their test results with more than 100 other laboratories in more than 35 countries.

They are the only international cotton round trials that not only include HVI, but also AFIS and most other commercially used testing methods for Strength, Length, Maturity and Fineness.
* Note: excluding any laboratory whose owner is on the ICA List of Unfulfilled Awards (Part 1 or 2).

What is included in the ICA Bremen Round Trials?

They are the only international cotton round trials that not only include HVI, but also various other kinds of cotton testing methods/ instruments/ parameters.

See the full list of what is included

Due to many different types of participating instruments, it is also possible to compare results of different testing methods and instrument types based on the correlations or discrepancies established by the ICA Bremen Round Trials.

Additional testing methods will be added as soon as a sufficient number of participants is available.

What is the process?

The ICA Bremen Cotton Round Trials are conducted three times a year. Each time, a participant will receive one cotton sample for testing on their respective instruments. The results will then be sent back to ICA Bremen for evaluation.

What are the results of the Round Trials?

The combined statistical results will be distributed – anonymised – to each of the participating laboratories, so that it may correct its testing methods or calibration if necessary.  In summary, the Round Trials are a tool for each laboratory to find out its level of accuracy in comparison with all other participating laboratories.

View previous ICA Bremen Round Trial results > 

What is the cost?

Financed by ICA Bremen, the ICA Bremen Round Trials are free of charge to all participating laboratories.

Who takes part?

See the list of participating laboratories.

How to apply

To participate in the ICA Bremen round trials, download an application form.
For any questions regarding your application, please contact .

CSITC Round Trials

As a partner of ICA Bremen, the Bremen Fibre Institute (FIBRE) conducts the CSITC Round Trials jointly with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and USDA to check the reliability and test results of participating laboratories. These tests are headed by the ICAC and can help your laboratory achieve more accurate results.

If you would like to participate in the CSITC Round Trials or want to find out more, please contact  or visit the ICAC website: www.icac.org.