ISO 8115-3:2022

Cotton bales — Part 3: Packaging and labelling

This document specifies details for packaging and labelling of cotton bales.

Balles de coton — Partie 3: Emballage et étiquetage

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 24-Mar-2022
• ICS: 59.060.10 - Natural fibres
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 72/SC 1 - Spinning preparatory, spinning, twisting and winding machinery and accessories
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 72/SC 1 - Spinning preparatory, spinning, twisting and winding machinery and accessories
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 25-Mar-2022
• Due Date: 15-Mar-2022
• Completion Date: 25-Mar-2022

Relations

• Revises: ISO 8115-3:1995 - Bales — Part 3: Bales of cotton — Packaging and labelling
• Effective Date: 23-Apr-2020

Overview

ISO 8115-3:2022 is the third part of the ISO 8115 series, focusing on the packaging and labelling of cotton bales. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard outlines clear guidelines to ensure the safe handling, identification, and traceability of cotton bales during storage, transportation, and trade. Complying with ISO 8115-3:2022 helps stakeholders across the cotton supply chain adhere to best practices concerning protective wrapping, strapping, label placement, and data readability.

Key Topics

• Protective Wrapping

  • Cotton bales must be completely covered with protective wrapping made from fabric (woven or knitted), preferably cotton.
  • Man-made fibers (except polypropylene) are acceptable; jute and similar materials are discouraged.
  • While plastic film can be used, it is not ideal for moisture balance. If used, it should not be transparent or white.
  • Alternative materials may be allowed if specified by the buyer.

• Strapping

  • Strapping should be applied within the wrapping using rustproof steel or synthetic materials (except polypropylene).
  • Bands must be arranged for compatibility with automatic opening equipment, with all locks aligned on one side.
  • Recommended spacing (free space of 300 mm to 350 mm) for sample extraction, if required.
  • The number of hoops should correspond to bale length, ensuring secure transport and handling.

• Labelling

  • Each cotton bale must be marked with information that matches shipping and delivery documents; ink must not bleed through packaging.
  • Required label data include:
    • Bale number (unique identifier)
    • Gin number and/or name
  • Optional data may include:
    • Compressor details, shipper, mass, country of origin, harvest year, quality metrics, or buyer-specified information.
  • Labels must be robustly attached at a consistent, accessible location on each bale within a consignment.
  • Human-readable and, optionally, machine-readable (barcode, QR code, RFID) data are encouraged for automated processing.

Applications

The guidelines in ISO 8115-3:2022 are vital for cotton producers, gin operators, textile manufacturers, exporters, importers, and logistics providers. By standardizing packaging and labelling, this ISO standard enhances:

• Cargo safety - Proper wrapping and strapping ensure bales are protected and secure during transit.
• Traceability - Standardized labelling streamlines identification, tracking, and inventory management along the supply chain.
• Automation - Machine-readable options support modern, automated bale handling and data capture systems.
• Regulatory compliance - Adherence supports smooth customs clearance, import-export documentation, and trade.
• Buyer requirements - Allows for configurable packaging or labelling details, accommodating diverse buyer specifications.

Implementation of ISO 8115-3:2022 simplifies logistics, reduces damage and loss, and supports international trade of cotton bales through harmonized best practices.

Related Standards

For comprehensive cotton bale management and textile logistics, organizations may also reference:

• ISO 8115-1: Cotton bales - Dimensions and density (referenced for bale strapping requirements)
• ISO 8115-2: Cotton bales - Marking of bales
• ISO 7000: Graphical symbols for use on equipment – Provides symbol standardization for labelling
• ISO/IEC 19762: Automatic identification and data capture techniques – General terms relating to machine-readable labelling
• Other parts of ISO 8115 series: For further requirements relating to cotton bale handling and quality

Following ISO 8115-3:2022 ensures reliable, efficient, and globally recognized packaging and labelling of cotton bales, supporting safe logistics, effective quality control, and international market access.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 8115-3
Second edition
2022-03
Cotton bales —
Part 3:
Packaging and labelling
Balles de coton —
Partie 3: Emballage et étiquetage
Reference number
© ISO 2022
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Protective wrapping . 1
5 Strapping . 1
6 Labelling . 2
6.1 General . 2
6.2 Label information . 2
6.3 Readibility . 2
iii
Foreword
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