Code of Practice (COP)

The Code of Practice for the preparation of Australian Wool Clips (COP) is an Australian industry document that describes the recommended practices and standards to which wool should be prepared.

The COP aspires to three objectives:

1. To prepare uniform, consistent, reliable, predictable, low risk lines of wool suitable for the diverse needs of wool processing; and thus maximise competition,
2. To present a product free of contamination; that is
3. Correctly documented, described and packaged.

The wool processing supply chain commences with Wool Classing. Compliance with the AWEX Wool Classer Code of Practice – Preparation of Australian Wool Clips strengthens the Australian Wool Industry’s status as the world’s leading supplier of well-prepared quality wool.

The skill and professionalism of registered Wool Classers and the wool handling teams who prepare Australia’s wool clips contribute to this reputation.

Technical explanations for wool classing concepts, essential preparation standards and recommended work practices are included in the Wool Classer Code of Practice (COP).

The Code uses quality assurance principles to define Australia’s wool preparation standard, where Wool Classers work collaboratively with owners/managers, wool marketing representatives, contractors, wool pressers, wool handlers and shearers, to meet the needs of carriers, warehouse operators, rehandle departments, wool buyers and their downstream customers.

The Code of Practice is an important component of the AWEX Quality Wool System. Wool offered for auction sale is audited by AWEX Clip Inspectors to Audit sale lot preparation standards meet the COP.  Wool classers who have prepared sale lots of wool that do not meet the uniformity and classing objectives of the COP will be notified of the breech incurred.

The rules of registration requires the Registered Wool classers to prepare lines at or above the COP standard where the Wool Classer ID (stencil/stamp) is applied to the bales.

The Code of Practice is reviewed every three years. The current version of the Code of Practice is effective from January 2025.

Readers seeking a copy of the Code of Practice should contact The Wool classer Registrar on 02 9428 6100 or email woolclasser@awex.com.au