What is the implementation timeline for these changes? Producer and brand level 

Following the release of the first two drafts, Textile Exchange is preparing to publish the Pilot Version 1.0 of the unified standard in the first half of 2024. This version of the standard will be used for pilot testing the feasibility of the criteria in the field. We will conduct a full internal systems update to align with the new standard and update pre-existing documents to reflect the harmonized system. This will also provide the necessary implementation planning time for all stakeholders before the effective version of the standard is released. 

Following pilot testing and system updates taking place this year, the final standard will be published in 2025. The final standard will state both an effective date and a mandatory date. The effective date is planned for Q1 2026 which means that auditing and certification may begin on a voluntary basis when requested from approved certification bodies. The mandatory date will be no sooner than 12 months following the final standard publication date according to our standard-setting procedure. The mandatory date is expected mid-2026 and means that all applicable audits from that date onwards are required to be to the new standard. Existing standards superseded by the unified standard will be retired on a transition timeline.