Rules & Policies

The Bylaws of ACSA include guidelines regarding membership in the association, Board meetings and annual convention of the association, leadership positions and committees, along with details regarding the Federated (regional) Associations of ACSA.

Per Bale Fees and Membership Dues are provided in this document.

These rules govern fraudulent trade practices and complaint filing with the Fair Practice Committee of ACSA.

As adopted at the 100th ACSA Annual Convention, June 2024

ACSA maintains Arbitration Rules and appoints a committee of industry members to settle differences of opinion between buyer and seller as to the quality of cotton or regarding the terms of contracts. The Committee will arbitrate disputes between members of the Association or between a member and a non-member, provided the non-member agrees to abide by the decision of the Arbitration Committee.  This service saves members the expense of settling differences in the court of law.   The Arbitration Rules explains jurisdiction, procedural, and related matters regarding ACSA Arbitrations.

The attached contract must be completed, signed and returned to ACSA when requesting an Arbitration.

The Southern Mill Rules apply on domestic transactions between buyers and sellers who are members of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), the American Cotton Shippers Association, and Amcot.   Included with these rules are The American Pima Rules, Rules and Regulations of the Cotton States Arbitration Board, and an Outline of Services Available under both sets of Rules.   Any amendments to these rules are ratified and adopted by NCTO, ACSA & Amcot.

The trading rules of the Memphis Cotton Exchange are provided in this document.

It is the policy of the American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) to comply fully and strictly in all respects with the antitrust laws of the United States and of each of the respective states, and to do everything possible to ensure that our members do the same.  Please download the attached to read ACSA’s full Anti-Trust Policy.