China Fiber Quality Monitoring Center (CFQMC) recently announced that yak wool certification will officially commence in 2026. This initiative integrates the "soft gold" of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau into the national statutory inspection system, establishing quality benchmarks for the yak wool industry while supporting economic development in border regions.

Yak wool, prized for its fine texture and superior warmth, is a unique resource of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its production directly impacts the livelihoods of herders in Tibetan-populated areas such as Qinghai, Tibet, and western Sichuan. The inclusion of yak wool in China’s fiber certification system—backed by specialized legislation—reflects regulatory efforts to enhance quality control and promote nationwide market integration.

China accounts for over 90% of the global yak population, with 65% concentrated in high-altitude regions above 3,000 meters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Despite this abundance, the industry has long struggled with quality inconsistencies. Traditional subjective assessment methods during transactions often led to disputes between herders and buyers. Additionally, low processing efficiency and the absence of unified grading standards have suppressed market potential, even causing some herders to abandon harvesting.

The certification program aims to resolve these challenges by introducing scientific quality evaluation. CFQMC, as the technical lead, has designed an inspection model tailored to yak wool’s seasonal production and year-round circulation. Notably, central government funding will cover inspection costs, reducing financial burdens on stakeholders.

Industry experts highlight that standardized grading will enable fair pricing, incentivizing herders to improve harvesting practices and unlocking premium market opportunities. CFQMC pledges to finalize technical standards, training, and preparatory measures to ensure a smooth 2026 rollout, reinforcing yak wool’s role in border-area prosperity.

From safeguarding herders’ incomes to upgrading industrial value chains, this initiative exemplifies innovative quality governance with tangible socioeconomic benefits.