At the beginning of 2000, it became necessary to update the Competent Authority (CA) numbering system from the seven-digit sequence to the current 10-digit sequence. The old seven-digit number (and in a few cases, nine-digit number) and the new 10-digit number are interchangeable. It is not necessary to apply for a new number and the old number is still valid. All CA's issued by the Approvals Office will contain the new 10-digit number. If your company is using packagings, labels, and/or stamps with the old number, you may continue to use them when practicable.