Certification and Registration
Overview of the GOTS Global Organic Textile Standard
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Overview of the GOTS Global Organic Textile Standard
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognized standard for organic textiles. Since its launch in 2006, GOTS has demonstrated its practical viability and is supported by the growth in organic fiber consumption and the industry and retail sectors’ demand for a unified processing standard. The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trade, and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibers.
What is the ultimate goal of GOTS certification?
To ensure the compliance of organic textiles from harvesting, raw materials, processing to final product packaging, so as to deliver trustworthy products to end consumers. This new and unique certification regulation requires textile manufacturers to standardize the production of their organic textiles and clothing according to globally recognized standards, which is an important measure to achieve harmonization and transparency in textile labeling.
What products are applicable?
GOTS applies to products consisting of fibers, wool, fabrics, garments, and upholstery fabrics. The final fiber products may include, but are not limited to, yarns, clothing, textile wearables, textile toys, and home textiles. However, the standard does not set criteria for leather products, and textiles containing electronic components are also not within the scope of this certification.
GOTS Certification Levels
Grade 1: Organic Textiles (GOTS label grade ‘organic’)
At least 95% of the fibers come from organic farming;
Maximum 5% synthetic or man-made fibers.
Grade 2: Textiles made with X% organic fibers (GOTS label grade “made with organic”)
At least 70% of the fibers come from organic farming;
The maximum content of synthetic or man-made fibers is 10%, with a limit of 25% for footwear, long underwear, and sportswear.
Who can apply for certification?
GOTS applies to raw material producers, processors and textile manufacturers, distributors, importers, brands, or any participant in the textile industry.
What are the key guarantees of GOTS certified products?
◉ Promote the use of fibers from organic farming;
◉ Environmentally friendly production and processing;
◉ Compliance with relevant technical quality standards;
◉ Respect for and improvement of working conditions.
1. Fiber Production
The key standards for fiber production can be identified as:
- Organic certification of fibers according to recognized international or national standards (IFOAM family of standards, EEC 834/2007, USDA NOP)
- Textiles with the GOTS label grade ‘organic’ must contain at least 95% certified organic fibers, while products with the label grade ‘made with organic’ must contain at least 70% certified organic fibers
2. Processing and Manufacturing
The key standards for processing and manufacturing include:
Environmental standards:
- At all stages of processing, organic fiber products must be separated from conventional fiber products and must be clearly identified
- All chemical inputs (e.g. dyes, auxiliaries, and process chemicals) must be assessed and meet basic requirements for toxicity and biodegradability/eliminability
- Critical inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nanoparticles, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their enzymes are prohibited
- Restricted use of synthetic sizing agents; knitting and weaving oils must not contain heavy metals
- Only oxygen bleaching (chlorine-free bleaching) is permitted
- Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited
- Discharge printing methods using aromatic solvents and plastisol printing methods using phthalates and PVC are prohibited
- All operators must have an environmental policy including objectives and procedures to minimize waste and emissions
- Wet processing units must keep complete records of chemical use, energy, water consumption and wastewater treatment, including sludge disposal. Wastewater from all wet processing units must be treated in a functional wastewater treatment plant.
- Packaging material must not contain PVC. Paper or cardboard used for packaging materials, hang tags, tags, etc. must be recycled or certified according to FSC or PEFC
3. Technical Quality and Human Toxicity Criteria:
- Technical quality parameters (such as rubbing, perspiration, light and washing fastness, and shrinkage values) must be met
- Raw materials, intermediates, final textile products, and accessories must comply with strict limits on harmful residues
4. Social Criteria:
All processors and manufacturers must meet social criteria based on key conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). They must have a social compliance management system with defined elements to ensure that the social criteria are met. For the full implementation and assessment of the following social criteria topics, the applicable key ILO conventions listed must serve as the relevant basis for interpretation.
- Employment is freely chosen
- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
- Working conditions are safe and hygienic
- Child labor must not be used
- Living wages
- Working hours are not excessive
- No discrimination is practiced
- Regular employment is provided
- Harsh or inhumane treatment is prohibited
SATISYFY can provide Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification services, including consulting, training, testing, auditing and other one-stop services. Please contact SATISFY customer service engineers for further information.
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