GOTS — Global Organic Textile Standard
The reference private standard for organic textile certification, managed by Global Standard gemeinnützige GmbH (Stuttgart). Version 7.0 in force since 1 March 2024.
Context
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the leading international reference private standard for organic textile certification. It verifies organic fibre + environmental criteria + social criteria + chain of custody from the agricultural field to the final product.
Regulatory origin
Managed by Global Standard gemeinnuetzige GmbH (Stuttgart). Current version: GOTS 7.0 published March 2023, effective from 1 March 2024.
Three blocks of GOTS criteria
Restricted chemical substances, environmental management, wastewater treatment.
ILO fundamental Conventions, prohibition of forced/child labour, living wages, freedom of association.
Chain of custody from the agricultural field to the final product via Transaction Certificates.
Timeline
GOTS launched
First version of the standard published.
GOTS 7.0 published
Current version with reinforced criteria.
GOTS 7.0 effective
In force for all Certified Entities and approved chemical Inputs.
Applied case
A textile brand certifies its organic-cotton t-shirt line under GOTS to substantiate its premium claim.
Identifies the 5 operators in the chain: cotton cooperative India · ginning India · spinning Turkey · weaving Portugal · cut & sew Morocco.
Each operator is certified individually with its Approved Certification Body (Control Union, ECOCERT).
Each batch travels with a Transaction Certificate (TC) with a documented chain of custody.
The final product bears a GOTS "organic" label (over 95 per cent organic cotton) with a verifiable certificate number.
Common mistakes
Organic cotton is not equivalent to GOTS cotton.
Organic refers to cultivation. GOTS adds certification of the entire processing chain. A t-shirt can be made of organic cotton without being GOTS certified if the processing was not audited.
GOTS is not the same as OCS.
OCS (Textile Exchange’s Organic Content Standard) verifies organic content in the finished product (minimum 5%). GOTS is more demanding: 70%/95% minimums + chemical, social and environmental criteria in processing.
GOTS certification does not exempt you from CSDDD due diligence.
GOTS provides social criteria in the processing chain. The CSDDD requires a broader operational system (all social and environmental risks, the whole chain). They are complementary.
The "made with organic" label is not the same as "organic".
"Organic" indicates ≥95% certified organic fibre. "Made with organic" indicates 70-94%. Honest communication distinguishes between the two.
Frequently asked questions
What is GOTS?
Global Organic Textile Standard, a private organic textile certification standard managed by Global Standard gemeinnuetzige GmbH. Version 7.0 was officially launched in March 2023, effective from 1 March 2024 for all Certified Entities and approved chemical Inputs.
What requirements does GOTS 7.0 set?
Three blocks of criteria: (i) ECOLOGY — restricted chemical substances, environmental management, wastewater treatment, (ii) SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY — ILO fundamental Conventions, prohibition of forced/child labour, living wages, freedom of association, (iii) TRACEABILITY — chain of custody from the agricultural field to the final product via Transaction Certificates (TC).
What minimum percentage of organic fibre does GOTS require?
Two labels: "made with organic" requires a minimum 70 per cent certified organic fibres. The "organic" label requires a minimum 95 per cent. The remainder up to 100 may be certified recycled fibre or sustainable plant-based materials. Conventional cotton is excluded (even at lower percentages).
How is GOTS certification obtained?
Each operator in the chain (cultivation · ginning · spinning · weaving · dyeing · cut & sew · brand) must be certified individually with an Approved Certification Body. Annual audit + Transaction Certificates per batch + documented chain of custody. Only the final product with all operators certified may bear the GOTS label.
What is the difference between GOTS and OCS (Organic Content Standard)?
GOTS requires organic fibres + environmental criteria + social criteria + chain of custody (a comprehensive standard). OCS only verifies the organic content of the item via chain of custody, without additional environmental or social requirements. GOTS is more comprehensive and harder; OCS is more accessible for verifying organic content only.
Fuentes oficiales
- Global Standard gGmbH2023Voluntary standard
- Global Standard gGmbH2024Accreditation
- IFOAM Organics International2024International organic framework
