OEKO-TEX
A system of certification standards managed by OEKO-TEX Service GmbH (Zurich) that verifies that textile products are free of substances harmful to human health. Edition 03.2025 in force.
Context
OEKO-TEX is the system of standards and certifications managed by OEKO-TEX Service GmbH to verify that textile products are free of substances harmful to human health. The best-known certification is STANDARD 100.
Regulatory origin
Managed by OEKO-TEX Service GmbH (Zurich). Current STANDARD 100 version: Edition 03.2025. Applicable to textile products, accessories and coated materials.
The 4 product classes of OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
Products for babies up to 36 months · strictest limit values.
Products in direct contact with skin.
Products without direct skin contact (linings, fillings).
Decoration products (curtains, upholstery).
Timeline
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 launched
First version of the standard.
Edition update
The edition is updated annually with new substances and reinforced thresholds.
Edition in force
Current version incorporating regulated PFAS.
Applied case
A textile brand certifies its babywear line under OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Class I.
Requests certification from the OEKO-TEX body for its 4 baby lines (bodysuits, pyjamas, blankets, bibs).
Audit of the production process + laboratory testing on 3 representative samples per line.
Meets the Class I limit values (strictest) for formaldehyde, heavy metals, AZO, phthalates, PFAS.
Annually renewable certificate · certificate number verifiable at oeko-tex.com · used in packaging and premium communication.
Common mistakes
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 does not certify organic or recycled origin.
It certifies the absence of dangerous chemical substances. For organic origin, GOTS is used. For recycled, GRS.
STANDARD 100 does not certify social criteria.
For social and environmental criteria in production, MADE IN GREEN is used (which combines STANDARD 100 with STeP).
STANDARD 100 does not guarantee general environmental sustainability.
It is a certification focused on chemical substances. General environmental sustainability (carbon footprint, water, waste) requires other frameworks (LCA, PEFCR, Higg).
It does not certify ethical production.
Frequently asked questions
What is OEKO-TEX?
A system of standards and certifications managed by OEKO-TEX Service GmbH (Zurich) to verify that textile products are free of substances harmful to human health. The best-known certification is STANDARD 100 (Edition 03.2025), which applies to textile products, accessories and coated materials.
What product classes does OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 distinguish?
In accordance with the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 Edition 03.2025 Annex 4 (limit values by class): four classes according to user age and skin contact — Class I (products for babies up to 36 months), Class II (direct skin contact), Class III (no direct skin contact · e.g. linings), Class IV (decoration · curtains, upholstery). Class I is the strictest, with reinforced limit values for formaldehyde, heavy metals and carcinogenic AZO dyes.
How is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification obtained?
In accordance with the Edition 03.2025 standard: (i) audit of the production process, (ii) accredited laboratory testing on representative samples (compliance with Annex 4 limit values by class), (iii) the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity, (iv) an annual certificate with renewal. Over 100 substances tested: heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, carcinogenic AZO dyes, PFAS.
What is the difference between OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN?
STANDARD 100 verifies the ABSENCE of harmful substances in the final product. MADE IN GREEN verifies STANDARD 100 + STeP environmental certification in production + BSCI/SA8000 social certification in the supply chain. STANDARD 100 is product-only; MADE IN GREEN is product + production + chain.
What is the difference between OEKO-TEX and GOTS?
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 verifies the ABSENCE of harmful substances in any textile (organic or conventional). GOTS requires a minimum 70 per cent (made with organic label) or 95 per cent (organic label) certified organic fibres + ILO social criteria + wastewater treatment + restricted chemical substances. GOTS is stricter; OEKO-TEX covers the whole spectrum.
Fuentes oficiales
- International OEKO-TEX Association2024Voluntary certification
- International OEKO-TEX Association2024Voluntary certification
- European Chemicals Agency2024Regulatory list
