What is GOTS(Global Organic Textile Standard)?

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the world's leading standard for processing organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

Briefly,in an era where sustainability has moved from a niche concern to a mainstream expectation, the textile and apparel industry faces increasing pressure to prove that its products are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and genuinely organic when claimed. Among the various certifications available, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has emerged as one of the most respected and widely recognized for organic fibers.

GOTS is not just a label—it is a comprehensive certification system covering the entire supply chain, from the harvesting of organic raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, all the way to labeling that assures the end consumer of the product’s integrity.

1. Purpose

GOTS ensures that textiles are truly organic and produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner—from harvesting raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing and labeling.

2. Scope

GOTS applies to:

• Organic fibers (e.g., cotton, wool)

• Processing (spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing, manufacturing)

• Labeling of textiles, including garments and home textiles

3. Main Criteria

• Raw Material: Must be certified organic according to international organic farming standards.

• Chemical Inputs: Only low-impact and biodegradable chemicals are allowed (e.g., dyes, auxiliaries).

• Environmental Management: Wastewater treatment and energy usage must follow strict guidelines.

• Social Criteria: Based on International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, covering:

  • No child labor

  • Safe working conditions

  • Fair wages

  • No discrimination

4. Certification Levels

• GOTS “organic”: At least 95% certified organic fibers

• GOTS “made with organic”: At least 70% certified organic fibers

5. Certification Process

• Inspections and audits are conducted by independent, approved certifiers.

• The certification covers entire supply chains, not just the final product.

1. Chemical Testing (Input and Residue Testing)

GOTS includes strict limits on toxic residues and restricted substances in final products.

a. Prohibited Chemicals:

• Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amines

• Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury)

• Formaldehyde

• Chlorinated solvents

• GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)

• Synthetic sizing agents

b. Allowed Substances:

• Only GOTS-approved dyes and auxiliaries (must be biodegradable, non-toxic, etc.)

c. Testing for Residues in final textiles includes:

• Pesticide residues

• Formaldehyde content

• pH value

• Extractable heavy metals

• Chlorinated benzenes and toluenes

• APEOs (Alkylphenol ethoxylates)

These are tested using ISO, EN, or other internationally recognized methods (e.g., EN ISO 14184-1 for formaldehyde).

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2. Environmental Compliance Testing

• Effluent testing from wet processing units must meet environmental norms:

  • pH, BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)

  • COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)

  • Total suspended solids

• Wastewater treatment plants are mandatory

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3. Social Compliance (Non-Test-Based)

• Audits and interviews are conducted against criteria based on ILO (International Labour Organization) standards.

• No lab testing, but includes:

  • Worker interviews

  • Payroll and hour record inspection

  • Health & safety checks

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4. Traceability and Labelling Verification

• Chain-of-custody audits verify that organic fiber content is maintained and not mixed with conventional fibers during processing.

• Testing may include fiber content verification.

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5. Certification Bodies Perform On-Site Audits

• GOTS-approved certifiers like Control Union, Soil Association, or ICEA conduct:

  • Annual inspections

  • Unannounced visits

  • Lab tests (if needed)