Due diligence is a systematic process to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for actual and potential adverse impacts on human rights, the environment and ethical business practices.

For GOTS, due diligence is not just a concept - it is a commitment

In a world in which regulations are constantly evolving, the need for companies to respect and uphold human rights has come to the fore. Legislation such as Germany's Supply Chain Act, France's Vigilance Act and Norway's Transparency Act are at the forefront of this shift, requiring companies to conduct thorough due diligence on their human rights and environmental impacts.

This is where the GOTS 7.0 due diligence criteria come into play

• GOTS provides a structured roadmap guiding companies to mitigate potential harm to human rights and the environment.
• This enables companies to align with the increasing global focus on responsible business practices.
• GOTS certification serves as a tool for companies to achieve compliance with evolving laws and to showcase their proactive commitment to positive change for people and the environment.

...to safeguard the rights and welfare of workers involved in the production process

... to protect the environment, ultimately minimising companies’ negative impact on the planet

... to strengthen a company's integrity and reputation

By implementing due diligence measures, companies can not only meet the increasing demands of consumers but also differentiate themselves from the competition. This commitment to ethical and sustainable practises builds trust and garners support from customers and partners alike, leading to long-term success in the market.

... to ensure that companies comply with relevant laws, regulations and international standards

GOTS Due Diligence helps companies to avoid potential legal and financial penalties and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.

GOTS’ due diligence criteria, rooted in the UNGPs and OECD Guidelines, provide a robust framework for risk-based due diligence in global supply chains. Compliance enables certified companies to proactively identify and mitigate potential and actual risks and improve the sustainability and resilience of their operations.

The Manual for the Implementation of GOTS 7.0 as well as the GOTS Due Diligence Handbook  provides Certified Entities with detailed guidance on implementing GOTS’ due diligence criteria. It provides step-by-step explanations on how to identify and manage environmental and human rights risks and impacts associated with a company's operations and products.

GOTS Due Diligence in Action: Six Steps to Address Adverse Impacts

1. Embed due diligence in policies and management systems
2. Identify actual or potential adverse impacts
3. Cease, prevent, or mitigate adverse impacts
4. Track implementation and results
5. Communicate how impacts are addressed
6. Enable remediation when appropriate

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an all-inclusive, comprehensive standard which which sets strict environmental, human-rights and social criteria throughout the entire value chain. Find out about all GOTS key features:

Compliance support+
All Processing Stages
Due Diligence
Human-Rights and Social Criteria
Environmental Criteria
Traceability
Third-Party Certification
Organic Fibres

At GOTS, we strive to ensure that our certification process is transparent, effective and independent. The process operates as follows: GOTS establishes the criteria for the Standard, while the certification procedure is conducted by an accredited third-party Certification Body that operates independently. This ensures an unbiased and fair evaluation of adherence to the GOTS Standard and its stringent criteria, guaranteeing that the production process genuinely contributes to the well-being of individuals and of the environment. 

Implementation

• A Certification Body conducts on-site inspections and certifications of processors, manufacturers and traders.
• Accreditation Bodies ensure that Certification Bodies meet the requirements for impartiality, competence and consistency.

Certification Bodies

To ensure that GOTS- certified textiles are genuinely compliant with GOTS’ social and environmental criteria, independent organisations that have been specially accredited conduct on-site inspections of the companies involved in processing, manufacturing and trading in the respective organic textiles and emit certifications based on this.  Additionally, the organic textiles themselves are also being assessed, as well as the chemicals used for processing. 

These inspections and certifications form the cornerstone of the GOTS monitoring system, delivering dependable assurance regarding the authenticity and quality of organic textiles certified under GOTS. A Certification Body (CB) is responsible for checking whether the mandatory environmental and social criteria set by GOTS are met. If a supplier meets these criteria, the CB will issue a so-called Scope Certificate, demonstrating the supplier’s ability to comply with the relevant GOTS criteria at the respective stage.  

Accreditation Bodies

GOTS has developed its own accreditation system in accordance with ‘Approval Procedure and Requirements for Certification Bodies’, by the main co-operation partner of the Global Standard gGmbH for this process, IOAS Inc., or another recognised Accreditation Body.

This approval process and the continuous monitoring of approved Certification Bodies guarantees that Certification Bodies have the necessary technical competence and impartiality to carry out their certification duties.

Accreditation Bodies play a vital role in upholding the credibility and trustworthiness of GOTS certifications by ensuring that the Certification Bodies themselves adhere to high standards and follow rigorous assessment processes. 

Are you curious about the behind-the-scenes processes that safeguard the integrity of GOTS-certified textiles? Click here to find out more about GOTS’ Quality Assurance System. 

Why is Third-Party Certification Important? 

Third-Party Certification – though entities independent from GOTS – represents an impartial verification that GOTS Goods meet the criteria described in the GOTS Standard. Not only does it help in building trust between buyers and suppliers, but it also warrants that the products are authentic, safe and that they comply with ethical and environmental standards. Additionally, third-party certification helps to avoid conflicts of interest between the Certification Body and the standard-setter GOTS.  

The clear separation of the standard-setting process from the certification process is a crucial asset in maintaining the independence and objectivity of certification. This strengthens the credibility of the certification procedure and offers stakeholders the assurance that products and services have been evaluated equitably, free from any potential conflicts of interest. 

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an all-inclusive, comprehensive standard which which sets strict environmental, human-rights and social criteria throughout the entire value chain. Find out about all GOTS key features:

Compliance support+
All Processing Stages
Due Diligence
Human-Rights and Social Criteria
Environmental Criteria
Traceability
Third-Party Certification
Organic Fibres

Traceability is the possibility to identify and follow the path of a product as it moves through the value chain, from the origin of its raw materials to the point of final delivery to the end consumer.

GOTS guarantees an independent and gapless verification of a traceable and comprehensively certified product flow.

Specific requirements must be met by every company to ensure that the entire value chain of a textile product can be traced from raw materials to finished products. This is achieved as follows:

• Scope Certificates provide information about the scope of a company's GOTS certification. This includes the products that are covered by the certification, the production sites in which the products are made and the value chain partners that are involved in the production process. These certificates help ensure that the entire value chain for a GOTS-certified product is known and that all relevant parties are committed to GOTS' sustainability and ethical production standards.

• Transaction Certificates, on the other hand, are used to track the movement of products through the value chain. They provide a record of all the transactions that occur between the companies involved in the production and sale of GOTS-certified products, including information about the type and quantity of the product, the name and address of the buyer and seller and the date of the transaction. A Transaction Certificate includes all the information from the previous Certificate as well as the new transaction details and is issued after the material has already changed hands. The Certification Body can therefore reconcile volumes and check the mass balances indicated by the Certified Entities. The Transaction Certificate will only be issued after making sure the Entity has enough input material to produce the output described on the Certificate. This creates a transparent trail of the product's journey through the value chain, which can be used to verify its organic status and ensure that it meets GOTS' strict criteria for sustainability and ethical production.

Before Scope Certificates are issued or renewed, an on-site audit takes place. These are conducted by independent Certification Bodies to ensure compliance with GOTS requirements. By providing a clear and transparent record of the value chain for GOTS-certified products, these Certificates help ensure traceability and accountability throughout the entire production process.

GOTS has been ranked best in the test “Traceability of Clothing with Textile Seals” conducted by the German consumer product testing organisation Stiftung Warentest. “We looked at 5 seals for sustainable clothing […] the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) convinced us the most”, writes Stiftung Warentest. GOTS is the only one among the tested certifications to offer complete transparency and traceability, while complying with strict social and ecological criteria at all stages of production – from fibre production to finished textile.

Why traceability is vital:

• Consumer Safety: Traceability ensures that textile products are truly free from hazardous chemicals and substances that could harm consumers. By tracing the value chain, manufacturers can identify any potentially dangerous components and remove them from the production process.

• Environmental Sustainability: Traceability helps to ensure that the textile products are made from sustainable materials and produced in an environmentally friendly way. By tracing the value chain, manufacturers can monitor the use of natural resources and the impact of the production process on the environment.

• Ethical Labour Practises: GOTS-Certified Entities pledge to treat workers fairly and to pay them a living wage. Traceability means that manufacturers and brands are aware of the actions of their suppliers and can rest assured that their textile products are produced ethically and fairly throughout their value chain.

• Regulatory Compliance: Traceability is often required by regulatory bodies to ensure that textile products meet specific standards and regulations. By tracing the value chain, manufacturers can provide evidence of compliance with these regulations. Manufacturers and suppliers can use traceability to ensure that their products meet regulatory standards and ethical requirements.Examples for such requirements could be (Supply Chain) Due Diligence, ESG monitoring and also national supply chain laws and regulations, such as Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) of the European Union Parliament. The legislation will require companies located or operating in the EU to implement stringent due diligence throughout their supply chain by implementing practices to prevent and mitigate human rights violations and negative environmental impacts from their operations.

• Independent Certification: GOTS requires that all companies involved in the production and supply of textile products be certified by independent third-party Certification Bodies. These Bodies ensure that the products meet the necessary standards and that the value chain is transparent and traceable.

• GOTS also requires that all Third-Party Certification Bodies be accredited by a recognised Accreditation Body. The GOTS website provides a list of authorised Certification Bodies along with their qualifications and expertise. These Bodies conduct on-site inspections and document reviews to verify that all aspects of the value chain meet GOTS requirements. The certification process involves several steps, including a pre-evaluation of the production process, an on-site inspection and a review of the certification report. Find out more about the certification process, including the timeline for certification. By requiring these strict criteria and working with authorised Third-Party Certification Bodies, GOTS ensures that textile products meet the highest standards for sustainability, safety, and ethical production.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an all-inclusive, comprehensive standard which which sets strict environmental, human-rights and social criteria throughout the entire value chain. Find out about all GOTS key features:

Compliance support+
All Processing Stages
Due Diligence
Human-Rights and Social Criteria
Environmental Criteria
Traceability
Third-Party Certification
Organic Fibres

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading worldwide standard for producing organic textiles. GOTS sets a high industry benchmark, ensuring that the human rights of workers in GOTS Certified Entities are respected and upheld, thereby promoting a high bar of excellence within the industry.

• Respect for Human Rights: GOTS promotes respect for human rights across the value chain. In GOTS 7.0, there is a greater emphasis on risk-based due diligence, in line with the and  in line with the and in line with the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector.

• Prohibition of Forced Labour: GOTS firmly upholds the prohibition of forced labour, in line with the principles set forth in the ILO Forced Labour Convention (C29), Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (C105) and best industry practices. GOTS ensures that workers are not compelled to work under any form of menace, penalty, or intimidation. GOTS 7.0 sets explicit criteria for prohibiting various forms of forced labour, such as servitude, bonded, trafficked, or indentured labour.

• Prohibition of Child Labour: GOTS strictly prohibits child labour and protects young workers by adhering to internationally recognised standards, including the International Labour Organisation's Minimum Age Convention (C138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (C182), as well as the industry best practices for respecting and promoting children's rights. The latest version of the Standard, GOTS 7.0, strengthens our position on child labour. If child labour is detected, the business certified to GOTS – also referred to as Certified Entity, in which it is detected is required to remove the child from the workplace and actively facilitate the child's access to education. In addition, GOTS 7.0 introduces more comprehensive provisions to protect young workers, such as restrictions on night work, on hazardous conditions and on working hours and to ensure access to education or vocational training.

• Discrimination, Violence and Harassment: GOTS promotes a workplace free from discrimination, violence and harassment, in line with the principles of the International Labour Organization's Equal Remuneration Convention (C100), Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (C111) and Violence and Harassment Convention (C190). GOTS 7.0, sets out more explicit requirements for preventing and fostering an environment where individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The criteria include a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and gender-based violence and encourage confidential reporting of any form of abuse. This commitment ensures a safe and respectful workplace for all individuals within the GOTS-certified value chain.

• Gender Equality:  GOTS promotes gender equality in the workplace, in line with international standards such as the International Labour Organisation’s Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (C111), Equal Remuneration Convention (C100), Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention (C156) and Maternity Protection Convention (C183). GOTS 7.0 requires Certified Entities to maintain equal, fair and transparent procedures and practises in recruitment, promotion and remuneration and to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. In addition, GOTS 7.0 emphasises the protection of pregnant women of mothers and of their children, prohibits dismissal and career setbacks due to pregnancy or maternity leave and protects employees with family responsibilities from discrimination.

• Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining: GOTS strongly supports the right of workers to organise and bargain collectively, in line with ILO Conventions C087, C098, C135 and C154. GOTS 7.0 requires Certified Entities to respect these rights and to promote an open and supportive environment for trade unions. It protects workers from any adverse actions or threats due to their union activities. In regions where these rights are restricted, Certified Entities must provide channels for the reasonable and independent exercise of these rights. This commitment addresses key risks in the textile industry, such as the suppression of union activities and reprisals against workers' representatives and it ensures a fair and respectful workplace for all.

• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS):GOTS sets thorough and stringent occupational health and safety criteria in line with international standards such as the Occupational Safety and Health Convention (C155), the Occupational Safety and Health Recommendation (R164), the Chemicals Convention (C170) and the International Labour Organisation's Occupational Health and Safety Recommendation (R97). GOTS 7.0 places a high priority on safe and hygienic working conditions and promotes industry best practices for occupational health and safety in the textile industry. Certified companies are required to establish an occupational health and safety system, protect vulnerable workers and conduct regular risk assessments. Measures to prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses are mandatory, as is the provision of adequate medical assistance. Compliance with fire safety regulations and the provision of accessible emergency exits are mandatory. Health and safety training must be provided to all workers, including those who work from home.

• Remuneration and Living Wage: In line with the ILO Protection of Wages Convention (C095) and Minimum Wage Fixing Convention (C131), GOTS ensures that all workers receive decent wages. GOTS 7.0 requires that wages for regular working hours at least meet national legal standards or industry benchmarks, whichever is higher. It also emphasises the importance of living wages, requiring Certified Entities to calculate the 'wage gap' between their remuneration and the living wage and to develop a plan to close this gap. This commitment is aimed at ensuring that wages are sufficient to meet basic needs and provide some discretionary income, promoting a fair and decent life for workers.

• Working Hours: GOTS 7.0 ensures working hours comply with national laws, collective bargaining agreements and industry standards or ILO conventions, whichever provides greater worker protection. Workers must not regularly work over 8 hours a day or 48 hours per week, excluding overtime. They are entitled to rest breaks and a minimum of 24 consecutive hours of rest every seven days. Overtime must be voluntary, not exceeding 12 hours per week, shall not be regularly demanded and shall not pose a higher risk of occupational hazards.

• Homeworkers: GOTS stands for the fair treatment of homeworkers. GOTS 7.0 provides specific guidance on remuneration, social benefits and access to grievance mechanisms for homeworkers.

• Migrant Workers: GOTS requires respecting migrant workers’ rights, focusing on recruitment practises, employment contracts and ensuring equal treatment among all workers.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an all-inclusive, comprehensive standard which which sets strict environmental, human-rights and social criteria throughout the entire value chain. Find out about all GOTS key features:

All Processing Stages
Due Diligence
Human-Rights and Social Criteria
Environmental Criteria
Traceability
Third-Party Certification
Organic Fibres