GOTS-certified products can come in different label grades. These label grades offer a tangible representation of the organic content in textile products, allowing consumers to easily identify and support truly sustainable textiles.

1. Label Grade "Organic" or "Organic in conversion" 

Products bearing the "Organic" label grade contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibres. These fibres are sourced from organic farming practises, meeting the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.

‘Organic in-conversion’ label grade applies when products contain a minimum of 95% organic in-conversion fibres, and the entire value chain is transitioning to full organic certification. This grade acknowledges efforts toward organic practises while encouraging progress towards full organic status.

The label grade 'organic in-conversion' is allowed in GOTS only where the production standard on which the fibre production is based permits it. The label grade 'organic in-conversion' will be visible on the GOTS Scope Certificate Products Appendix (see Scope Certificate Template). 'Organic in-conversion' ensures that the supply is meeting a growing demand for organic fibres.

2. Label Grade: "Made with" or "Made with Organic-in conversion"

The "Made with Organic materials"  label grade indicates that at least 70%, up to 95% of the product's fibres are certified organic. This grade allows for a balance between organic and conventional fibres while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.

The ‘Made with organic in-conversion' label grade signifies that a minimum of 70% of the fibres in the product are from farms transitioning to organic certification. This label is a commitment to promoting agricultural practices on the path to full organic certification.

¹ Indicating the exact composition percentage of organic fibre material (X>70%) remains optional. If it is not used the label grade shall be presented as 'made with organic' or 'made with organic – in conversion materials respectively'

The completion of GOTS certification by an approved Certification Body includes the right to participate in the GOTS programme, including use of the standard and the GOTS logo on its GOTS Goods in accordance with the provisions of the GOTS Conditions for Use of GOTS Signs, as long as the certification remains valid.

This section describes the relevant labelling conditions. Anyone who intends to sell, label or represent any textile product with the trademark-registered GOTS Signs, with GOTS labelling and/or any other reference to GOTS (certification) must first ensure that they meet the respective criteria and conditions of the Global Organic Textile Standard Programme.

This user-friendly guide will walk you through the process of labelling GOTS Goods with clarity and confidence, while adhering to the relevant labelling conditions.

Certified Entities

1. The GOTS labelling may only be applied to the GOTS Goods and their packaging by a Certified Entity.

2. Essential Label Elements: Your GOTS label must include the following elements in the given order:

• The GOTS logo
• Reference to the applicable label grade
• The reference to the GOTS Approved Certification Body
• License number of the Certified Entity: typically, this is the certified entity's license number. However, a buyer who is a certified entity itself and who wishes the GOTS labelling to be applied by his supplier, may request that the labelling includes its license number.
• Your GOTS labelling must be approved by your Certification Body in advance of its application. We have created a “Labelling Release form for GOTS Goods” which you can fill out and send to your Certification Body for approval. Please note that GOTS itself cannot grant approval.

3. Use label as approved

Suppliers of GOTS Additives

The GOTS organisation permits the voluntary and limited use of the GOTS logo by suppliers of GOTS Additives. The use of the logo is subject to the payment of an Additives Annual Fee and is strictly limited to off-product publicity material detailed under section 3.2 of the document “Conditions for the use of GOTS signs”. Use of the GOTS logo by suppliers of GOTS additives is administered by approved certifiers through the form Labelling Release for GOTS Additives.

Protection of the GOTS Programme

Global Standard, under the direction of the GOTS Protection Officers, investigate unauthorised, false or misleading use of the trademark-registered GOTS logo or other claims related to GOTS certification on product declarations, in advertisements, catalogues or other contexts, and take appropriate action, such as corrective and/or legal action and/or publication of the transgression so as to safeguard the credibility of the GOTS programme and its labelling system.

How can you make sure you are labelling correctly?

Always make sure to apply for Label Release at your Certification Body, as Global Standard itself cannot grant approval. Please note that GOTS is a registered trademark. Consequently, any inaccurate or deceptive assertions regarding GOTS constitute infringements. In our dedicated quest to uphold the Standard's integrity and combat greenwashing, it is imperative that we undertake the necessary legal measures to protect the credibility of the GOTS quality assurance system and its identification.

Conditions for Use of GOTS Signs

The document “Conditions for Use of GOTS Signs (CUGS)” specifies the conditions for companies participating in the GOTS Programme and defines the corresponding fees. It also sets the requirements for the use of the registered trademark 'Global Organic Textile Standard' (GOTS Signs), to ensure its correct and consistent application on products and in advertisements, catalogues or other (online/print) publications. The latest issue of the Conditions for Use of GOTS Signs (version 3.1) was released on 18 October 2021.

If you are a GOTS-certified business offering GOTS-certified goods, here is how you can showcase your commitment to sustainable and organic textiles while adhering to GOTS guidelines.

1. GOTS Signs on Products
(On-Product Labelling)

Make sure your on-product label includes the following:

• GOTS Logo
• Label Grade
• Name of GOTS Approved Certification Body
• License Number

These labelling details must be easily recognisable to buyers, consignees, and end-consumers at the point of purchase. You can sew the label into the product, attach it to the packaging, or make it visible on a hangtag at the point of purchase.

2. Advertising GOTS-certified products

When promoting both GOTS-certified and non-certified products, you shall avoid any confusion among your customers.

1. Ensure accurate labelling for each GOTS-certified product, encompassing both on-product labelling and promotional materials, whether online or offline, used for product promotion.
2. It is prohibited to place the GOTS Logo in the header or footer of your website or online store to prevent potential consumer confusion, as they may assume that all products are GOTS certified.
3. When displaying GOTS signs in print media, on a website, or in an online store, include a clarifying statement. An appropriate example is: "We offer GOTS-certified products, each labelled individually

3. Communicating your company’s GOTS Certification

If your company holds a GOTS  certification, but you do not offer GOTS labelled products yet, you can make reference to the certification status in your promotional materials. However, you need to ensure the inclusion of an additional clarification to avoid confusion:

• Certification Reference: You can mention your GOTS certification status together with the name of your GOTS Approved Certification Body and your License Number
• Clarity: Add a note indicating that your GOTS-certified products are labelled separately and provide customers with the information they need to identify these products.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively promote your GOTS-certified products while maintaining transparency and accuracy in your communication. GOTS supports your commitment to sustainable and organic textiles, and proper promotion helps you showcase this dedication to your customers.

For more detailed information and resources, please  refer to Conditions for the Use of GOTS Signs.

Join the movement towards sustainable supply chains by getting GOTS certified today!

Certified textile products show your commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The GOTS certification is more than just a label, it is a symbol of trust and transparency in the textile supply chain – from field to finished goods in stores.

Familiarise yourself with our Standard by having a look at our GOTS materials, our latest Standard version, and our Q&A section. This will provide you with an overview of the requirements that must be met for your certification.

If you seek initial consultation, you can reach out to one of our GOTS Regional Representatives, listed here. If you require more detailed assistance or guidance on complex issues, please get in touch with a GOTS Approved Consultant.

Here you will find a list of independent GOTS-Approved Certification Bodies, responsible for the on-site audit and certification to GOTS.

Submit an application to the Certification Body of your choice. The application may require you to provide details about your facility or product, including your location, scope of operations, and the goods you manufacture

The Certification Body will inform you about the implementation and schedule an audit. It is important to prepare all necessary documentation and records for review, about which you will be informed by your Certification Body ahead of time. In case any non-compliances with the Standard are detected, these will be assessed and a timeline for correction will be provided to you.

Once you receive your GOTS Scope Certificate, you can leverage it to showcase your commitment to sustainable and ethical textile production. Your company will be found in the GOTS public database.

Anyone who intends to sell, label or represent any textile product with the trademark-registered GOTS logo, with GOTS labelling and/or any other reference to GOTS (certification) must first ensure that they meet the respective criteria and conditions of the Global Organic Textile Standard Programme.

 Find more information about the right labelling here.

Look for Certification Bodies that are currently approved to Certify entities of the textile supply chain and their products according to GOTS All listed Certification Bodies can offer their GOTS certification services in their approved scopes worldwide. Approval for certification is provided for 4 different scopes by GOTS:

•  Certification of mechanical textile processing and manufacturing operations and their products (scope 1)
•  Certification of wet processing and finishing operations and their products (scope 2)
•  Certification of trading operations and related products (scope 3)
• approval of textile auxiliary agents (chemical input) on positive lists (scopes 4)

Search for the respective scope and contact details of the certification Body and local office representatives that may provide information with regard to GOTS certification are also stated.

Note that not all offices have the services of a locally available GOTS auditor/inspector. Prospective GOTS entities are encouraged to obtain more information by contacting the certifiers.

With the rise of the conscious consumer and the global movement towards sustainable development, claiming to have a sustainable supply chain is no longer enough.

The Global Organic Textile Standard covers the entire production process based on the use of organic fibres from textile processing and manufacturing up to licensing and labelling. While this is a rigorous process in which all criteria must be met, the result is an internationally recognized organic certification demonstrating to stakeholders, partners, and consumers your commitment to providing sustainable, ethical, and high-quality products.

In this section you can find out more about what types of entities can be certified, what the steps are, how to get in touch with approved organic certification bodies near you, and what you can do with your GOTS certification. The Guidelines especially developed for Virtual Audits during COVID-19 can be found here. For more in depth information on the specific ecological and social criteria that need to be met, go to this section. If you are interested in how to become a GOTS approved certification body go here.

The completion of GOTS certification by an approved certifier includes the right to use the GOTS logo on GOTS goods. This section describes for you the relevant licensing and labelling conditions.

Sustainable fashion, ethical clothing, and fair production are terms we see and hear constantly. However, amidst these noble concepts, it is crucial to acknowledge the prevalence of greenwashing, whereby companies falsely claim that their products are more environmentally friendly than they actually are. This can make it challenging for consumers to identify genuinely sustainable products.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognised certification that ensures the organic status of textiles, from the raw materials to the final product, while setting rigorous environmental, human-rights and social criteria.

By choosing GOTS-certified products, consumers make a conscious choice for the environment and support ethical practices throughout the entire textile value chain. Each GOTS-certified product embodies a commitment to sustainability, quality, and the well-being of all involved.

Take these steps to easily identify if a textile product is GOTS-certified

1. Check for the Label: To be sure a textile product really is GOTS-certified you should be able to see reference to the GOTS label grade (‘organic’, ‘made with organic’ or ‘(made with) organic in conversion’) on the product or its packaging. The label is your assurance of authenticity. Find out more about the GOTS Label Grades here.
   
   
   
   
   ¹Indicating the exact composition percentage of organic fibre material (X>70%) remains optional. If it is not used the label grade shall be presented as 'made with organic' or 'made with organic – in conversion materials respectively'
   
   
2. Read the Description: When browsing online for products or reviewing their details, be sure to look for references to GOTS certification or the use of organic materials in the product description. Look out for the licence number of the certified entity and enter it in the GOTS public database to validate that the textile product you are interested in is GOTS-certified.

Don't forget to ask questions: Become a “change agent”! Ask sellers or manufacturers about the GOTS certification of their products. Transparency is key in making informed choices.

The GOTS logo can only be applied to the final product if all stages comply with the GOTS criteria. Therefore, all processors, manufacturers, and traders of textiles need to be certified. 

More information in the Are you Allowed to Label GOTS Goods or Mention GOTS in your Advertising Flyer.

See the individual stages of the textile supply chain to find out more about the different steps, the elements of inspections and contacts for GOTS Approved Certification Bodies, a list of countries where they have currently clients in as well as the accredited scopes.

From Field to Fashion: The GOTS quality assurance system is based on on-site inspection and certification of the entire textile supply chain (processing and trade).

Operators from post-harvest handling up to garment making, as well as wholesalers (including exporters and importers), have to undergo an on-site annual inspection cycle and must hold a valid certification in order for the final products to be labelled as GOTS certified.
Information on how to get certified under Approved Certification Bodies

Any claim to be compliant to GOTS as the worldwide leading textile processing standard is invalid until an independent Certification Body has checked – through a set of inspection methods – and attested – through formally issued certification documents – that a product and its processor, manufacturer or trader is, indeed, GOTS compliant.

There are two types of such certification documents:
Scope Certificates (SCs) which prove that a supplier meets all criteria to be allowed to process GOTS goods and
Transaction Certificates (TCs) which prove that the goods themselves meet all GOTS product criteria.

Several independent individuals or companies have been offering expert consultancy services to the textile industry to achieve certification to GOTS for textile operations or to receive approval for chemical inputs.

GOTS acknowledges the fact that there is a need that these individuals or companies are vetted and approved by GOTS so that they disseminate accurate information to the textile industry. GOTS has therefore formulated a policy to ensure that the industry receives correct knowledge of the standard requirements and the mandatory processes and procedures within the operations of a GOTS certified entity.

The policy covers approval of formal consultancy services imparted to prospective or existing GOTS Certified Entities or Operators, Chemical Suppliers, Brands and Retailers at their request. Approvals to individuals will only be granted after evaluation of a formal application (using the application form) and payment of the required application fees. The application has to be submitted to the GOTS Management. On successful completion of assessment, the consultant will be formally required to sign a contract with GOTS as part of the approval process.

GOTS Approved Consultants will be listed on the GOTS website and will have limited leave to use the trademarked GOTS logo

Find the detailed terms and conditions of the application process, conduct thereafter and logo use:

 GOTS Policy for Approved Consultants

 Download the application form to become a GOTS Approved Consultant

Here you will find GOTS approved consultants who can provide you with competent support in implementing the GOTS requirements and preparing for GOTS certification. These consultants work independently, are not employed by GOTS. The associated fee for the consultation service is determined individually by the consultants.

The GOTS logo is an emblem of your commitment to sustainable practises and ethical sourcing. If you are considering selling, labelling, or representing any textile product adorned with the trademark-registered GOTS logo, GOTS labelling, or any reference to GOTS certification, you must ensure that you meet the specific criteria and adhere to the conditions outlined in the Global Organic Textile Standard Programme.

How to label GOTS Goods: Learn about the criteria that must accompany the GOTS logo on your textile products, ensuring authenticity and alignment with GOTS standards.

How to identify GOTS Goods: Discover the significance of GOTS labels as visual indicators of sustainable and ethical practises in textiles.

How to promote GOTS Goods: Find out how to promote your GOTS-certified products and enhance your company’s reputation and credibility, resonating with conscious consumers seeking sustainable choices.

Protection of the GOTS Programme

The GOTS organisation, under the direction of the GOTS Protection Officers , investigate  unauthorised, false or misleading use of the trademark-registered GOTS logo or other claims related to GOTS certification on product declarations, in advertisements, catalogues or other contexts, and takes appropriate action, such as corrective and/or legal action and/or publication of the transgression so as to safeguard the credibility of the GOTS programme and its labelling system.