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GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARD
ECOLOGY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Label Grades

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.

Organic label grades GOTS

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.

made with label grade GOTS

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'

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How to promote GOTS Goods

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.

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How to get certified

STEP BY STEP  -
HOW TO GET GOTS-CERTIFIED

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.

Step 1:
Inform yourself about GOTS

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.


Step 2:
Reach out to the GOTS Representative in your region

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.


Step 3:
Choose a GOTS-approved Certification Body


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


Step 4:
Contact your GOTS Certification Body

 

 

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


Step 5:
Prepare for the on-site audit


 

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.

 


Step 6:
Receive your GOTS Scope Certificate

 


 

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.

 

GOTS certification process at a glance

Infographic - GOTS certification process

How do you correctly label your certified products?

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.

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Approved Certification Bodies

APPROVED CERTIFICATION BODIES

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.

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