GOTS

Objectives

GOTS aims to define globally recognized requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.

Key Features

1. Organic Fiber Certification

   • Certified Organic Raw Materials: GOTS certification begins with organic farming. The raw fibers must be certified organic, meeting recognized international or national standards such as the EU Organic Regulation, USDA National Organic Program (NOP), or equivalent.

2. Environmental Criteria

   • Chemical Inputs: GOTS prohibits the use of toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano-particles, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and their enzymes. Only low-impact dyes and auxiliaries that meet stringent environmental and toxicological criteria are allowed.
   • Wastewater Treatment: Facilities must treat their wastewater properly, with parameters for discharge quality to minimize environmental impact.
   • Energy and Water Consumption: GOTS encourages responsible usage and management of energy and water resources in textile processing, promoting sustainability.

3. Social Criteria

   • Fair Labor Practices: GOTS mandates adherence to key social criteria based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) norms, including prohibition of child labor, forced labor, and ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and the right to collective bargaining.
   • Worker Health and Safety: The standard ensures that the working environment is safe and hygienic, providing protective measures against harmful substances and ensuring the availability of first aid.

4. Quality Assurance

   • Product Quality: GOTS stipulates technical quality parameters, including colorfastness, rubbing fastness, and shrinkage values, ensuring that the products meet high-quality standards.
   • Residue Testing: Regular testing for residues of harmful substances is mandatory to ensure products are free from hazardous chemicals.

5. Certification Process

   • Independent Certification Bodies: GOTS certification is conducted by independent, accredited bodies that inspect and verify compliance with GOTS standards across the entire supply chain.
   • Annual Audits: Certified entities undergo annual inspections and audits to maintain their certification status, ensuring continuous compliance.
   • Transaction Certificates: Every transaction of GOTS certified goods is accompanied by a transaction certificate, ensuring traceability.

6. Product Range and Labeling

   • Diverse Products: GOTS certification applies to a wide range of textile products, including garments, home textiles, fabrics, yarns, and personal care products made from textiles.
   • Labeling: Products can be labeled as “organic” if they contain at least 95% certified organic fibers. Products containing 70-95% organic fibers can be labeled as “made with organic.” All GOTS-labeled products must also comply with the strict environmental and social criteria throughout the processing stages.

Benefits

• Consumer Trust: The GOTS label provides consumers with assurance regarding the organic integrity and sustainable production of textiles.
• Market Access: GOTS certification helps manufacturers and brands access international markets where eco-friendly and socially responsible products are in demand.
• Environmental and Social Responsibility: By adhering to GOTS standards, companies contribute to sustainable development goals, promoting environmental conservation and social equity.

Summary

GOTS is a comprehensive and rigorous standard that ensures textiles are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, providing a credible and transparent certification that benefits consumers, manufacturers, and the planet.

• Organic Fibers: GOTS primarily applies to textiles made from certified organic natural fibers, such as organic cotton and organic wool. These fibers must be certified according to recognized international or national organic farming standards.
• Environmental Criteria: GOTS sets stringent criteria for chemical inputs such as dyes and auxiliaries used in textile processing. These must meet specific environmental and toxicological criteria, ensuring they do not contain hazardous substances.
• Wastewater Treatment: Facilities must have a functional wastewater treatment plant to treat the water used in the processing of textiles.
• Energy and Water Use: The standard encourages responsible energy and water use, promoting sustainability throughout the manufacturing process.
• Labour Conditions: GOTS includes criteria to ensure fair labor practices. This includes adherence to the International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, prohibiting child labor, ensuring safe working conditions, and guaranteeing fair wages and working hours.

 Certification Process

• Independent Certification Bodies: Certification is conducted by independent, accredited bodies that inspect and verify compliance with GOTS standards.
• Annual Audits: Certified entities undergo annual inspections and audits to maintain their certification status.
• Transaction Certificates: Every transaction of GOTS certified goods is accompanied by a transaction certificate for traceability.