GOTS
Sustainable Certification with Global Organic Textile Standard.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the world’s leading organic textile standard, defining environmental and social criteria for the entire textile supply chain, from organic fiber to finished product.
ISO/IEC 17065
Organic Textile Standard
USB Certification is licensed for scope 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the GOTS standard and performs all processes of textile production and chemical/dye approval.
What is GOTS? Organization and Structure
GOTS was established by four recognized organizations: Organic Trade Association (OTA, USA), Internationaler Verband der Naturtextilwirtschaft (IVN, Germany), The Soil Association (UK) and Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA, Japan). Two of these organizations are representatives of the textile industry, while the other two are organic organizations operating in the field of organic agriculture and food.
GOTS emerged from the extensive experience of organic organizations and the desire to harmonize one-to-one processing standards on an international scale. The standard defines criteria for environmental and social responsibility at every stage of the supply chain, from organic fiber production to raw material processing, packaging and labeling.
Standard Development Process and Stakeholders
The GOTS organization uses the advice of relevant international stakeholder organizations and experts for regular standard updates. In this way, the standard is continuously updated in line with industry developments and sustainability expectations.
GOTS establishes a single reference point in the global trade of organic textiles, providing consumers with transparent and reliable product claims and enabling brands and retailers to build sustainable supply chains.
Working Areas of GOTS in Textile Production Chain
Organic Fiber Production
Defines traceability and organic content ratio criteria for certified organic fiber inputs.
Wet Processing and Dyehouse
It applies strict environmental criteria for chemicals and dyestuffs used in dyeing, printing and finishing processes.
Apparel and Production
It requires the application of environmental and social criteria at all production stages, including planting, assembly and packaging.
Trade and Supply Chain
It ensures product traceability across trade stages, including importers, exporters and wholesalers.
Social Criteria
Implements working conditions, wages and human rights requirements based on ILO conventions throughout the supply chain.
Chemical and Dyestuff Approval
All chemicals used within the scope of GOTS must have a “Letter of Approval” certificate.
International Recognition of GOTS
Global Textile Standard
GOTS is recognized as the only worldwide reference for organic textiles, providing consistent assurance for brands, retailers and consumers.
Independent Accredited Certification
The GOTS standard is certified by independent accredited certification bodies under ISO/IEC 17065, which provides assurance of impartial and internationally recognized auditing at every link in the supply chain.
Multi-Stakeholder Governance
Developed under the joint management of the textile industry and organic agriculture organizations, GOTS reflects the views of all stakeholders of the sector in the standards.
Our GOTS Accreditation Scope
USB Certification has scope 1, 2, 3 and 4 authorization in the GOTS standard. Detailed information can be found at global-standard.org.
GOTS Scope 1 – Production Facilities
- Certification of spinning, weaving and knitting plants
- Inspection of wet processing and finishing plants
GOTS Scope 2 – 3 – Trade and Export
- Certification of wholesalers and exporters
- Supply chain traceability audit
GOTS Scope 4 – Chemical Substance Approval
- Evaluation of dyestuffs and auxiliary chemicals according to GOTS criteria
- Approval processes for positive list entry
GOTS Certification for Sustainable Textiles
USB Certification secures your brand’s sustainability claims in the global market by providing certification services in scopes 1-4 of the GOTS standard.
