GOTS Global Organic Textile Standard

Core Background and Purpose

• Defining “organic textiles” clearly to avoid market confusion;

• Ensuring that organic fibers (such as organic cotton and organic linen) are not contaminated during processing and production;

• Promoting reduced environmental impact in the textile industry (e.g., reducing chemical use and pollution);

• Protecting the fundamental rights of workers throughout the supply chain.

Scope of Application

• Raw Material Stage: Cultivation of organic fibers (e.g., organic cotton must comply with organic agriculture standards, prohibiting the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and GMO seeds);

• Processing Stage: Fiber spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing, sewing, and other processes;

• Finished Product Stage: Apparel, home textiles (bed sheets, towels), infant and baby products, decorative fabrics, and other products primarily made from organic fibers.

Core Requirements

1. Raw Material Requirements

• Classified by product grade:

• “Organic” Grade: Organic fiber content ≥ 95% (the remaining 5% may use natural fibers or synthetic fibers meeting specific requirements, and conventional non-organic fibers are prohibited);

• “Made with Organic” Grade: Organic fiber content ≥ 70% (the remaining 30% may include limited conventional natural fibers, subject to environmental requirements).

• Prohibits the use of genetically modified (GMO) raw materials and conventional (non-organic) cotton/linen and other fibers.

2. Processing Requirements

• Prohibits the use of highly toxic chemicals: such as azo dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.), chlorine bleach, fluorinated finishing agents (such as waterproofing agents), etc.;

• Dyeing/finishing processes must use environmentally friendly dyes (e.g., dyes compliant with the EU Eco-label standard);

• Prohibits the addition of substances harmful to human health during processing (e.g., infant products must additionally meet stricter safety requirements).

3. Social Responsibility Requirements

• Compliance with ILO core conventions: prohibition of child labor and forced labor, and safeguarding workers' freedom of association and equal employment (non-discrimination);

• Ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours (no more than 48 hours per week), and a safe working environment (e.g., fire protection, ventilation).

4. Environmental Management Requirements

• Production facilities must be equipped with wastewater treatment systems (especially for dyeing and finishing processes, which must reduce effluent discharge);

• Energy use must prioritize renewable sources (such as solar energy), and energy consumption and carbon emissions must be recorded;

• Waste must be sorted and treated, reducing the use of non-biodegradable materials such as plastics.

Certification and Labeling

• Enterprises must apply for certification through GOTS-authorized certification bodies (such as Control Union, Ecocert, etc.) and obtain the certificate after passing document review and on-site inspections (covering the entire supply chain);

• The certification is valid for 1 year and requires annual surveillance audits;

• Certified products may use the GOTS logo (the label will indicate “Organic” or “Made with Organic” and the specific organic fiber percentage), helping consumers identify truly organic textiles.

Significance and Impact