Global Standards

GOTS, the Global Organic Textile Standard, is a non-profit initiative that sets requirements for textiles made with certified organic fibres. Its standard addresses environmental and social considerations across the applicable processing, manufacturing and trading stages of a certified supply chain. GOTS establishes criteria for chemical inputs and residue limits, restricts or prohibits specified substances, and requires certified wet-processing facilities to meet wastewater treatment requirements.

The standard also includes social criteria, such as prohibitions on child and forced labour and requirements related to working conditions and non-discrimination. Products carrying a GOTS label are certified by independent third-party experts, and label grades indicate the certified organic fibre content. The certification can apply to a broad range of everyday textiles, including clothing, baby garments, bedsheets and personal-care items such as tampons. Through information for consumers, parents and brands, GOTS explains how its standard works and helps people identify certified products. It also invites brands to register and provides resources about textile industry challenges and the certification process.