The Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS for short, is a really important label for clothes and fabrics made from organic materials. It helps make sure that everything from the way the plants are grown to how the final products are made is good for the environment and fair to workers.
What is GOTS Certification?
GOTS, or the Global Organic Textile Standard, is like a gold star for eco-friendly fabrics. It tells you that the clothing or textiles are made from organic materials and meet strict environmental and ethical standards.
This certification ensures that fabrics—whether cotton, wool, or other natural fibers—come from farms that avoid harmful chemicals. But it doesn’t stop there! GOTS checks every step, from harvesting raw materials to the final product, making sure it’s safe for you and kind to the planet.
Key Requirements of GOTS Certification
GOTS certification is more than just a label—it’s a promise that clothes and fabrics are made responsibly. It protects the planet, workers, and consumers like you. Let’s break it down simply:
1. Organic Fibers Only
For a product to be GOTS-certified, at least 70% of its fibers must be organic. That means no harmful pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). When you see the GOTS label, you know it’s made with safe, natural materials!
2. Eco-Friendly Processing
GOTS has strict rules on how fabrics are treated. Only non-toxic dyes and chemicals can be used, ensuring that the production process is safe for both the environment and your skin. This helps keep our water and air clean!
3. Fair Treatment of Workers
t’s not just about the fabric—GOTS protects people, too! The certification ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and no child or forced labor. Ethical production matters just as much as sustainability.
4. Full Transparency
Ever wonder where your clothes come from? GOTS requires traceability, meaning every step—from the farm to the finished product—is documented. This keeps companies accountable and helps you make informed choices.
5. Independent Audits
To keep things honest, third-party organizations check whether brands truly follow GOTS standards. These independent inspections ensure that companies aren’t just claiming to be eco-friendly—they actually are.
6. Every Step Counts
GOTS covers the entire textile production process, from raw materials to final packaging. Every company involved must meet these high standards, ensuring quality and sustainability from start to finish.
How to Get GOTS Certification
Getting GOTS certification is a great way to prove that your textiles are organic, sustainable, and ethically made. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Choose a Certification Body
First, you need to pick an approved Certification Body—an organization that verifies whether you meet GOTS standards. Think of them as your eco-friendly guide on this journey. Choose one based on your location and business needs.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve chosen a Certification Body, it’s time to fill out an application. This includes details about your business, like where you’re located, what textiles you produce, and how you source your materials. It’s like signing up for an exclusive eco-friendly club!
Step 3: Prepare for the Audit
After applying, you’ll need to get ready for an inspection. The Certification Body will check if your materials are truly organic and whether your production process follows GOTS standards. Gather all necessary documents, such as proof of organic sourcing and ethical labor practices.
Step 4: The Audit Process
On audit day, inspectors will visit your facility to ensure that:
✅ Organic and non-organic materials don’t mix
✅ Eco-friendly dyes and processes are used
✅ Fair labor and environmental policies are followed
They’ll carefully review your operations to confirm that everything meets GOTS guidelines.
Step 5: Receive Your GOTS Certificate
If you pass the audit, congratulations! 🎉 You’ll receive a GOTS Scope Certificate, officially proving that your textiles meet global organic standards. Now, you can proudly display the GOTS label on your products.
Step 6: Maintain Certification
Getting certified is just the beginning! To keep your GOTS certification active, you’ll need to pass an annual inspection. This ensures that your products remain eco-friendly, ethical, and high-quality year after year.
By following these steps, your brand can stand out as a trusted, sustainable choice for consumers who care about the planet.
Cost of Getting GOTS Certification
Getting GOTS certification is a great way to prove that your textiles are organic, ethical, and eco-friendly. But how much does it cost? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Affects the Cost?
The price of certification depends on:
✔ The size of your business – Bigger companies may pay more.
✔ Your supply chain complexity – More suppliers and factories mean higher costs.
✔ Location – Inspection and travel costs vary by region.
Main GOTS Certification Costs
💰 Application Fees
This is a one-time fee for processing your certification request. It usually costs $200–$300.
🔍 Inspection & Auditing Fees
The biggest expense! Inspectors visit your facility to check if you meet GOTS standards. This includes travel costs and evaluation time. Expect to pay between $600 and $2,400 per audit.
📅 Annual Renewal Fees
GOTS certification isn’t a one-time thing—you need to renew it every year to stay compliant. Renewal costs typically range from $400 to $1,800 per year.
🧪 Additional Costs
Some businesses need extra lab tests or expert advice to meet GOTS requirements. This can add another $250 to $1,200, depending on the situation.
Is It Worth It?
While GOTS certification does come with costs, it also helps brands build trust, attract eco-conscious consumers, and stand out in the market. Many businesses see it as a smart investment in sustainability and long-term growth.
So, if we add everything up, getting and keeping GOTS certification can cost between $1,500 and $5,000 or more each year. This includes the initial certification and all the yearly fees.
Challenges in Obtaining GOTS Certification
Getting GOTS certification is a great way to prove that textiles are organic and ethically made. But the process isn’t always easy! Here are some common challenges businesses face when working toward certification.
1. Understanding the Requirements
GOTS has strict rules for organic textiles. At least 70% of fibers in a product must be organic to qualify, and for the “organic” label, the number jumps to 95%. This means companies can’t mix non-organic fibers from the same raw material.
For businesses new to organic sourcing, this can be tough. They might need to change suppliers, update production methods, or reformulate products to meet these standards
2. Finding the Right Certification Body
To get certified, companies must choose a GOTS-approved certification body. This is like picking a trusted referee to verify their process. But not all certification bodies work the same way—some are faster, while others have stricter review processes. Picking the wrong one could cause delays and extra costs.
3. Preparing for Audits
Once the application is submitted, businesses must prepare for a full audit. The certification body will inspect facilities, review sourcing records, and ensure compliance with GOTS standards.
Companies need to keep detailed documents, including:
✅ Proof that raw materials are organic
✅ Records of production and supply chain processes
✅ Social compliance policies (fair wages, safe working conditions)
If businesses fail the audit, they might need to fix issues, pay for re-inspections, or face certification delays.
4. The Cost Factor
GOTS certification isn’t free! Companies may need to pay for lab testing, upgrade production facilities, and cover audit fees. For small businesses, these costs can add up quickly and become a financial burden.
5. Keeping Up with Changing Standards
GOTS updates its requirements regularly. For example, GOTS Version 7.0 introduced new environmental and social responsibility guidelines. Businesses must stay up to date with these changes to maintain certification. If they fail to comply, they risk losing their GOTS label, which could harm their reputation and sales.
How Long Does It Take to Get GOTS Certification?
Getting GOTS certification isn’t instant—it takes time to ensure everything meets the strict organic and ethical standards. Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:
1. Initial Application (A Few Weeks)
Once you submit your application, the Certification Body reviews your details. This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on their workload and how complete your application is.
2. Preparation for Audit (A Few Weeks)
After your application is approved, you’ll need time to prepare for an on-site audit. This means:
✔ Gathering all necessary documents
✔ Ensuring organic and non-organic materials are properly separated
✔ Reviewing production and labor practices
This can take a few weeks, depending on your business’s readiness.
3. On-Site Audit (1–2 Days)
The audit itself is usually completed in one or two days. Inspectors will visit your facility to check:
- Material sourcing (ensuring organic compliance)
- Manufacturing processes (no harmful chemicals or unethical practices)
- Worker conditions (fair wages, no child labor)
4. Receiving Your Certificate (A Few Weeks)
If you pass the audit, you’ll receive your GOTS Scope Certificate within a few weeks. If issues arise, you might need to fix them and schedule a re-evaluation, which can add time.
Total Estimated Time: 1–3 Months
From start to finish, getting GOTS certification typically takes 1 to 3 months, though it may take longer if additional improvements or audits are needed.
Financial Assistance for GOTS Certification
Getting GOTS certification can be an investment, but there are ways to reduce costs. If you’re looking for financial help, here are some options:
1. Grants and Subsidies
Some government programs offer grants to help cover certification fees. These funds are designed to support sustainable and eco-friendly businesses. Check with local, state, or federal agencies to see if any programs apply to you.
2. Green Business Loans
Certain financial institutions offer loans specifically for sustainability projects. These can help businesses cover the cost of certification, facility upgrades, or organic material sourcing. Look for banks or lenders that focus on eco-conscious business financing.
3. Non-Profit Support
Some non-profit organizations focus on promoting sustainable textiles. They may offer:
✔ Financial assistance for certification fees
✔ Mentorship or consulting on how to meet GOTS standards
✔ Networking opportunities with other eco-friendly brands
Check out groups like the Organic Trade Association (OTA) or Sustainable Apparel Coalition for potential funding and guidance.
4. Certifying Body Partnerships
Some GOTS-approved certification bodies offer:
✅ Discounted fees for small businesses
✅ Flexible payment plans
✅ Partnership programs that lower costs
If you’re a small or startup brand, ask certifying bodies if they have cost-sharing or sponsorship options.
Final Tip
Before applying for financial assistance, research all available options. Combining grants, loans, and partnerships can help make GOTS certification more affordable and accessible for your business.
What to Do If Your Application for GOTS Certification Gets Rejected
Getting a rejection for your GOTS certification can feel frustrating, but don’t worry—it’s not the end of the road! Here’s how you can fix the issues and reapply with confidence.
1. Understand Why It Was Rejected
First, review the feedback from the certification body. They usually provide specific reasons for the rejection. Common issues include:
🚫 Missing documents
🚫 Non-compliant materials (less than 70% organic fibers)
🚫 Improper handling of chemicals or production methods
Knowing exactly what went wrong is the first step toward fixing it.
2. Act on the Feedback
Once you understand the issues, take action!
📄 Fix Your Documentation – Ensure all records are complete, correct, and up to date. This includes sourcing details, organic material certifications, and production processes.
🔄 Adjust Your Practices – If your processes didn’t meet GOTS standards, make the necessary changes. This might include:
✔ Switching to GOTS-approved chemicals
✔ Ensuring proper separation of organic and non-organic fibers
✔ Improving environmental and social compliance practices
3. Seek Expert Help
If you’re unsure how to fix the issues, reach out for guidance. You can:
📌 Consult GOTS experts – Professionals who specialize in organic textile certification can help.
📌 Join industry forums – Connect with businesses that have successfully obtained GOTS certification and learn from their experience.
4. Reapply with Confidence
Once you’ve made the necessary improvements, submit a new application. Highlight the changes and corrections you’ve made to show your commitment to meeting GOTS standards.
5. Stay Positive & Keep Moving Forward
Rejections happen to many businesses, but it’s all part of the journey. Use this as a learning experience and a chance to improve your operations. Every step you take gets you closer to earning that trusted GOTS certification!
Key Documents for GOTS Certification
To get GOTS certification, you need to provide several important documents. These documents prove that your textiles are organic, ethically produced, and environmentally friendly. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. System Manual
Think of this as your company’s guidebook. It explains how your business operates and ensures that all GOTS rules and procedures are followed.
2. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
These are step-by-step instructions for handling materials, production, and quality checks. SOPs help ensure that every process is consistent and GOTS-compliant.
3. Policy Documents
Your company must have clear policies showing your commitment to organic practices, ethical labor, and environmental responsibility. This includes your mission, vision, and sustainability goals.
4. Compliance Checklists
Use checklists to keep track of everything required for GOTS certification. These cover:
✔ Material sourcing
✔ Waste management
✔ Social compliance
✔ Production and labeling requirements
5. Purchase Records & Supplier Invoices
You must keep detailed records of purchases to prove that your raw materials are truly organic. This includes:
📌 Invoices from suppliers
📌 Delivery notes
📌 Material certificates
6. Audit Reports & Previous Certifications
If you’ve had prior audits, keep those records ready. They demonstrate compliance with organic and ethical standards over time.
7. Environmental Management Plan
This document outlines how your company:
✔ Reduces waste
✔ Manages water and energy efficiently
✔ Prevents pollution
8. Social Compliance Documents
GOTS certification also checks fair labor practices. You’ll need to provide proof of:
📌 Fair wages
📌 Safe working conditions
📌 No child or forced labor
9. Transaction Certificates (TCs)
These certificates confirm that each shipment of products meets GOTS standards. They help maintain the organic status of your goods throughout the supply chain.
10. Scope Certificate (SC)
This official document proves that your facility is approved to process GOTS-certified goods. It’s one of the most important documents for maintaining certification.
What Are the Main Differences Between GOTS and OEKO-TEX Certifications?
Both GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX certifications help consumers choose safer textiles, but they focus on different aspects. Here’s a simple breakdown of how they compare:
| Feature | GOTS | OEKO-TEX |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Organic textiles & sustainability | Safety of textiles for human use |
| Certification Options | One global standard | Six different certification types (e.g., Standard 100, Made in Green) |
| Organic Requirement | Minimum 70% organic fibers | No organic requirement |
| Chemical Restrictions | Prohibits hazardous chemicals | Allows some chemicals within safe limits |
| Certification Process | Comprehensive – covers all production stages | Less strict – requirements vary by certification type |
| Consumer Assurance | High assurance of sustainability & ethical production | Ensures safety from harmful substances but focuses less on sustainability |
Key Takeaways
✅ GOTS is best for consumers looking for organic, eco-friendly, and ethical textiles.
✅ OEKO-TEX is great for ensuring textile safety, even if the materials aren’t organic.
Both certifications help brands build trust, but GOTS is stricter on sustainability, while OEKO-TEX focuses more on chemical safety.