What is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers through covering social, chemical and environmental requirements in every stage of processing units.

The objectives of GOTS:

The aim of this Standard is to define requirements to ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.

The GOTS is intended for use with any product that contains at least 70% organic natural fiber. Each stage of production is required to be certified, beginning at the processing stage and ending at the last seller in the final business-to-business transaction.

The GOTS certification process:

Application and contract

If you wish to apply for GOTS certification, please complete the application form and return it to GCL International Ltd. head office or one of our local partner offices. We will use the application details to produce a quotation. Once the quotation has been accepted, we will ask you to return a signed copy of the quotation and our Scheme Rules.

Preparation for the GOTS initial inspection/certification audit

After GCL International has received the inspection/certification audit invoiced fee, the following documents are supplied prior to the initial inspection:

• briefing information about the GOTS Standard;
• Standard/Manual and Implementation Manual;
• Document checklist;
• inspection report which includes inspection checklists, list of suppliers and subcontractors.

The client partially completes the inspection report (as indicated) and provides business licenses, policies and procedures, supplier certificates, etc.
GCL International will send the initial inspection plan to the client together with the GOTS Licensing and Labelling Guide

Initial inspection / certification audit

• opening meeting
• inspection
• preparation of inspection report and findings
• closing meeting

Following the completion of the inspection, a report detailing the findings is provided. Subject to the closure of any nonconformances or findings (if any), a certificate with GOTS labelling is issued.

Labelling Release

Whenever the client wishes to have its artwork approved, the proposed artwork and Labelling Release form shall be submitted to GCL International for approval.

Transaction Certificate

• The certified client may request a Transaction Certificate by emailing us;
• Send a Transaction Certificate Request form and associated documents to us;
• If approved by us, the Transaction Certificate is issued to the client.

Re-inspection or Annual Inspection

• GCL International will communicate with the client to plan for the re-inspection and to determine if there has been any changes, such as: production units, subcontractors, recipes or new suppliers. An inspection report must be completed by the client and returned to us;
• GCL International will conduct the re-inspection;
• Following the completion of the inspection, a report detailing the findings is provided. Subject to the closure of any nonconformances or findings (if any), a certificate with GOTS labelling is issued.

General Publications

• Application Form
• GCL Scheme Rules
• GOTS Standard, v5.0
• GOTS Implementation Manual, v5.0
• GOTS Standard, v6.0
• GOTS Implementation Manual, v6.0
• Transaction Certificates Policy
• GOTS Licensing and Labelling Guide
• Request Operator Briefing Note
• Request Fee Structure

Contact us

For more information about GOTS and its certification process please contact us by telephone or email.