What is GOTS?

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is a standard that certifies, through independent audits, the whole chain of textiles containing at least 70% certified organic natural fibers, from post-harvest processing to labeling, against organic content, environmental and social criteria. The standard is managed by Global Standard gGmbH, a non-profit organization founded in Germany in 2002. GOTS does not itself certify organic fiber production on the farm; it requires the fiber to be certified to another organic standard.

Scope

GOTS covers processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading and distribution. Final product categories include fiber, yarn, fabric, garments, textile accessories, textile toys, home textiles, mattresses, bedding, personal care textiles and food-contact textiles (section 1.2.1). The organic fiber must be certified “organic” or “organic in-conversion” to a standard in the IFOAM family of standards; the EU Regulation 2018/848, USDA NOP, APEDA’s NPOP and China’s GB/T19630 are examples (section 2.1.1).

Chain certification

A GOTS certificate is required for every stage, from the receipt of raw organic fiber through processing to trade. An approved certification body carries out an annual on-site inspection; additional unannounced inspections may also take place, depending on risk (section 2.2). Two documents work together:

• Scope certificate: Lists the product and processing categories in which the certified entity may work in line with GOTS. Subcontractors are listed in the scope certificate of the entity that places the work (section 2.3).
• Transaction certificate: Issued after verification when certified goods change hands along the chain; it is the main tool of traceability (section 2.4).

Organic fiber is kept separate so that it cannot mix with conventional fiber, and audit-related records are kept for at least five years (sections 2.5, 2.6). A company that sells the labeled product to consumers under its own name or brand is responsible for due diligence on compliance (section 2.2.7).

Label grades and blending rules

The label must carry the GOTS logo, the label grade, a reference to the certification body and the certificate number of the certified entity. Only the certified entity applies the label, and the certification body approves it beforehand. In retail, a GOTS claim can be made only if the final product is certified and the label is complete (section 2.7).

Other fibers are limited by the standard’s table: conventional cotton (virgin, recycled or non-GMO), virgin polyester and acrylic are prohibited; recycled synthetic fibers may be used up to 20% (30% in socks and in textile-to-textile recycling). Organic and conventional fiber of the same type cannot be blended in the same product (section 3.2).

Environmental and social criteria

On the environmental side, facilities must effectively treat wastewater and sludge before releasing them to the environment (section 4.3.13); there are also separate criteria for water, energy, air emissions, greenhouse gases, waste and packaging. Dyes and auxiliary chemicals must pass GOTS’s input approval system and appear on the positive list (sections 4.2.1, 7); dyes with allergenic potential and colorants classified as carcinogenic or suspected carcinogenic (H350/H351) are prohibited (section 4.2.2.6). There are also residue limit values for the finished product (section 5.2).

On the social side, topics include forced and child labor, discrimination and harassment, freedom of association, occupational health and safety, wages and the assessment of the living wage gap, working hours and migrant workers (section 4.4). The standard also requires a six-step due diligence process (section 4.1).

GOTS 8.0

GOTS is reviewed every three years; the next planned revision is in 2029. As of the date of this entry (October 2026), the latest published version is 8.0 (March 2, 2026; the previous version was 7.0, March 2023). The version applies to all certified entities from March 1, 2027, and early implementation is possible. The change summary highlights stronger due diligence and internal audit requirements, a new section (5.3) for circular practices such as repair and resale, and updated residue limits such as PFAS and phthalates. Ask your certification body which version audits before March 1, 2027 will follow.

How it differs from similar terms

Verification

You can search for GOTS-certified companies in GOTS’s certified suppliers database; the page says certification bodies are still updating their data in the new system. If a record is missing, ask the certification body. For a shipment, ask for the transaction certificate for that order. For companies that provide certification services, see the compliance consultants and certification bodies category; for a detailed checklist, see the textile certifications guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is GOTS mandatory?

GOTS is a voluntary standard and is not intended to replace the legal requirements of any country. In practice the requirement mostly comes from the buyer’s specification.

Can a product without certification carry a GOTS claim?

No. Only products made by a certified entity and certified by an approved certification body can be labeled, promoted or sold as GOTS products (section 2.7.1).