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OTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the world's leading standard for organic textiles, but its requirements, scopes and documentation can raise many practical questions. This FAQ answers the ten most common questions we hear from manufacturers, traders and brands — each answer is based on the official GOTS standard, owned and published by Global Standard gGmbH.
Q: What is GOTS certification?
A: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the world's leading standard for organic textiles. It is a full processing standard that covers the entire supply chain — from ginning and spinning through weaving, dyeing, manufacturing and labelling — for textiles made from at least 70% certified organic natural fibres. GOTS sets both environmental and social criteria for every stage it covers. The standard is owned and published by Global Standard gGmbH, a non-profit organisation based in Stuttgart, Germany.
Q: What is the difference between GOTS 7.0 and 8.0?
A: GOTS is revised every three years. GOTS 7.0 became effective on 1 March 2024 and remains the version used for audits conducted before 1 March 2027. GOTS 8.0 was released on 2 March 2026 and becomes effective on 1 March 2027, with a one-year transition period and early adoption encouraged for all entities. All audits and assessments on or after 1 March 2027 must follow version 8.0. The next scheduled revision is 2029, and English is the official language of the standard.
Q: What are the GOTS label grades?
A: GOTS offers two label grades based on certified fibre content, excluding accessories. Products with at least 95% (≥95%) certified organic fibre may use the "Organic" label grade. Products with at least 70% (≥70%) certified organic fibre may use "Made with (x%) organic materials" (or "organic in-conversion materials"). The remaining fibres must meet GOTS rules for allowed additional fibres. Only certified entities may use GOTS signs, under the Conditions for the Use of GOTS Signs.
Q: Does GOTS certify organic farming?
A: No. GOTS does not certify organic farming itself. It certifies the processing, manufacturing and trading of organic fibres. The organic status of incoming fibres must be verified through certification to the IFOAM Family of Standards — for example EU 2018/848, USDA NOP, NPOP or China GB/T 19630. GOTS-certified entities confirm this status with valid Scope and Transaction Certificates issued by a recognised certifier before the fibres enter the GOTS supply chain.
Q: What does GOTS certification cover? (the four scopes)
A: GOTS certification is organised into four scopes: Scope 1 — mechanical textile processing and manufacturing operations and their products; Scope 2 — wet processing and finishing operations and their products; Scope 3 — trading operations and related products; and Scope 4 — approval of colourants and textile auxiliaries on positive lists. Approved Certifiers are authorised by Global Standard gGmbH to certify one or more of these scopes. Together they cover the whole chain from raw-fibre processing to the finished, labelled product.
Q: What are the main environmental requirements?
A: GOTS requires treated wastewater before discharge, with limit values for pH, temperature, COD, AOX and heavy metals that are at least as strict as local law. Certain substances are prohibited — including PVC (chlorinated plastics), nickel (except stainless steel), chromium (except stainless steel), asbestos, aromatic solvents, and dyes or pigments containing heavy metals as an integral part of the molecule. Residue limits apply to accessories, and biological or low-impact inputs are preferred. Documented records must support every process step.
Q: What are the social (labour) requirements?
A: GOTS social criteria are based on the ILO core conventions. Certified entities must not use forced or child labour. Young workers may not work more than 8 hours a day, and overtime and hazardous or night work are prohibited for them. Discrimination and harassment are prohibited, and freedom of association and collective bargaining are respected. Wages must meet at least the legal minimum or applicable collective agreement, and working hours must comply with ILO and national law. Safe, hygienic conditions and freedom from inhumane treatment are required.
Q: What is the difference between a Scope Certificate and a Transaction Certificate?
A: A Scope Certificate (SC) is issued to a processor, manufacturer, trader or retailer that has demonstrated compliance. It lists the product categories and the qualified processing, manufacturing and trading activities at that site. A Transaction Certificate (TC) is issued for individual consignments as GOTS goods move along the certified supply chain; TCs are the key enablers of traceability and transparency. Volume Reconciliation complements TCs to verify claims. You need an SC to trade and a TC for each shipment.
Q: How often is a GOTS-certified company audited?
A: Certified entities are subject to an annual on-site inspection cycle, which may include additional unannounced, risk-based inspections. Records relevant to the audit must be kept for at least five years. Certification is therefore maintained through this recurring cycle rather than granted as a one-time, fixed-term certificate — each year's inspection confirms continued conformity with the standard.
Q: How do I get GOTS certified?
A: First, select a GOTS Approved Certifier — a certification body accredited by a recognised Accreditation Body and authorised by Global Standard gGmbH (IOAS Inc. is the main accreditation cooperation partner). Implement the relevant GOTS criteria for your scope and build the required documented control and traceability systems. Then undergo the on-site inspection; once you pass, you receive a Scope Certificate. Fees are set by the certification body, so request a tailored quotation for your operation. Our team can guide you through the whole process — contact us for support.
Conclusion
GOTS certification rewards brands and suppliers that can prove both organic fibre content and responsible processing across the full chain. Understanding the label grades, the four scopes, the Scope/Transaction Certificate system and the annual inspection cycle is the foundation for a smooth certification. If you are preparing for GOTS 8.0 or starting from GOTS 7.0, early preparation pays off — and expert support can shorten the path to your Scope Certificate.
References
Global Standard gGmbH. (2026). Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Version 8.0. Stuttgart, Germany. Retrieved from https://www.global-standard.org/
Global Standard gGmbH. (2024). Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Version 7.0 (effective 1 March 2024).
IFOAM Family of Standards — recognised organic farming benchmarks referenced by GOTS (e.g. EU 2018/848, USDA NOP, NPOP, China GB/T 19630).
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