The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world’s leading processing standard for organic fibres, covering ecological and social criteria across the entire textile supply chain. This guide explains what GOTS is, its label grades, certification requirements, and the step-by-step path to becoming a certified operation in 2026.
What Is GOTS?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a voluntary standard administered by Global Standard gGmbH, a not-for-profit organisation incorporated in Germany in 2002 and based in Stuttgart. GOTS defines requirements throughout the supply chain for both ecological and labour conditions in textile and apparel manufacturing that uses organically produced raw materials.
GOTS stipulates the highest level of social and environmental criteria along the organic textiles supply chain. Organic production is based on a farming system that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic, persistent pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, and it includes animal welfare standards and a prohibition on genetically modified organisms. The official language of GOTS is English, and the standard and its implementation manual are available for public download on the GOTS website at global-standard.org.
GOTS Versions in 2026
GOTS is revised every three years. Understanding which version applies is essential before you start:
- GOTS 7.0 was released in March 2023 and became effective on 1 March 2024. It is the version under which audits are currently being conducted in 2026.
- GOTS 8.0 was released on 2 March 2026 and becomes effective on 1 March 2027. A one-year transition period runs from the release date, and early adoption is permitted and encouraged before the effective date. All audits and assessments conducted on or after 1 March 2027 shall follow GOTS version 8.0.
The next scheduled revision of GOTS is expected in 2029. When planning a new certification, confirm with your Approved Certifier which version applies to your audit date.
GOTS Label Grades: Organic vs. Made with Organic
GOTS certification allows products to carry one of two label grades, based on the minimum required percentage of certified fibre content (excluding accessories):
| Certified Fibre Content | Permitted Label Grade |
|---|---|
| No less than 95% (≥95%) of certified fibre content | “Organic” or “Organic in-conversion” |
| No less than 70% (≥70%) of certified fibre content | “Made with (x%) organic materials” or “Made with (x%) organic in-conversion materials” |
The remaining balance (up to 30%) may consist of other specified low-impact fibres allowed under the standard. Labelling of GOTS goods must always include the GOTS logo, the label grade, a reference to the Approved Certification Body, and the certification number of the certified entity.
Organic Fibres Allowed in GOTS
Only organically certified fibres may be used for the organic content in GOTS goods. These fibres must be certified according to any standard that is part of the IFOAM Family of Standards for the relevant scope of production, which includes:
- Regulation (EU) 2018/848
- USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP)
- APEDA’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
- The China Organic Standard GB/T 19630
It is important to note that GOTS does not certify organic fibre production itself. Organic fibre production shall be certified by a certification body officially accredited to the organic standard it certifies against. The organic Scope Certificate must clearly state the status and year of conversion for any in-conversion fibres.
GOTS Certification Requirements
GOTS certification is required for all stages of textile manufacturing—from the acceptance of raw organic fibres through processing and trading of GOTS goods. The First Processor is the certified entity that receives the raw organic fibres and performs the first processing step.
Certified entities must comply with the criteria set out in Section 4 of the standard, which covers:
- Due Diligence Management Process – a documented system to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for adverse impacts.
- Material Input Requirements – organic fibre content, allowed additional fibres, and accessories.
- Environmental and Chemical Management – chemical inputs must appear on GOTS Positive Lists; restricted and prohibited substances are defined; wastewater management and resource efficiency are required.
- Human Rights and Social Criteria – covering forced labour, child labour, discrimination, gender equality, freedom of association and collective bargaining, occupational health and safety, assessment of the living wage gap, working time, and protection for migrant workers and homeworkers.
Records relevant to the audit shall be kept for at least five years, and goods must be traceable through documented control systems covering the origin, flow, and fibre composition of materials.
GOTS Certification Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm Your Scope of Certification
GOTS Approved Certifiers are authorised by Global Standard gGmbH to certify across four scopes: Scope 1 (mechanical textile processing and manufacturing operations, plus approval of accessories), Scope 2 (wet processing and finishing operations), Scope 3 (trading operations), and Scope 4 (approval of colourants and textile auxiliaries on Positive Lists). Identify which scope matches your activities.
Step 2: Choose a GOTS Approved Certifier
Select a certification body authorised by Global Standard gGmbH. Accreditation of certifiers is supported by IOAS Inc. as the main cooperation partner, though accreditation by other recognised Accreditation Bodies remains acceptable. Fees are set by the certification body and depend on your scope, site size, and supply-chain complexity.
Step 3: Application and Gap Assessment
Submit your application and review your current practices against the GOTS criteria. Conduct a gap analysis covering organic fibre content, chemical inputs, wastewater, social criteria, and documentation systems.
Step 4: On-Site Inspection
Certification is conducted by a GOTS Approved Certification Body based on an annual on-site inspection cycle, which may include additional unannounced inspections based on a risk assessment of the operation. The inspector verifies compliance with the relevant GOTS criteria and checks records, processes, and subcontractor listings.
Step 5: Receive Your Scope Certificate
Processors, manufacturers, traders, and retailers that demonstrate compliance receive a GOTS Scope Certificate (SC). The Scope Certificate lists the product categories, processing categories, and any assigned subcontractors qualified under the scope of certification.
Step 6: Issue Transaction Certificates for Each Shipment
As GOTS certified goods move along the supply chain, Transaction Certificates (TCs) are issued by the Approved Certifier after due verification. TCs are the key enablers of traceability and transparency, supported by a volume reconciliation mechanism. Maintain your Scope and Transaction Certificates, invoices, and delivery notes for every transaction.
Step 7: Maintain Certification Through the Annual Cycle
Certification is maintained through the annual on-site inspection cycle. Stay current with version changes—early adoption of GOTS 8.0 is encouraged ahead of its 1 March 2027 effective date—and keep all audit records for at least five years.
Scope Certificate vs. Transaction Certificate
These two documents are central to GOTS compliance:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Scope Certificate (SC) | Confirms an entity is certified and lists the product categories, processing activities, and subcontractors within its scope. |
| Transaction Certificate (TC) | Issued for each movement of GOTS goods to verify traceability and transparency along the certified supply chain. |
FAQ: GOTS Certification Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are among the most common from manufacturers and traders preparing for GOTS certification.
Q: What is the difference between GOTS 7.0 and GOTS 8.0?
A: GOTS 7.0 was released in March 2023 and became effective on 1 March 2024; it is the version used for audits in 2026. GOTS 8.0 was released on 2 March 2026 and becomes effective on 1 March 2027, with a one-year transition period and encouraged early adoption. All audits on or after 1 March 2027 must follow version 8.0.
Q: What is the minimum organic content required for GOTS certification?
A: A product must contain at least 70% certified organic fibre content (excluding accessories) to be certified under GOTS. Products with 70%–94% certified fibre content use the “Made with (x%) organic materials” label, while products with 95% or more use the “Organic” label.
Q: Does GOTS certify organic farming?
A: No. GOTS does not certify organic fibre production. Organic fibres must already be certified by a certification body accredited to an eligible organic standard within the IFOAM Family of Standards (such as EU 2018/848, USDA NOP, NPOP, or China GB/T 19630). GOTS certifies the processing, manufacturing, and trading stages of the textile supply chain.
Q: What is the difference between a Scope Certificate and a Transaction Certificate?
A: A Scope Certificate confirms that an entity is certified and lists what it is qualified to produce and process. A Transaction Certificate is issued for each individual shipment of GOTS goods as they move along the certified supply chain, providing the traceability evidence buyers require.
Q: How often is a GOTS audit conducted?
A: GOTS certification is conducted by an Approved Certification Body based on an annual on-site inspection cycle, which may include additional unannounced inspections determined by a risk assessment of the operation. Certification is maintained through this recurring cycle rather than a single fixed-term certificate.
Q: Can a product with 80% organic fibres be labelled “Organic”?
A: No. A product with 80% certified organic fibre content falls in the 70%–94% range and must use the “Made with 80% organic materials” label grade. The “Organic” label is reserved for products with no less than 95% certified fibre content.
Conclusion
GOTS certification demonstrates a verifiable commitment to both ecological and social responsibility across the organic textile supply chain. By understanding the label grades, preparing your documentation, selecting an Approved Certifier, and maintaining the annual inspection cycle, your operation can achieve and retain GOTS certification with confidence. Whether you are adopting GOTS 7.0 today or planning early adoption of GOTS 8.0 ahead of its 1 March 2027 effective date, a structured approach to the requirements is the key to success.
If you need support with gap analysis, documentation, or audit preparation, our team can guide you through every step of the GOTS certification journey. Contact us today to discuss your certification plan.
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. (2023). Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Version 7.0. Stuttgart, Germany. Retrieved from https://www.global-standard.org
- GOTS. (2026). Manual for the Implementation of GOTS. Retrieved from https://www.global-standard.org
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