Overview of organic textile certification and the GOTS label
Friday, June 12, 2026
What is the most widely recognized certification for organic cotton?
There are several certifications for organic cotton. GOTS is one of the most widely recognized international standards for organic textiles, because the certification covers the entire supply chain, from the field to the finished product, and includes social criteria. GOTS must be issued by an independent certification body such as Ecocert.
What does GOTS stand for in French? GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, which can be translated into French as: “Standard mondial pour les textiles biologiques” (Global standard for organic textiles).
What is the difference between OEKO-TEX and GOTS certifications?
The OEKO-TEX labels and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) both relate to textiles, but they do not verify the same things.
OEKO-TEX mainly focuses on the harmlessness of certain substances and the chemical safety of products, depending on the relevant standard.
GOTS goes further by:
- requiring certified organic fibers,
- strictly limiting chemical treatments,
- controlling manufacturing processes,
- including social criteria, to ensure respect for and improvement of working conditions,
- verifying traceability throughout the company’s entire value chain.
Does GOTS certification mean there are no chemicals?
GOTS certification does not mean a total absence of chemicals, but it does impose strictly controlled and limited use throughout the garment’s production.
At the beginning, cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, without synthetic chemical fertilizers, and without GMOs. During processing, some chemicals are allowed, but they must be on a strict positive list (1) and meet criteria for toxicity and biodegradability. GOTS prohibits hazardous inputs such as toxic heavy metals, aromatic solvents, etc. For the finished product, residue limits are set and the final product is tested.
How can you check that a textile product is truly GOTS-certified and that the certificate is valid?
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification is a strategic benchmark in the textile industry. It is an organic certification issued by a certification body such as Ecocert, which makes it possible to display the claim “made with XX% organic materials” together with the GOTS logo. Products placed on the market are therefore verified as compliant with the GOTS requirements, providing assurance throughout the entire supply chain all the way to consumers.
You can find valid certificates in the Ecocert directory.
(1) Positive list: the Positive List is a list of chemicals, dyes, auxiliaries, and textile inputs that have been assessed and approved as compliant with GOTS chemical requirements.
