Applying for organic textiles certification
Everything you need to know about applying for organic certification for fashion and textiles. Find out about the application process, from initial contact with us to receiving your certificate.
Who needs Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification?
All businesses in your supply chain need to hold GOTS certification, from ginners, graders and scouring, through to traders, wholesalers and retailers. If you are a first processor, you must have checks to ensure you are bringing certified organic fibres into the supply chain.
To use the GOTS logo or make reference to GOTS in relation to your products, certification is required. The exception to mandatory certification is for retailers who can sell finished GOTS goods using their supplier’s certification if they have a retailer declaration in place.
Where can you certify?
We can certify to GOTS in any of the following countries:
Czech Republic
Denmark
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Netherlands
Poland
Slovakia
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States of America
Unfortunately, if you are outside of these countries you will not be able to certify with us at this time.
How to get GOTS certified
Application timescales
The certification process takes about:
8 to 12 weeks for UK-based companies
12 to 16 weeks for countries outside of the UK
Application process
If you want to certify your products with us, here's how to get started.
Step 1: Fill out our application form
Simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you with an application pack. This pack provides you with a step-by-step guide to certification – everything from what ingredients we allow, to our packaging requirements, as well as important details of our fees and contract. Once you have read through these documents, we will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Step 2: Meet a member of our certification team
We have a lovely team who will be able to support you throughout the application process.
Step 3: It's time for us to come and visit you
Once your application for certification has been received and processed, our inspector team will arrange a visit. Don’t worry, we will do everything we can to make this as smooth as possible, and will let you know in advance what you need to do to prepare for the inspection.
Step 4: Congratulations, you're certified
Your application’s complete, your inspection went smoothly and your labels have been approved. You'll then receive your first certificate. This means you’re officially certified to GOTS standards, and we’re all one step closer to transparency in our fashion and textiles industry.
Step 5: Meet the team and get support
It's now time for you to meet our friendly Business Development team who will work with you on an ongoing basis. Our work together will help to shape the certified organic fashion and textiles market.
What to expect after submitting your application form and contract
You will be invoiced for the application process and one full year of certification.
When this is paid, you will be assigned a personal Certification Officer, who will help you prepare for your application inspection, explain the GOTS requirements in relation to your operations and answer any questions you may have
Once you’ve had an inspection, you will have two months to evidence any actions raised at the audit. Once all these actions have been approved we will issue your GOTS scope certificate.
Throughout your contract with us, you will receive continued support from your Certification Officer so that you can sell your products and services as organic. You will also be welcomed by our Business Development team to make the most of the additional benefits of certifying with us.
What you need to get your GOTS certification
Here is a list of everything you need to submit:
Scope Certificates and Transaction Certificates (only if you have your GOTS suppliers prior to your application)
Environmental Policy
Social Compliance Policy
Due Diligence Procedures
product, label, and packaging approval forms
technical quality and chemical residue risk assessments or testing plans
Once you have submitted your application, our certification team can help with anything you need to do ahead of your application inspection. We will explain each requirement at your welcome call.
Find more on the GOTS standard and Conditions for the Use of GOTS Signs and the GOTS Manual for Implementation.
Learn more about organic certification
Find out all you need to know about certification for fashion and textiles.