What is GOTS certification and what does it cover?

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the world's leading certification for organic textiles. It covers the entire supply chain from harvesting raw organic fibers through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing to labeling. Products must contain at least 70% certified organic fibers. The standard bans toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, and GMOs.

How do I verify GOTS certification on a product?

Look for the official GOTS logo with a license number underneath. Then search the GOTS Certified Suppliers Database at global-standard.org to verify the license number. Legitimate GOTS products always show the logo, label grade, certifier name, and license number. Products missing any element may not be genuinely certified.

What chemicals does GOTS ban in textile production?

GOTS bans toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nanoparticles, and GMOs. Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amines are prohibited. Chlorine bleaching is banned; only oxygen-based bleaches are allowed. All chemical inputs must be on the GOTS Positive List of over 24,000 approved trade names.

Does GOTS include social and worker protection standards?

Yes. GOTS requires compliance with social criteria based on ILO conventions, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and OECD guidelines. This includes no child labor, no forced labor, safe working conditions, fair wages, freedom of association, and limits on working hours. Over 4 million employees work in GOTS certified facilities worldwide.

How often must GOTS certification be renewed?

GOTS certification requires annual on-site inspections and audits by independent, ISO 17065 accredited certification bodies. Facilities must renew certification every year. Additionally, unannounced inspections may occur at any time. This continuous monitoring ensures ongoing compliance with all environmental and social criteria.

What is the difference between GOTS and OEKO-TEX certification?

GOTS certifies the entire organic supply chain including farming, processing, social standards, and environmental practices. It requires minimum 70% organic fibers. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 focuses specifically on testing finished products for harmful chemicals regardless of fiber origin. GOTS is more comprehensive, covering organic integrity, worker rights, and environmental impact from field to finished product.

Are Design Delight Studio products GOTS certified?

Yes. All Design Delight Studio organic cotton products are GOTS certified at the 'Organic' label grade, meaning they contain at least 95% certified organic fibers. DDS also holds GRS, OCS, PETA-Approved Vegan, and Fair Trade certifications. You can verify our certification in the GOTS public database.

GOTS Certification Guide 2026: The Gold Standard for Organic Textiles

Q: What are the two GOTS label grades?

GOTS has two label grades. The 'Organic' grade requires at least 95% certified organic fibers and is the highest level. The 'Made with Organic' grade requires at least 70% certified organic fibers. Both grades must meet the same strict environmental and social processing criteria. Design Delight Studio products carry the 'Organic' label grade.

Q: How many facilities worldwide are GOTS certified?

As of 2024, 15,441 facilities across 87 countries are GOTS certified, verified by 26 approved certification bodies. India leads with over 4,000 certified facilities, followed by China, Turkey, and Bangladesh. The number has grown 5.2% year over year, representing over 4 million employees in certified facilities globally.

Q: What does GOTS Version 7.0 include?

GOTS Version 7.0, released March 2023, introduced the strongest due diligence requirements in GOTS history, aligned with OECD Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains. It includes a mandatory six-step due diligence process, enhanced traceability requirements, and strengthened environmental protections. Version 8.0 is currently in development with public consultation underway.

Quick Answer

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the world's leading certification for organic textiles. It requires minimum 70% certified organic fibers and covers the entire supply chain—from organic farming through processing, manufacturing, and labeling. GOTS bans toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, GMOs, and carcinogenic dyes while requiring fair labor conditions based on ILO standards. As of 2024, 15,441 facilities in 87 countries are GOTS certified.

15,441

Certified Facilities

Countries

4M+

Workers Protected

24K+

Approved Chemicals

Source: GOTS 2024 Annual Report

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world's leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibers. Developed in 2002 by four founding organizations—the International Association Natural Textile Industry (IVN, Germany), Soil Association (SA, England), Organic Trade Association (OTA, USA), and Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA, Japan)—GOTS defines globally recognized requirements for the entire organic textile supply chain.

Unlike certifications that only test the finished product, GOTS covers every stage: harvesting of raw organic materials, environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading, and distribution. This "field to fashion" approach ensures that when you see the GOTS label, every step from farm to your closet has been independently verified.

GOTS Covers the Entire Chain

Every stage is independently audited:

Fiber Production: Organic farming certified to USDA NOP, EU organic, or IFOAM standards
Processing: Spinning, knitting, weaving with approved chemicals only
Wet Processing: Dyeing, printing, finishing with mandatory wastewater treatment
Manufacturing: Cutting, sewing, assembly under fair labor conditions
Packaging: No PVC allowed; recycled/sustainable materials preferred
Trading & Distribution: Full chain-of-custody documentation required

The current version, GOTS Version 7.0, was released in March 2023 and introduced the strongest due diligence requirements in the standard's history, aligned with the OECD Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains. Version 8.0 is currently in development with public consultation underway.

For the full official standard, visit global-standard.org.

Key Takeaways

15,441 facilities in 87 countries are GOTS certified as of 2024, a 5.2% increase year-over-year
Two label grades: "Organic" (≥95%) and "Made with Organic" (≥70%) certified organic fibers
GOTS bans toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, GMOs, and carcinogenic azo dyes
Over 24,000 approved chemical trade names from 700+ suppliers on the GOTS Positive List
Social criteria based on ILO, UN, and OECD standards protect 4+ million workers worldwide
Annual on-site audits by 26 ISO 17065 accredited certification bodies ensure ongoing compliance
Mandatory wastewater treatment for all wet processing facilities
All Design Delight Studio organic cotton products carry the "Organic" label grade

GOTS products are labeled with one of two grades based on organic fiber content. Both grades must meet the same strict processing, chemical, and social criteria—the only difference is the minimum percentage of organic fibers. Official label grades info.

Highest Grade

"Organic"

≥ 95%

Products must contain at least 95% certified organic fibers, with a maximum of 5% non-organic natural or synthetic fibers. This is the premium tier—the closest you can get to 100% organic in a finished garment that may need elastane or thread components.

✓ Maximum 5% non-organic fibers allowed
✓ No blending organic + conventional of same fiber type
✓ Conventional cotton and virgin polyester prohibited in balance

All DDS organic cotton products carry this grade

Standard Grade

"Made with Organic"

≥ 70%

Products must contain at least 70% certified organic fibers, with up to 30% non-organic fibers (but maximum 10% synthetic, or 25% for socks/leggings/sportswear). This allows more flexibility for performance blends while maintaining strong organic integrity.

✓ Maximum 30% non-organic fibers allowed
✓ Same chemical and social criteria as "Organic" grade
✓ Non-organic fibers must be recycled or sustainably sourced when possible

Organic Farming

Foundation

Raw fibers must be certified organic under recognized standards (USDA NOP, EU 834/2007, or IFOAM). This means soil free from synthetic chemicals for 3+ years, no GMO seeds, no toxic pesticides or herbicides, and mandatory crop rotation. The GOTS Farm-Gin Registry tracks cotton from farm to first processor.

Ginning & Fiber Processing

Scope 1

Cotton ginning separates fibers from seeds under strict organic protocols. GOTS requires complete separation of organic and conventional cotton to prevent contamination. GMO and pesticide residue testing is mandatory before processing. All operations documented with Transaction Certificates.

Spinning, Knitting & Weaving

Scope 1

Mechanical processing transforms raw fibers into yarn and fabric. Synthetic sizing agents are restricted. Knitting and weaving oils must be free of heavy metals. Organic and conventional production must be clearly separated and documented throughout.

Wet Processing: Dyeing & Finishing

Scope 2

All dyes and auxiliaries must be on the GOTS Positive List (24,000+ approved trade names). Chlorine bleaching is banned—only oxygen-based bleaches allowed. Azo dyes releasing carcinogenic amines are prohibited. Mandatory wastewater treatment before discharge. pH must be 4.5–9.0 for skin safety.

Manufacturing & Assembly

Scope 1

Cutting, sewing, and finishing under fair labor conditions. Social criteria based on ILO, UN, and OECD standards: no child labor, no forced labor, fair wages, safe workplaces, and freedom of association. Accessories must meet GOTS ecological criteria—no nickel, no PVC.

Packaging, Labeling & Trading

Scope 3

No PVC in packaging materials. GOTS logo, label grade, certifier name, and license number must appear on all certified products. Every shipment requires a Transaction Certificate. Traders and importers must also be GOTS certified to maintain chain of custody.

→ Full certification process details at global-standard.org

GOTS maintains a Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) that bans hazardous chemicals from the production process, and a Restricted Substances List (RSL) that sets strict residue limits on finished products. Only chemicals on the GOTS Positive List of 24,000+ approved trade names may be used.

Toxic heavy metals: Lead, cadmium, chromium VI, mercury
Formaldehyde: Used in wrinkle-free finishes
Aromatic solvents: Benzene, toluene, xylene
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their enzymes
Functional nanoparticles in processing
Carcinogenic azo dyes that release harmful amines
Chlorine-based bleaching agents

Synthetic sizing agents — restricted types only
PVC — banned in packaging and accessories
Nickel — limited in metal components
Optical brighteners — restricted use
Pesticide residues — strict ppm limits on fibers
PFAS "forever chemicals" — not permitted
Endocrine disruptors — phthalates banned

✓ Oxygen-based bleaching only
✓ Mandatory wastewater treatment at all wet processors
✓ pH value 4.5–9.0 for skin compatibility
✓ Colorfastness meeting technical quality parameters
✓ Only GOTS Positive List chemicals permitted
✓ Environmental management systems mandatory
✓ Residue testing on finished products and accessories

→ Colorfastness to washing, sweat, rubbing, light
→ Shrinkage limits on fabrics
→ Pilling resistance standards
→ Tensile strength requirements
→ VOC off-gassing measurements
→ Heavy metal residue analysis on accessories
→ GMO and pesticide screening on raw fibers

Enter the company name or license number found on the GOTS product label

Official GOTS Public Database

For definitive verification, always search the official database:

GOTS Certified Suppliers Database

What to Look For on Genuine GOTS Labels

The official GOTS logo (white shirt on green circle) or the lettering "Global Organic Textile Standard"
Label grade — "Organic" or "Made with X% Organic"
Certification body name — e.g., "Certified by [name]"
License number — verifiable in the GOTS public database

Missing any of these elements? The product may not be genuinely GOTS certified. Learn more about identifying GOTS goods →

Criteria	GOTS	OEKO-TEX 100	OCS
Primary Focus	Full organic supply chain	Chemical safety in finished product	Organic content verification
Organic Fiber Requirement	Minimum 70% organic	None—tests any material	Tracks organic content
Chemical Restrictions	Positive List only + bans	350+ substances tested	No chemical criteria
Environmental Criteria	Comprehensive (wastewater, energy)	Not primary focus	Minimal
Social/Labor Standards	ILO/UN/OECD based	Not included	Not included
Supply Chain Coverage	Farm to finished product	Finished product only	Raw material to final product
Annual Audits	On-site + unannounced	Product retesting	On-site inspections
Official Website	global-standard.org	oeko-tex.com	textileexchange.org

Why We Chose GOTS

At Design Delight Studio, we hold GOTS because it's the most comprehensive certification available—covering organic integrity, chemical safety, worker rights, AND environmental impact. We also hold GRS, OCS, PETA-Approved Vegan, and Fair Trade certifications for maximum transparency. See all our certifications →

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The Bottom Line

GOTS certification is the gold standard for organic textiles because it's the only certification that covers the entire supply chain—from organic farming through chemical safety, worker rights, and environmental protection to the finished product in your hands. When you buy GOTS-certified products, you're supporting a system that protects 4+ million workers, bans hazardous chemicals, and requires annual independent verification.

All Design Delight Studio organic cotton products are GOTS "Organic" grade certified. Shop our certified collections →

What is GOTS certification and why does it matter?

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the world's leading certification for organic textiles, established in 2002 by four international organizations. It matters because it's the only major certification that covers the entire supply chain—from organic farming through processing, manufacturing, and labeling—while also requiring social criteria for worker protection. It provides consumers the most comprehensive assurance that a textile product is truly organic and responsibly produced. Learn more at global-standard.org.

What are the two GOTS label grades?

GOTS has two label grades. "Organic" (the highest grade) requires at least 95% certified organic fibers. "Made with Organic" requires at least 70% certified organic fibers. Both grades must meet identical environmental and social processing criteria. The only difference is the minimum organic fiber content. See the official label grades page for details.

How do I verify if a product is genuinely GOTS certified?

Check for four required elements on the label: the GOTS logo, the label grade, the certifier's name, and the license number. Then search the GOTS Certified Suppliers Database to verify the license number is valid and current. A product missing any of these elements may not be genuinely GOTS certified.

What chemicals does GOTS ban?

GOTS prohibits toxic heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium VI), formaldehyde, aromatic solvents (benzene, toluene), genetically modified organisms, functional nanoparticles, carcinogenic azo dyes, chlorine bleaching, and PVC. All chemicals used must be on the GOTS Positive List of over 24,000 approved trade names.

Does GOTS protect workers' rights?

Yes, GOTS social criteria are based on ILO conventions, UN Guiding Principles, and OECD guidelines. Requirements include: no child labor, no forced labor, freedom of association, safe workplaces, fair wages, regular hours with rest periods, and no discrimination. All certified facilities must maintain social compliance management systems. Over 4 million employees worldwide are protected by these standards.

How is GOTS different from OEKO-TEX?

GOTS certifies the entire organic supply chain (farming, processing, social standards, environment) and requires minimum 70% organic fibers. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 focuses on testing finished products for harmful chemicals regardless of fiber origin. GOTS is more comprehensive—covering organic integrity, worker protection, AND environmental impact. OEKO-TEX offers deeper chemical testing specificity. They serve different but complementary purposes.

Are all Design Delight Studio products GOTS certified?

All Design Delight Studio organic cotton products carry GOTS "Organic" label grade certification (≥95% certified organic fibers). We also hold GRS (Global Recycled Standard), OCS (Organic Content Standard), PETA-Approved Vegan, and Fair Trade certifications. View all our certifications.

How often is GOTS certification renewed?

GOTS requires annual on-site inspections by independent certification bodies that are ISO 17065 accredited. Facilities must renew every year. Unannounced inspections can also occur. There are 26 GOTS-approved certification bodies operating worldwide. Learn about the process at global-standard.org.

What is GOTS Version 7.0?

GOTS Version 7.0, released March 2023 and fully implemented March 2024, introduced the strongest due diligence requirements in GOTS history. It includes a mandatory six-step due diligence process aligned with OECD Guidance, enhanced traceability, and the Global Trace-Base system for monitoring supply chain integrity. Version 8.0 is currently in development through public consultation.

How many facilities worldwide are GOTS certified?

As of 2024, 15,441 facilities in 87 countries are GOTS certified, a 5.2% increase from 2023. The top countries include India (4,028), China (2,535), Turkey (1,730), and Bangladesh (1,344). These facilities employ over 4 million people. Source: GOTS 2024 Annual Report.

Official GOTS Website

The authoritative source for all GOTS information

Certified Suppliers Database

Search and verify GOTS certified entities worldwide

GOTS Label Grades

Official guide to "Organic" vs "Made with Organic"

Approved Certification Bodies

Find GOTS approved auditors worldwide

Official GOTS Q&A

Answers from the GOTS organization directly

GOTS 2024 Annual Report

Latest statistics and achievements

Our Organic Promise

View all Design Delight Studio certifications

Product Transparency

Full supply chain transparency on our products

Eco-Friendly Promise

Our sustainability practices and commitments

About Design Delight Studio

Our mission, values, and story

GOTS "Organic" Grade Certified

Shop Our GOTS-Certified Collections

Every organic cotton product at Design Delight Studio carries the GOTS "Organic" label grade—meaning ≥95% certified organic fibers, processed without toxic chemicals, by fairly treated workers, through an independently audited supply chain.

GOTS Certified OCS Certified GRS Certified PETA Vegan Fair Trade

Shop All Collections

GOTS Certification:
From Field to Fashion

Quick Answer