The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres by covering social, chemical and environmental requirements in every stage of processing.

The objectives of GOTS:

The aim of this Standard is to define requirements to ensure the organic status of textiles, from harvesting raw materials, environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, to labelling in order to provide credible assurance to the end consumer.

The GOTS is intended for use with any product that contains at least 70% organic natural fibre. Each stage of production is required to be certified, beginning at the processing stage and ending with the last seller in the final business-to-business transaction.

Application and contract

You can apply online for the GOTS Certification or complete the Application form and return it to GCL International Ltd. head office or one of our local offices. We will use the application details to produce a quotation.

Once the quotation has been accepted, return a signed copy of the quotation and our Scheme Rules.

Preparation for the Initial GOTS Certification Audit

The following documents are supplied prior to the initial certification:

• Briefing information about the GOTS Standard
• Standard and Implementation Manual
• Document checklist
• Inspection report including inspection checklists, list of suppliers and subcontractors

Initial certification audit

• Opening meeting
• On-site Audit
• Preparation of Audit Report (including Findings)
• Closing meeting

Following the completion of the inspection, a report detailing the findings is provided. Subject to the closure of any non-conformances or findings (if any), a Scope Certificate is issued.

Labelling Release

Whenever the client wishes to have artwork approved, the proposed artwork and Labelling Release form must be submitted to GCL International for approval.

Transaction Certificate

• The certified client may request a Transaction Certificate by emailing us
• Send us a Transaction Certificate Request form and associated documents
• If approved, the Transaction Certificate is issued to the client.

Re-assessment or Annual Audit

• GCL International will communicate with the client to plan for the re-audit and to determine if there have been any changes, such as to production units, subcontractors, recipes or new suppliers. An audit report must be completed by the client and returned to us
• GCL International will conduct the re-audit
• Following the completion of the re-audit, a report detailing the findings is provided.
• Subject to the closure of any non-conformances or findings (if any), a certificate with GOTS labelling is issued.

• • Application Form – GOTS Scope 4 Colorants and Textile Auxiliaries
  • Application Form – GOTS Scope 4-Accessories
  • GCL Scheme Rules
  • GOTS Standard, v6.0
  • GOTS Standard, v7.0
  • GOTS Implementation Manual, v7.1
  • Transaction Certificates Policy
  • Policy for Change of Certifiers (CB)
  • Scope Certificates Policy
  • Conditions for the Use of GOTS Signs
  • Request Operator Handbook 
  • Request Fee Structure