# GOTS Press Release +++ GOTS significantly raises requirements for certified gins **New criteria improve transparency and integrity** As a holistic [standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "

standard glossary text

"), the comprehensive and strict requirements of The Global [Organic](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/organic "

'Organic' is a regulated term used to distinguish systems of managed production and products derived therefrom that adhere to principles of health, ecology, fairness and care, and which are certified compliant to an organic standard's regulations by an Approved Certification Body.
GOTS defines organic textiles as being made with fibres from organic agriculture systems that are certified to one of the IFOAM Family of Standards, and that are processed in socially and ecologically responsible ways, in alignment with organic principles.

") Textile [Standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "

standard glossary text

") ([GOTS](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/gots "

The worldwide leading voluntary sustainability standard for the post-harvest textile value chain for certified organic fibres, covering environmental criteria, human rights, social criteria and business conduct.

")) ensure transparent and traceable processing for organic textiles from field to finished product. With firm restrictions on raw material, a clearly defined set of social and environmental criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain, GOTS brings integrity to organic products. To further advance the system, GOTS is significantly raising the requirements for GOTS-certified gins: 1\. **GOTS is introducing a compulsory farm-gin registry for all farms and farm groups whose certified raw material enters the GOTS system**, including information on farm yields. The registry will be implemented progressively, starting in India. 2\. **Raw cotton is not allowed to travel more than 500 km from the farm to the certified gin**. The shorter trade chain protects vulnerable points and optimises the process for buyers. 3\. **Increase of unannounced [audits](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/audit "

A systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the Standard's requirements (including environmental and social criteria) are fulfilled by a Certified Entity or applicant for the status of Certified Entity. Audits are conducted by Approved Certification Bodies (see 'Approved Certification Body').

") of gins where there is a high perception of risk.** These new requirements are added to the numerous checks and balances which are already performed throughout every processing stage. Seed cotton entering the GOTS supply chain is tested for the presence of [genetically modified organisms](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/genetically-modified-organism "

Organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. (Source: EUR-Lex, Access to European Union law: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/glossary/genetically-modified-organisms-gmo.html)

") according to the applicable ISO protocol. GOTS-approved Certification Bodies (CBs) include further testing (such as pesticide residue) and are fully authorised to reject material that does not meet GOTS requirements. Additionally, before certification bodies issue a [Transaction Certificate](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/transaction-certificate "

A document issued by a GOTS-approved Certification Body for GOTS-certified products, verifying their compliance with the Standard. It provides traceability by listing product details, shipment information and confirming integrity through volume reconciliation process.

") (TC), GOTS requires that a thorough assessment takes place, including a plausibility check in the form of [volume reconciliation](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/volume-reconciliation "

Calculation process by which it is ascertained that output volumes of a product’s certified materials are compatible with their corresponding input volumes. Input volume and output volume of the certified material used for a product are compatible if their ratio falls within a given percentage range, which reflects estimated production losses specific to the production process of the particular product, and if the input volume can be demonstrated to have been available on stock.

"). To strengthen integrity and [traceability](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/traceability "

The ability to trace the origin of an object back to its source.
In a GOTS context, the ability to trace a GOTS Good as it moves through its supply chain.

"), GOTS also stipulates that the Farm TC number appears on the first GOTS TC at the ginning plant, which is the first step for cotton in the GOTS supply chain. The TC must state the origin for raw material, including region, state, and province. This effectively traces material back to the field and adds another layer of accountability to GOTS-certified fibre. It also supports all buyers in their purchasing decisions. GOTS Managing Director Rahul Bhajekar notes that “GOTS has always been a dynamic Standard, developing and expanding to be stronger and more effective all the time. We are looking forward to these new rules further strengthening GOTS against potential fraud.” GOTS is not only improving its own system but also coordinating efforts with other key players to support the integrity of organic textiles. As GOTS provides certification of first processing stages to Textile Exchange's Organic Content Standard (OCS), GOTS and TE discussed new requirements for OCS while they were being developed. GOTS supports these requirements as they provide a dual protection shield for materials entering the GOTS or OCS supply chains, at the same time maintaining necessary data privacy. The new requirements will help increase traceability and transparency throughout the organic textile sector which are among the main objectives of GOTS. There are no changes necessary to the requirements of GOTS regarding any of the new OCS rules. [ Share this page ](#fs-toggle=share)