standard glossary text
") is pleased to announce the release of [GOTS Version 8.0](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/GOTS_v8.0_signed.pdf), the latest update to the world's leading processing [standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "standard glossary text
") for [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.
A comprehensive approach to business operations that aligns with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector. It encompasses a range of practices and policies that businesses should adopt to ensure they contribute positively to sustainable development, respect human rights, protect the environment and uphold ethical standards throughout their operations and supply chains.
"). The introduction of mandatory due diligence processes is based on OECD guidelines and provides even greater clarity for companies as they navigate heightening regulatory risks. “We proudly present [GOTS Version 8.0](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/GOTS_v8.0_signed.pdf) as the outcome of an extensive and highly collaborative revision process, reflecting the collective intelligence of our global stakeholder community,” notes Global Standard Managing Director Rahul Bhajekar, adding that “the diverse expertise, rigorous dialogue and shared commitment of all participants have been decisive in further strengthening the Standard and ensuring its forward-looking relevance.” Global Standard Managing Director Claudia Kersten states, “[GOTS Version 8.0](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/GOTS_v8.0_signed.pdf) marks an important milestone in our continuous improvement journey. It is even more clearly designed as a coherent governance system for the entire textile value chain and serves as a practical system-level business tool for the industry. It governs how a textile is produced, how it is verified, what may be claimed and how it is labelled, creating [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.
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.
") tools like [the Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/Hbk__GOTS_Due_Diligence_Handbook_for_Certified_Entities__v1.1__2024-09-20_signed.pdf). - **Updated due diligence requirements** – New due diligence criteria help to better align with OECD guidelines. - **Increased [worker](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/worker "Any individual engaged in work who is not a senior manager or owner.
") protections** – New criteria to strengthen worker protections to mitigate risks from extreme heat, humidity and other extreme weather conditions. - **Elaborated climate criteria** – Clearer requirements strengthen greenhouse gas emissions management, including Scope 1 & 2 inventory, documentation and improvement. - **Strengthened [GMO](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/gmo "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)
") verification** – Updated testing references improve confirmation of non-GMO cotton fibres. - **A clear GOTS Manufacturing Restricted [Substances](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/substances "Chemical elements and their compounds as they occur in the natural state or as produced by industry.
") List** – A dedicated section introduces clearer and stronger requirements for chemical [inputs](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/input "General term for all Substances and Preparations directly applied as textile auxiliary agents, inks, dyes or pigments.
") and [formulators](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/formulator "An organisation involved in manufacturing, producing or creating a mixture of chemical Substances blended together (Formulation) to be used for textile processing.
"). - **Enhanced chemical input controls** – Stronger chemical management, including clarified limits for free aniline in indigo dyes. - **An [endocrine disruptor](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/endocrine-disruptor "A substance or mixture that alters one or more functions of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse effects in an intact organism, its progeny, populations or subpopulations.
“Adverse effect” means a change in morphology, physiology, growth, development, reproduction or lifespan of an organism, system, population or subpopulation that results in an impairment of functional capacity, an impairment of the capacity to compensate for additional stress or an increase in susceptibility to other influences.
Source: Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/707.
") assessment** – New guidance aligns chemical evaluation with EU legislation. - **Stricter PFAS controls** – Tightened limits and updated testing significantly strengthen the PFAS ban. - **Circularity requirements** – Certified products can now remain within GOTS certification across [repair](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/repair "Bringing a product back to a state in which it can perform its originally intended function. Restoration may involve repairing the product or renewing or replacing components that have become worn, damaged, or degraded through use.
"), resale and other circular business models. - **Testing for durability and robustness** - Expanded technical quality tests to ensure improved product longevity and compliance of certified final goods. - **New packaging criteria** – Comprehensive packaging rules promote recycled content, restrict harmful materials and support alignment with emerging regulations. - **Microfibre controls and monitoring** – Risk-based measures are required to address microfibre release during processing and measure fragmentation in the final product. - **Strengthened textile waste management** – Clearer requirements improve handling and reduction of textile waste. - **[Waste hierarchy](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/waste-hierarchy "The Waste Hierarchy is the priority order of waste management options established in Article 4 of the EU Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC). It ranks waste prevention and management strategies from the most to the least environmentally preferred, with the aim of reducing overall environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency.
") guidance** – Prioritisation of prevention, [reuse](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/reuse "Using a product again for the same purpose for which it was originally designed after its initial use. Reuse may occur by the original user or by subsequent users over time and may require only limited actions, such as cleaning, to enable continued use.
"), [recycling](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/recycling "Activities through which materials are collected and treated in order to generate recovered resources that can be used as inputs for new products or production processes. Energy recovery is not considered recycling.
Recycling activities may include the collection, transport, sorting, cleaning, and reprocessing of materials. Reuse of products is not considered recycling.
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. (Source: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations)
") and internal [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').
"). The Standard revisions occur every three years in an open and transparent manner, seeking inputs from the public and expertise from industry stakeholders. As a dynamic standard, GOTS remains relevant, effective and aligned with the latest developments in the textile industry, environmental and social responsibility and regulatory frameworks. Version 8.0 was finalised following two rounds of public consultations in 2025, each with extensive stakeholder engagement to align with global [sustainability](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/sustainability "In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
") initiatives, including the ISEAL Code of Good Practice. After the [transition period](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/transition-period "The time period between the publication of a new version of the Standard and its effective date.
"), GOTS Version 8.0 will be fully effective as of 1 March 2027. Please click the following links to view the related documents: - [GOTS Version 8.0](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/GOTS_v8.0_signed.pdf) - [Manual for the Implementation of GOTS 8.0](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/Manual_for_the_Implementation_of_GOTS_v8.0_signed.pdf) - [Change Log GOTS 7.0 to GOTS 8.0](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/Change_Log_GOTS_v7_to_v8_signed.pdf) - [ Change Log Manual for the Implementation of GOTS Version 7.2 to Version 8.0](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/resource-library/documents/standard-and-manual/Change_Log_GOTS_Manual_from_v7.2_to_v8.0_signed.pdf) [ Share this page ](#fs-toggle=share)