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.
") representative for Germany, Switzerland and Austria and Marketing Project Manager Claudia Kersten, at the following fairs that include the exhibition of eco-textiles: [Ethical Fashion Show,](http://ethicalfashionshowberlin.com/) Berlin, Germany – 4.-6. July 2012; ewerk [InNaTex,](http://www.innatex.muveo.de/) Wallau, Germany – 4.-6. August. 2012; Film presentation in the forum, 4.8. + 5.8  **June 14.-17. - 2012** Please be invited to meet with GOTS representative for the Scandinavian countries Elisabeth Tosti on the [Folkemødet Festival on Bornholm,](http://www.brk.dk/folkemoedet/Sider/Folkemoedet.aspx) Denmark at the booth I 8 and see the fashion show on Friday 15th of June at 16.00 pm at the “Indermolen” **June 6. - 8. - 2012** [](http://www.interior-lifestyle.com/) Please be invited to meet JOCA Director Kazuhiko Mori and GOTS representatives for Japan Yoshiko Ikoma and Tomoko Miyoshi at the JOCA booth in the atrium space of big-sight 1 floor "Ethical zone". The GOTS Information Film will be presented at the booth. Please also be invited to visit the talk show on June 7. - 13:30-14:30, with Chieko Watanabe and Yoshiko Ikoma on "The Role of Ethical Fashion and [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 Certification Body, having been duly accredited by an Accreditation Body and by way of signing a contract with Global Standard gGmbH has been permitted to implement the Global Organic Textile Standard over a designated geographical area and for specific scopes of the Standard.
") Bioagricert Srl receives approval by the International Working Group as GOTS certifier. Resulting, fifteen bodies are now entitled to work as GOTS [approved certifiers](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/approved-certifier "An Approved Certification Body or Approved Certifier is a certification body that has been duly accredited by an Accreditation Body. By signing a con tract with Global Standard gGmbH, they are permitted to implement the Global Organic Textile Standard within a designated geographical area and for specific scopes of the Standard. An updated list of Approved Certifiers and their scopes is available on the GOTS Website.
"). **April 17, 2012 - GOTS 2011 Annual Press Release** **Global Organic Textile [Standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "standard glossary text
") (GOTS) Grows, Celebrates Five Years New participants, production regions, and GOTS representatives in 2011** The Global Organic Textile [Standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "standard glossary text
") (GOTS) turned five years old in 2011, adding 80 new companies and another country (Kyrgyzstan) to the list of those with GOTS-certified facilities, expanding particularly in developed countries, accrediting a 14th certification organization, and receiving formal recognition by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). By year’s end, 2,714 facilities in 57 countries around the world were certified to the organic apparel and textile standard including 450 dyeing facilities, more than 220 spinning, knitting, and weaving units, and approximately 160 printing and manufacturing facilities. The [world press release is available in English.](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/news/archiv/stories/gots_april2012__pressrelease_world.pdf) Press releases with region specific additions: [Australia and New Zealand](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_april2012_pressrelease_aust_nz.pdf); [Japan;](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_april2012pressreleasejapan.pdf) [Germany, Austria, Switzerland](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_april2012_pressemitteilung.pdf) (in German); [India](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_april2012_pressrelease_india.pdf); [UK](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_uk_press_release_17th_april_2012.pdf); [Scandinavia (in English)](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_april2012_pressrelease_scandinavia.pdf); [Scandinavia (in Danish)](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/pressemeddelelse_-_gots-scandinavia_april_2012.pdf); [USA](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_april2012_pressreleaseusa.pdf) **March 14-16 2012:**  Please be invited to meet with GOTS Director, Herbert Ladwig, at the Interstoff Asia Essential Spring 2012 Fair taking place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. GOTS is the official 'Eco Partner' of the fair and runs a booth (no B12), showes the GOTS film and takes part in the seminar program. [Read more.](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=100) **March 1 2012:** In a joint initiative the International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard (IWG) and Textile Exchange (TE) developed harmonised policies and templates for transaction and [scope certificates](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/scope-certificate "A document issued to a Certified Entity by an Approved Certification Body which verifies the entity is in conformity with the requirements of the Standard and includes a summary of the processes and products that are permitted under the certification. It also lists the various facilities that are covered under this certification.
"). This will help all users, especially commercial buyers such as [brands](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/brand "A registered or unregistered trademark or other sign other than the GOTS Signs.
The term, in context, can also refer to an organisation that controls the design, development, and purchase of final products for sale under their own name. In that context, brands may sell to wholesalers, retailers, or directly to consumers. This does not include organisations who sell a branded intermediate product for use in further processing steps.
A business entity or an online marketplace selling directly and exclusively to an end consumer (DTC operator).
"), who purchase certified goods from various suppliers, issued by different certifies and to different standards to easily compare, handle and verify information provided with scope and [transaction certificates](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.
") issued to GOTS and any Textile Exchange standard. After a [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.
") the new templates will to be used by the GOTS / TE approved certifiers for any scope and transaction certificates issued after 1st September 2012. [View procedures and GOTS certificate templates ](https://gots.vorschau.website/certification/certificatetemplates.html) **January/February 2012:** Please be invited to meet with GOTS representative for Germany, Switzerland and Austria and Marketing Project Manager Claudia Kersten, at the following fairs that include the exhibition of eco-textiles: [Heimtextil,](http://heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/besucher/events/lets_talk_about/mittwoch_11_01.html) Frankfurt, Germany - 11. January 2012; Let's talk about...[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.”
") from a home textile perspective, Foyer, 5.1/6.1, 1:45 p.m. „Global Organic Textile Standard – Ecology & Social Responsibility” [Ethical Fashion Show,](http://ethicalfashionshowberlin.com/en/exhibitors/global-organic-standard-gots/) Berlin, Germany – 18-20. January 2012; ewerk, Hall 10 [InNaTex,](http://www.innatex.muveo.de/) Wallau, Germany – 28-30. January 2012; Film presentation in the forum, 28.1. + 30.1 at the time 9.30 + 14:30 hours [Biofach,](http://www.biofach.de/en/) Nuremberg, Germany – 15-18. February 2012; Hall 8, booth 416, all time during opening hour **October 12 2011:** The International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) today announced it has issued a decision banning New York City, NY-based children’s bed and bedding [manufacturer](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/manufacturer "An entity in the manufacturing chain (sewing industry or so-called CMT (cut, make, trim) industry up to labelling and final packing) of GOTS Goods.
") Greenbuds LLC from becoming certified to GOTS for two years. [Press release.](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_greenbuds_press_release_101211.pdf) **October 10-14 2011:** Herbert Ladwig, GOTS Director, and Marcus Bruegel, Technical Director visited India, with more than 900 GOTS certified facilities the top GOTS processing country. On the agenda were interviews with suitable candidates for an Indian GOTS representative (the appointed candidate is supposed to start working in January 2012), meetings with representatives of all GOTS certifiers that have an office in India and a visit to [Texanlab](http://www.texanlab.com/servicesOrganicTextiles.aspx), a laboratory well experienced and equipped to perform all technical and residue tests for garments and 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.
") under GOTS. Besides, meetings with representatives of the Indian authorities of [APEDA](http://www.apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/index.asp), which is a division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry located in Delhi and with the [GIZ](http://www.gtz.de/en/aktuell/607.htm), a German federal enterprise with the task to strengthen the international cooperation for sustainable development were conducted. Furthermore presentations were given at Control Union Certification’s textile seminar on updates in GOTS version 3.0 on 11th Oct in Mumbai and at [TAG 2011](http://www.ficci.com/past-events-page.asp?evid=20801), the Sustainable Textile Conference of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) held on 13th Oct in Mumbai.   **October 6-8 2011:** _tagline_tc.jpg) Please be invited to meet with GOTS coordinator, Herbert Ladwig, and GOTS Technical Director, Marcus Bruegel, at the Interstoff Asia Essential Autumn fair taking place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. GOTS is the official 'Eco Partner' of the fair and runs a booth, presents the GOTS film and participates in the seminar program. [Read more.](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=100) **September 19-21 2011:**  Herbert Ladwig, Coordinator of the International Working Group presents GOTS at the [Texworld in Paris](http://texworld.messefrankfurt.com) during the Sustainability Day, 20th September. Representative and Marketing Project Manager Claudia Kersten will be available at the GOTS exhibition stand in the Eco Lounge of Texworld from 19th to 22nd September 2011. **July/August 2011:** Please be invited to meet with the GOTS representative for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Mrs Claudia Kersten, at the following fairs that include the exhibition of eco-textiles. Visit her at the stand and watch the GOTS Film. [GREENShowroom](http://www.green-showroom.net/), Berlin, Germany – 6th to 8th July 2011; Film presentation 10am - 8pm, Hotel Adlon [InNaTex,](http://www.innatex.muveo.de/) Wallau, Germany – 6th to 8th August 2011; Film presentation in the forum **June 28 2011:** More than 60 people from 39 companies and the media attended the June 28 seminar about the Global Organic Textile Standard in New York City! Several companies sent 4-6 people to get an in-depth overview of the standard and how two companies had incorporated it into their corporate commitments. Hosted by the International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS IWG), the seminar was co-hosted by the Organic Trade Association (member of the IWG), Textile Exchange, and the law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP. Four GOTS certifiers attended (Control Union, IMO, OneCert, Oregon Tilth), enabling interested companies to discuss the opportunities for certification on the spot.  Group photo, l-r: Sandra Marquardt, GOTS; Christine Bushway, OTA; Grace Gershuny, OTA Representative to the GOTS IWG Technical Committee; Julia Sabin, OTA Board Chair, Georgia Kalivas, IMO; Karlin Warner, OneCert; Marci Zaroff, Portico Brand Group; Stefan Bergill, econscious; Daren Abney, Textile Exchange. Download presentations: [From Field to Fashion - an overview of GOTS, Grace Gershuny](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gg%20nyt%20gots%20seminar.pdf "From Field to Fashion - an overview of GOTS") [Wearable with Value(s), Econscious](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/econcious%20nyt%20gots%20seminar.pdf) [Overview of PBG's commitment to GOTS, Portico Brand Group (PBG)](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/pbg_gots_presentation.pdf) **June 20 2011:** The International Association Natural Textile Industry (IVN) and the International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard publish a joint [press release](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_ivn_pressemeldung_usda.pdf) to inform the German-speaking market about USDA’s new policy memorandum ‘labeling of textiles that contain organic ingredients’. **June 7 2011:** The Organic Trade Association (OTA) and the International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard publish a joint [press release](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_usda_nop_pr_060711.pdf) with reference to USDA’s new policy memorandum ‘labeling of textiles that contain organic ingredients’. **May 20 2011:** The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a new policy memorandum today with regard to ‘labeling of textiles that contain organic ingredients’ in which it explicitly confirms that textile products that are produced in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) may be sold as organic in the U.S. Because the memo clarifies that the NOP regulations do not include specific processing or manufacturing standards for textile products but that only textile products produced in full compliance with the NOP regulations may be labelled as NOP certified organic and display the USDA organic seal it becomes clear that NOP labelling is hardly achievable for an industrially produced textile product. However the memo offers a practical and reliable alternative for labelling as it allows the use of the term ‘organic’ in the labelling of textile products that are certified under third-party certification bodies if some further comprehensible conditions are met. It also confirms to a basic principle of GOTS that the use of a combination of both organic and non-organic sources for a single fibre that is identified as ‘organic’ in the final product is prohibited in textiles labelled as organic. Finally by pointing out that "Textile products that are produced in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) may be sold as organic in the U.S. ..." the document explicitly confirms that GOTS certification is the recognised tool that meets all requirements of this policy to label a textile product as 'organic' in the U.S. The full [policy memo](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/noppolicy_textiles_110520.pdf) has been incorporated into the [NOP Program Handbook](http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateR&navID=ProgramHandbookNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&rightNav1=ProgramHandbookNOPNationalOrganicProgramHome&topNav=&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&page=NOPProgramHandbook&resultType=&acct=noppub). **April 14 2011:** Herbert Ladwig, GOTS coordinator, attends the [Sustainable Textiles Seminar](http://organicexchange.org/oecms/Sustainable-Textiles-Seminar-in-Turkey.html) in Izmir, Turkey organized by Textile Exchange. The seminar is a valuable learning and networking opportunity for companies involved in sustainable textiles, and informs about the market`s requirements in terms of environmental management and more sustainable fibres and processes, and new developments in the industry. In this context GOTS is prominently represented especially through a presentation in the integrity session and the showing of the GOTS informational film (with Turkish subtitles). Also representatives of several GOTS approved certification bodies will attend. **April 6-7 2011:** The GOTS representative for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Mrs Claudia Kersten, attends the [Sustainable Compliance Symposium](http://www.organic-textile-services.com/symposium2011_programm_en,4662.html) in Rohrschach, Switzerland organised by Organic Textile Services and contributes with a presentation. **April 3 2011:** GOTS is proud to be sponsor of the 2011 Best Organic Textile Product Award, one of the Natural and Organic Awards 2011. Hosted in association with the Soil Association and Natural Products Magazine, the [Natural and Organic Awards](http://www.naturalproducts.co.uk/awards/), over the last fifteen years, have become a benchmark for excellence and set the standard for innovation, quality and commitment in the natural and organic sector. The Natural and Organic Awards are held as part of [Natural and Organic Products Europe](http://www.naturalproducts.co.uk/) trade show at Olympia, London (3-4 April 2011). And the winner is…‘Organics for Kids’ Acclaimed fashion designer Katharine Hamnett presented babywear brand ‘Organics for Kids’ with the ‘Best Organic Textile Product’ in the Natural & Organic Awards 2011. See related [press release](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/organic_textile_award_gots_sponsors_press_release_20th_april.doc). **March/April 2011:** GOTS gets aware of a fraudulent activity of the company 'Anhui Skyworth Co Ltd', China that obviously forged a GOTS scope and transaction certificate. In such a case regardless of the action the respective certifier may take against the company that faked their original certificates all GOTS certifiers are advised not to offer any GOTS certification services to the respective company within the following two years. Through Textile Exchange the information is spread to the industry on April 1st. Such activities show, that it is advisable to read all certificates carfully and in any case of doupt - especially if the original copy is not available - to get the authenticity reconfirmed through the issuing certification body. **March 22 2011:** The German based certification body BCS Oeko-Garantie GmbH receives approval by the International Working Group as GOTS certifier. Resulting, fourteen bodies are now entitled to work as GOTS approved certifiers. **March 16-18 2011:** Please be invited to meet with GOTS Director, Herbert Ladwig, or GOTS Technical Director, Marcus Bruegel, at the Interstoff Asia Essential fair taking place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. GOTS is the official 'Eco Partner' of the fair and runs a booth (no E01), showes the new GOTS film and presents about the relevant changes in the new version of the standard. [Read more. ](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=100) **March 2 2011:** The International Working Group announces the release of GOTS Version 3.0 and publishes a related [press release](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/stories/gots_2010_update_pr_02mar2011.doc). The new GOTS Version, the corresponding Manual and a chronological list of relevant changes are now posted on the website for download in the section [‘GOTS Version 3.0’](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=69) **February 2011:** The International Trade Centre (ITC) has developed a programme entitled "Trade for Sustainable Development" (T4SD), the main output of which is a web tool named [Standards Map](http://www.standardsmap.org) (the "Global Database") that centralises, organises and disseminates information on voluntary sustainability standards and related research results with the purpose to enhance transparency on voluntary social and environmental standards across sectors and countries. While about 30 reputable standards with environmental and social criteria from other sectors are participating in this database already, GOTS has been invited as the first and unique textile processing standard participating in the project. Companies, public institutions and authorities in various countries use this tool for their sustainably oriented sourcing. **February 2011:** From February 1st onwards the new GOTS information film can be [ordered](https://gots.vorschau.website/information-centre/gotsfilm.html) free of charge by interested textile companies, institutions and organisations. The film highlights the different aspects and benefits of environmentally and socially responsible textile processing and introduces the GOTS related quality assurance system. **January/February 2011:** Please be invited to meet with the lately appointed GOTS representative for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Mrs Claudia Kersten, at the following fairs that include the exhibition of eco-textiles. The new GOTS film will be presented at the time and location mentioned: [Biofach,](http://www.biofach.de/de/default.ashx) Nuremberg, Germany – 17-19. February 2011; Film presentation in the textile area, hall 8, booth 321, all time during opening hours (in different languages) [InNaTex,](http://www.innatex.muveo.de/) Wallau, Germany – 29-31. January 2011; Film presentation in the forum, 29.1. + 30.1 at the time 9.30 + 14:30 hours [THEKEY.to](http://thekey.to/), Berlin, Germany – 20-22. January 2011; Film presentation in the video launch, area 54-55, all time during opening hours **December 21 2010**: The second and final stakeholder input period in the revision process of GOTS Version 2.0 gets started for the participating organisations. GOTS Version 3.0 is intended to be released during Biofach 2011 (February 16-19) in Nuremberg, Germany. More information about the revision procedure is available in the section ['GOTS Version 2.0'](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=69) **October 6 2010**: International Working Group premieres its new film “***The Global Organic Textile Standard – Ecology and Social Responsibility***” and appoints regional representatives. Read more in the corresponding ['press release'](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/gots%20film%20premiere-representative%20appointments.doc "GOTS premieres film and appoints regional representatives"). **September 2010:** The International Working Group on Global Organic Textile Standard formed a partnership with Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd to further develop the eco textile sector of the Interstoff Asia Essential trade fair. In this context special features and events have already been arranged at the next Interstoff Asia Essential fair taking place 6th to 8th October 2010 in Hong Kong. GOTS certified entities receive a discout on the exhibition fee. [Read more](https://gots.vorschau.website/information-centre/102-interstoff.html). **August 11 2010**: The German based certification body Ceres GmbH receives approval by the International Working Group as GOTS certifier. Resulting, thirteen bodies are now entitled to work as GOTS approved certifiers. **June 24 2010**: The revision process of the GOTS Version 2.0 and the corresponding Manual for the Implementation gets started and a corresponding stakeholder input system is installed. Members of the IWG, GOTS Approved Certifiers and invited stakeholders can submit their contributions and comments on the first revision draft until August 24th. **May 3-4 2010:** Herbert Ladwig, Coordinator of the International Working Group presents GOTS at the IWTO (International Wool Textile Organisation) Conference in Paris/Rambouillet on 3rd May. Technical Director Marcus Brügel will be available at the event on 4th May to discuss technical matters. **April-July 2010:** The Technical Director of the International Working Group, Marcus Bruegel, serves as featured expert on OTA's consumer website ['Organic. It's worth it.'](http://www.organicitsworthit.org/experts/get/marcus-bruegel) **March 17-19 2010**: The International Working Group operates a booth at the Interstoff Asia Essential Fair in Hong Kong and its coordinator, Herbert Ladwig, presents GOTS in the seminar program on March 18th. **March 17 2010:** The Organic Trade Association posts a press release about the new GOTS public data base. ['OTA press release'](https://gots.vorschau.website/images/news/archiv/ota-gots%20database%20release.doc "OTA Press Release on GOTS Database") **March 16 2010**: The International Working Group publishes its re-launched website including a public data base of GOTS certified entities, their fields of operation and products groups. **February 13 2010**: The Swiss certification body bio.inspecta receives approval by the International Working Group as GOTS certifier. Accordingly, twelve bodies are entitled to work as GOTS approved certifiers. **December 5 2009**: The Argentinian based certifiers Letis and OIA receive approval by the International Working Group to perform GOTS inspections and certifications based on their GOTS accreditation granted by IOAS. [TOP](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85&Itemid=85) {linkr:none} The International Working Group on [Global Organic Textile Standard](http://www.global-standard.org/) (GOTS) today announced it has issued a decision banning New York City, NY-based children’s bed and bedding manufacturer [Greenbuds](http://www.greenbudsbaby.com/) LLC from becoming certified to GOTS for two years. [ Share this page ](#fs-toggle=share)