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.
") GOTS (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.
standard glossary text
")) helps replace fragmented approaches with one globally recognised programme for certified organic textile production. ### One recognised global [standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "standard glossary text
") GOTS provides a harmonised international programme for organic textile processing and manufacturing, helping companies operate across global supply chains with one recognised certification programme instead of multiple regional approaches. ### Credible organic claims Independent certification and labelling requirements support [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.
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.
") to communicate organic claims with greater transparency and credibility. ### Support for regulatory and market expectations GOTS helps companies strengthen documentation, [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.
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.
") and certified processing requirements support traceability throughout the textile supply chain, from certified organic fibre to finished product. ### [Human rights](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/human-rights "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)
") including social requirements GOTS includes comprehensive human rights including social criteria aligned with internationally recognised norms and frameworks, including requirements related to safe working conditions, prohibition of child labour and forced labour, non-discrimination and fair treatment of [workers](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/worker "Any individual engaged in work who is not a senior manager or owner.
"). A common approach across global supply chains. ### Chemical [input](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/input "General term for all Substances and Preparations directly applied as textile auxiliary agents, inks, dyes or pigments.
") criteria The GOTS [Positive List](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/positive-list "GOTS Positive List contains GOTS-compliant chemical products which are evaluated and approved by GOTS approved chemical auditors. The List provides trade names of the chemicals and immediate access to all chemical Inputs which are allowed to use GOTS products.
") assesses chemical inputs against the applicable GOTS input criteria before their use in certified processing. Approval does not establish that an input is risk-free. ### Environmental criteria throughout processing Strict requirements for wastewater treatment, resource efficiency, emissions management, textile waste management, and packaging apply throughout all stages of textile production. ### Independent third-party verification All certified facilities are audited by approved Certification Bodies through annual on-[site](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/site "An individual establishment where chemical Inputs are formulated (see Formulator) and produced. It is included in a Letter of Approval and audited by a Scope 4 Approved Certifier.
") inspections and additional risk-based measures. ### Market recognition GOTS is recognised and used globally by brands, manufacturers, [retailers](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/retailer "A business entity or an online marketplace selling directly and exclusively to an end consumer (DTC operator).
") and [processors](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/processor "An entity in the processing chain (post-harvest handling up to finishing) of GOTS Goods.
") invoved in certified organic textile production. ## Useful links - [Why GOTS](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1379) - [How the programme works](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1378) - [Download the Standard document](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1388) - [Access all FAQs](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1395) - [Contact a Global Standards Representative in your region](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1363) - [What are the key features of GOTS](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1377)