standard glossary text
") GRTS (Global Responsible Textile [Standard](https://gots.vorschau.website/resources/glossary/standard "standard glossary text
")) provides a harmonised international programme for the processing and manufacturing of textiles made with certified responsible fibres across multiple fibre categories. ### Credible responsible fibre claims Independent certification, [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.
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.”
") claims in response to increasing sustainability and supply chain regulations. [Find out more.](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2488:compliance-support-2&catid=2:general) ### Supply chain traceability [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.
"), identity-preserved chain of custody systems and certified processing requirements support traceability from responsible 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 GRTS 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 GRTS chemical-input approval scheme assesses chemical inputs against the applicable GRTS input criteria before their use in certified processing. Approval does not establish that an input is risk-free. ### Independent third-party verification All certified facilities are audited by approved Certification Bodies through annual inspections and additional risk-based measures. ### Reduced operational complexity For companies already working within the [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.
") programme, GRTS enables efficient expansion into additional responsible fibre categories using aligned certification infrastructure, Certification Bodies and [audit](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').
") systems. ### 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. ## Useful links - [Why GRTS](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1366) - [How the programme works](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1367) - [Download the Standard document](https://gots.vorschau.website/index.php?Itemid=1370) - [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)