Regulatory Mandate
Certification criteria for organic textiles govern the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading, and distribution of all goods made from at least seventy percent certified organic natural fibres. This gots policy establishes strict environmental and social criteria across the entire post-harvest supply chain. Compliance is monitored through independent third-party certification bodies that audit facilities annually.
Operational Practice
Standardized processing operations must maintain physical segregation between organic and conventional fibres at all times to prevent contamination. The gots policy restricts the use of hazardous chemicals, requiring all dyestuffs and auxiliaries to undergo toxicity assessment before approval. Wet processing units must also operate a functional wastewater treatment plant.
Social Criteria
Labour requirements in processing facilities follow the core conventions of the International Labour Organization to secure fair working conditions. The gots policy demands freedom of association, safe working conditions, and the absence of child labour. Auditors inspect wages, working hours, and employment records to verify compliance during on-site visits.
Transaction Verification
Transfer certificates act as the primary mechanism to track the chain of custody from one handler to the next. The gots policy secures the integrity of the finished garment by ensuring each transaction is documented and approved. Retailers can only label finished products as organic when every step of the conversion process has been certified.
