Certifications and test standards
Certificates are only useful if they can be verified. Every certificate below is issued by a third party and can be checked on the issuing body register using the number we send you. We publish scope and validity rather than logos on a wall, because scope is what determines whether the certificate actually covers your product.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
OEKO-TEXIssued by Hohenstein / OEKO-TEX Association
- Scope
- Product class I & II — finished cotton garments and trims
- What it means for your order
- Tested for harmful substances against the annual limit values; certificate number published on request.
Global Organic Textile Standard
GOTSIssued by Control Union
- Scope
- Organic cotton fibre through to finished garment (scope certificate)
- What it means for your order
- Transaction certificates issued per shipment — required for EU organic claims.
Organic Content Standard
OCSIssued by Textile Exchange
- Scope
- Blended and 100% organic cotton programmes
- What it means for your order
- Volume reconciliation available for OCS 100 and OCS blended.
Global Recycled Standard
GRSIssued by Textile Exchange
- Scope
- Recycled cotton and recycled polyester trims
- What it means for your order
- Available on fleece and rib containing 20–50% recycled cotton.
amfori BSCI
BSCIIssued by amfori
- Scope
- Social compliance audit, amfori ID published
- What it means for your order
- Most recent audit rated C or above; full report shared under NDA.
SEDEX / SMETA 4-Pillar
SMETAIssued by Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit
- Scope
- Labour, health & safety, environment, business ethics
- What it means for your order
- 4-pillar audit report available to members via Sedex platform.
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 9001Issued by SGS
- Scope
- Quality management system across cutting, sewing and finishing
- What it means for your order
- Internal AQL 2.5 inspection records retained for 24 months.
Cotton traceability dossier
UFLPA readyIssued by Internal supply-chain compliance team
- Scope
- Gin, spinner, fabric mill and garment factory documentation
- What it means for your order
- Full chain-of-custody pack prepared for US Customs UFLPA rebuttals.
Test standards we work to
| Property | Standard | Typical acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensional change | AATCC 135 / ISO 6330 | ≤5% warp and weft after 5 launderings |
| Colour fastness to washing | ISO 105 C06 | Grade 4 |
| Colour fastness to rubbing | ISO 105 X12 | Grade 4 dry, grade 3–4 wet |
| Pilling resistance | ISO 12945-2 | Grade 4 after 7,200 revolutions |
| pH value | EN ISO 3071 | 4.0–7.5 |
| Formaldehyde | EN ISO 14184-1 | Below detection for class I |
| Azo dyes | EN 14362-1 / -3 | Not detectable |
| Nickel release | EN 12472 / EN 1811 | Below 0.5 µg/cm²/week |
| Tear strength | ASTM D1424 | ≥25 N warp / ≥20 N weft |
| Flammability (apparel) | 16 CFR 1610 | Class 1 |
Acceptance limits are agreed on the tech pack before sampling. Where your retailer standard differs, we test to your standard, not ours.
Frequently asked questions
Can you share certificate numbers before we place an order?
Yes. We send the certificate number, issuing body, scope and validity dates at qualification stage. For OEKO-TEX and GOTS you can verify the number directly on the issuing body register, which is the only reliable way to confirm a certificate is live rather than expired or borrowed.
Do you issue a GOTS transaction certificate for every shipment?
Yes, and it is required. A GOTS scope certificate proves the factory is certified to perform the operations; the transaction certificate covers the specific quantity shipped and is the document your customs broker and EU retailer will ask for. We issue one per shipment and can share a redacted sample before you order.
What is the difference between OEKO-TEX product class I and class II?
Class I covers articles for babies and toddlers up to 36 months and carries the strictest limit values, including a narrower pH band and saliva fastness testing. Class II covers articles worn next to skin. Baby and childrenswear programmes are tested to class I; everything else to class II unless a retailer specifies otherwise.
Can you arrange independent third-party testing?
Yes. We routinely book SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas or TÜV for shrinkage, colour fastness, pilling, pH, azo dyes, formaldehyde, nickel release and CPSIA testing. Reports can be raised in your name so you own the documentation rather than renting it from the supplier.
Traceability and origin documentation are covered on the Made in China page.
Request the certificate pack
Tell us your market and product category and we will send the relevant certificates, scope statements and a redacted GOTS transaction certificate.