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GOTS Scope4 – Global Organic Textile Standard Scope 4 (Letter Of Approval)

The aim of the Global Organic Textile Standard(GOTS) is to define requirements to ensure organic status of textiles. The approach is to define criteria for low impact & low residual natural and synthetic chemical inputs accepted by standard. Also, chemical manufacture/+ formulators sites are audited for Product stewardship, Environmental, Occupational and health and safety and wastewater practices.

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GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
    GOTS LOA (Letter Of Approval)

    About GOTS Scope 4 Approval

    The aim of the Global Organic Textile Standard(GOTS) is to define requirements to
    ensure organic status of textiles. The approach is to define criteria for low impact & low residual natural and synthetic chemical inputs accepted by standard. Also, chemical manufacture/+ formulators sites are audited for Product stewardship, Environmental, Occupational and health and safety and wastewater practices.

    What is valid GOTS LOA?

    Chemical inputs used for wet-processing of GOTS Goods and Accessories used for functional and/or fashionable reasons are collectively called GOTS Additives. Both categories have different technical requirements in line with their production and usage. With the implementation of GOTS Version 7.0, chemical formulators are required to implement product stewardship practices and undergo an on-site audit for environmental management systems, as well as occupational health and safety. Traders or distributors may apply for GOTS certification under their own brand name only if the original manufacturer holds a valid GOTS certificate for that product. Furthermore, such certified chemical products may be listed on the official GOTS website and used as inputs by GOTS-certified companies for the purpose of meeting the standard.

    Approval of Chemicals and Accessories
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    How to get additives approved

    Colourants and/or textile auxiliaries, which are used for wet-processing of organic textiles, are collectively referred to as Chemical Inputs in GOTS terminology. This includes dyestuffs, pigments, inks, enzymes, sizing agents and other auxiliaries used in textile wet processing operations. Under the GOTS system, only those inputs can be used, which have been assessed and approved according to the Standard by a Scope 4 GOTS Approved Certifier.

    Colourants and/or textile auxiliaries, which are used for wet-processing of organic textiles, are collectively referred to as Chemical Inputs in GOTS terminology. This includes dyestuffs, pigments, inks, enzymes, sizing agents and other auxiliaries used in textile wet processing operations. Under the GOTS system, only those inputs can be used, which have been assessed and approved according to the Standard by a Scope 4 GOTS Approved Certifier.

    How to get additives approved

    The GOTS organisation developed a policy and related templates to unify the layout, format and text among different certifiers, in order to enable an easy and practical handing, as well as verification for all users of Letters of Approval. The Version 2.0 of policy and the corresponding templates to be used for any Letters of Approval issued for inputs (colourants and textile auxiliaries) and accessories was implemented on 1st December 2020 and applies all subsequent versions of the Standard.

    Policy for Issuing Letters of Approval for Colourants and Textile Auxiliaries

    Items that are added to supplement GOTS Goods for required functional or for fashionable reasons are called accessories. There are two sets of criteria for accessories under GOTS. The first set concerns permitted fibres and materials, and is more lenient compared to the stringent criteria for the main textile materials in GOTS Goods. For example, sewing thread made from virgin polyester or laces made from conventional cotton are permitted in accessories. Still, there are restrictions on specififc other fibres or materials, such as carbon fibres, silver fibres, asbestos etc., which are not permitted. Additionally, chlorinated plastics, chromium, nickel, etc. cannot be used. The second set of criteria for accessories requests the avoidance of residues of hazardous substances in accessories. It is also referred to as Restricted Substance List (RSL). As indicated in the Implementation Manual 6.0, Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex is an acceptable alternative for the RSL part. In line with Policy for Approval of GOTS Additives, the assessment is done based on material composition and test reports. An on-site audit for suppliers of accessories is not required.

    Read more on the requirements for accessories in GOTS Goods in Standard Version 7.0.

    【Reference: From the GOTS official website https://global-standard.org/certification-and-labelling/how-to-get-additives-approved Refered 20260301.】

    Acredited Certification Body

    Control Union Certifications BV, our assessment office, is accredited by SLAB for this scheme and provides certification services as a third-party certification body to businesses seeking certification.

    More information about Global Organic Textile Standard
    Organic cotton
    We are your an expert supporter

    Our proffetional expertise

    Since establishing our Tokyo office in 2009, we have been a certification body with over 15 years of experience, having introduced textile certification programs early on and providing certification services to textile businesses based in Japan.

    GOTS certification is a globally recognized program that not only connects the complex supply chains of the textile industry but also verifies the sustainability of manufacturing processes. Our global offices collaborate online, with staff possessing deep expertise in the textile industry delivering services in Japanese. We would be delighted if you could utilize our high-quality services, backed by extensive experience and knowledge.

    If you have any questions regarding whether your products or services qualify for GOTS certification, please contact us via the “Inquiry Form” on our website.

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