GOTS Certification – Scope 1, Scope 2 & Scope 3

What is GOTS?

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a globally recognized certification standard for organic textiles. GOTS verifies the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading, and distribution of textiles made from certified organic fibres while ensuring compliance with environmental and social criteria throughout the supply chain.

Organizations are certified under different scopes depending on their activities within the textile value chain.

Scope 1 – Mechanical Processing and Manufacturing Operations

Overview

Scope 1 applies to organizations engaged in mechanical processing and manufacturing activities involving certified organic textile materials. These operations do not perform wet processing but handle, transform, or manufacture textile products through mechanical means.

Applicable Activities

  • Ginning

  • Spinning

  • Knitting

  • Weaving

  • Garment Manufacturing

  • Cutting and Sewing

  • Packing and Repacking

  • Textile Product Manufacturing

  • Home Textile Manufacturing

Key Requirements

  • Maintenance of organic fibre integrity

  • Traceability and chain of custody controls

  • Segregation of certified and non-certified materials

  • Documentation and record keeping

  • Compliance with GOTS processing requirements

  • Product identification and labelling controls

Who Can Apply?

  • Spinning Mills

  • Knitting Units

  • Weaving Units

  • Garment Manufacturers

  • Home Textile Manufacturers

  • Textile Product Manufacturers

Scope 2 – Wet Processing and Finishing Operations

Overview

Scope 2 applies to organizations involved in wet processing activities where textile materials undergo chemical or physical treatment during production.

These operations are subject to additional environmental and chemical management requirements under the GOTS Standard.

Applicable Activities

  • Dyeing

  • Printing

  • Washing

  • Bleaching

  • Finishing

  • Mercerizing

  • Coating

  • Textile Processing Operations

Key Requirements

  • Approved chemical inputs and processing aids

  • Wastewater management requirements

  • Environmental compliance controls

  • Chemical management systems

  • Product traceability

  • Documentation and operational records

Who Can Apply?

  • Dyeing Units

  • Printing Facilities

  • Washing Plants

  • Textile Finishing Facilities

  • Wet Processing Units

Scope 3 – Trading, Storage and Distribution Operations

Overview

Scope 3 applies to organizations that buy, sell, store, export, import, distribute, or trade GOTS-certified products without carrying out manufacturing or processing activities.

The certification focuses on traceability, chain of custody, product integrity, and transaction controls.

Applicable Activities

  • Trading

  • Import and Export

  • Warehousing

  • Distribution

  • Wholesale Operations

  • Brand Ownership

  • Retail Operations (where applicable)

  • Supply Chain Management Activities

Key Requirements

  • Chain of custody management

  • Traceability of certified products

  • Transaction documentation

  • Inventory control systems

  • Product identification and segregation

  • Record retention and verification

Who Can Apply?

  • Traders

  • Exporters

  • Importers

  • Warehouses

  • Distributors

  • Brand Owners

  • Buying Houses

  • Supply Chain Operators

Certification Process

1. Application

Submission of organizational information, facilities, products, and activities covered under the applicable GOTS scope.

2. Documentation Review

Review of records, procedures, and operational controls to assess compliance with GOTS requirements.

3. On-Site Audit

An independent audit is conducted to verify compliance with applicable GOTS criteria and scope requirements.

4. Evaluation of Findings

Audit findings are reviewed and any identified non-conformities must be addressed before certification can be granted.

5. Certification Decision

Upon successful completion of the assessment process, a Scope Certificate is issued.

6. Annual Audits

Certified organizations are subject to annual audits to verify continued compliance.

Benefits of GOTS Certification

  • Independent verification of organic textile processing and handling

  • Enhanced supply chain transparency and traceability

  • Recognition by global brands and retailers

  • Improved credibility of organic textile claims

  • Strengthened market access and customer confidence

  • Demonstration of compliance with internationally recognized organic textile requirements

Maintaining Certification

Organizations must maintain compliance with applicable GOTS requirements, preserve traceability records, and successfully complete annual audits to retain certification status. Continuous monitoring helps ensure the integrity and credibility of certified organic textile products throughout the supply chain.