GOTS Scope 4 Certification – Chemical Inputs Approval

What is GOTS Scope 4?

GOTS Scope 4 applies to manufacturers, formulators, and suppliers of chemical inputs used in the processing of GOTS-certified textile products. This scope verifies that chemical products meet the requirements of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and are suitable for use in certified textile processing operations.

GOTS Scope 4 certification supports the approval and verification of chemical inputs used during textile manufacturing and processing activities.

Scope of Certification

GOTS Scope 4 covers chemical products and formulations used in textile processing, including:

  • Dyes and Pigments

  • Textile Auxiliaries

  • Finishing Agents

  • Printing Chemicals

  • Pretreatment Chemicals

  • Washing Agents

  • Softeners

  • Enzymes

  • Processing Chemicals

  • Specialty Textile Chemicals

The certification evaluates chemical products against the applicable GOTS criteria for environmental and toxicological acceptability.

Objectives of GOTS Scope 4

The objectives of GOTS Scope 4 are to:

  • Verify compliance of chemical inputs with GOTS requirements

  • Support safe and responsible chemical use within textile processing

  • Ensure transparency regarding chemical composition and suitability

  • Promote environmentally responsible textile manufacturing

  • Facilitate the use of approved inputs within GOTS-certified operations

  • Strengthen confidence in certified textile processing systems

Key Requirements

Product Composition Review

Chemical products are evaluated to determine conformity with applicable GOTS requirements and restrictions.

Restricted Substance Compliance

Products must comply with the applicable restrictions relating to prohibited and restricted substances.

Technical Documentation

Manufacturers are required to provide relevant technical information, product specifications, and supporting documentation.

Product Identification and Control

Certified products must be clearly identified and managed to maintain certification integrity.

Ongoing Compliance

Approved products are subject to periodic review to ensure continued conformity with applicable requirements.

Certification Process

1. Application

The applicant submits information regarding the chemical products, formulations, and manufacturing activities.

2. Technical Documentation Review

Product specifications, safety documentation, declarations, and supporting information are reviewed.

3. Product Assessment

The submitted products are evaluated against applicable GOTS requirements and criteria.

4. Evaluation of Findings

Assessment results are reviewed and any identified issues must be resolved before approval can be granted.

5. Certification Decision

Upon successful completion of the assessment process, approval or certification is issued in accordance with applicable GOTS requirements.

6. Surveillance Activities

Periodic reviews may be conducted to verify continued compliance of approved products.

7. Renewal

Organizations must complete renewal assessments within the required certification cycle to maintain approval status.

Benefits of GOTS Scope 4 Certification

  • Independent verification of chemical input compliance

  • Recognition within GOTS-certified textile supply chains

  • Increased confidence among manufacturers and buyers

  • Support for responsible chemical management

  • Improved transparency of chemical products

  • Demonstration of compliance with internationally recognized textile requirements

  • Enhanced credibility of approved chemical formulations

Who Can Apply?

GOTS Scope 4 certification is applicable to:

  • Chemical Manufacturers

  • Chemical Formulators

  • Dye Manufacturers

  • Auxiliary Chemical Producers

  • Textile Chemical Suppliers

  • Specialty Chemical Manufacturers

  • Processing Chemical Producers

  • Input Suppliers Serving the Textile Industry

Maintaining Certification

Organizations must maintain compliance with applicable GOTS requirements, ensure consistency of approved formulations, and successfully complete periodic reviews to retain certification status. Continuous monitoring helps maintain the integrity and reliability of approved chemical inputs used within GOTS-certified textile supply chains.