What is Organic Content Standard (OCS)?

The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is an internationally recognized certification standard that verifies the presence and amount of organically grown material in a product. The standard provides independent third-party verification and traceability of organic materials throughout the supply chain, from the source of the raw material to the final product.

OCS certification helps ensure transparency, integrity, and consistency in organic content claims made by manufacturers, brands, and retailers

Scope of OCS Certification

OCS certification applies to products containing organically grown materials and covers processing, manufacturing, packaging, trading, and distribution activities throughout the supply chain.

The standard is commonly used for:

• Organic cotton products
• Organic textile fibres
• Apparel and garments
• Home textiles
• Personal care products containing organic materials
• Other non-food products with organic content

OCS Certification Categories

OCS 100

Applicable to products containing at least 95% certified organic material.

OCS Blended

Applicable to products containing between 5% and 94% certified organic material.

Both categories provide verified claims regarding the organic content present in certified products.

Objectives of OCS

The Organic Content Standard aims to:

• Verify the presence of organically grown materials in products
• Provide transparent and consistent chain of custody verification
• Support accurate organic content claims
• Enhance supply chain traceability
• Increase confidence among brands, retailers, and consumers
• Promote transparency throughout production and trading activities

Certification Process

1. Application

The organization submits an application detailing its activities, products, facilities, and supply chain operations.

2. Documentation Review

Relevant records and management systems are reviewed to ensure compliance with OCS requirements.

3. On-Site Audit

An audit is conducted to verify organic material handling, traceability systems, record keeping, and operational controls.

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 certification process, a Scope Certificate is issued.

6. Transaction Certificates

Certified organizations may request Transaction Certificates (TCs) to verify shipments of certified products throughout the supply chain.

7. Annual Certification Audit

Certified organizations are subject to annual audits to maintain certification and demonstrate ongoing compliance with OCS requirements.

Benefits of OCS Certification

• Independent verification of organic content
• Increased supply chain transparency
• Improved product credibility and market recognition
• Enhanced consumer confidence
• Reliable chain of custody verification
• Support for responsible sourcing practices
• Recognition by international brands and retailers

Who Can Be Certified?

OCS certification is applicable to organizations involved in:

• Ginning
• Spinning
• Knitting
• Weaving
• Dyeing and Finishing
• Garment Manufacturing
• Trading
• Packaging
• Warehousing
• Distribution of certified products

Maintaining Certification

To maintain OCS certification, organizations must continue to comply with standard requirements, maintain traceability records, and successfully complete annual certification audits.

Regular monitoring helps ensure the integrity of organic content claims throughout the certified supply chain.