Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) Certification

What is the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS)?

The Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) is an internationally recognized voluntary standard that verifies mohair fibre sourced from farms that meet specific animal welfare and land management requirements. The standard provides independent third-party certification and traceability throughout the supply chain, from certified farms to the final product.

RMS certification helps ensure that mohair is produced responsibly while maintaining transparency and integrity across the supply chain.

Scope of RMS Certification

RMS certification covers the production and processing of mohair fibres and applies to organizations involved in the handling, processing, manufacturing, trading, and distribution of certified mohair products.

The standard verifies:

  • Responsible mohair production practices

  • Animal welfare requirements

  • Responsible land management practices

  • Chain of custody and traceability

  • Certified material handling throughout the supply chain

Objectives of RMS

The Responsible Mohair Standard aims to:

  • Ensure responsible treatment of Angora goats

  • Promote animal welfare throughout farming operations

  • Support responsible land management practices

  • Establish a transparent chain of custody system

  • Verify the movement of certified mohair through the supply chain

  • Provide confidence in responsible sourcing claims

  • Improve transparency for brands, retailers, and consumers

Key Requirements of RMS

Animal Welfare

Certified farms must meet strict animal welfare requirements designed to protect the health and wellbeing of Angora goats throughout their lifecycle.

Land Management

Farms are required to implement responsible land management practices that protect natural resources and biodiversity.

Chain of Custody

Certified organizations must maintain effective traceability systems to ensure certified mohair can be tracked through every stage of the supply chain.

Record Keeping

Organizations are required to maintain accurate records demonstrating compliance with RMS requirements and certified material handling procedures.

Certification Process

1. Application

Organizations submit an application outlining their activities, facilities, products, and supply chain operations.

2. Documentation Review

Relevant documentation and operational records are reviewed to assess compliance with RMS requirements.

3. On-Site Audit

A qualified auditor conducts an assessment to verify compliance with animal welfare, traceability, and chain of custody 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 certification requirements, a Scope Certificate is issued.

6. Transaction Certificates

Certified organizations may request Transaction Certificates (TCs) for the shipment of certified products through the supply chain.

7. Annual Certification Audit

Certified organizations are subject to regular audits to maintain certification and demonstrate ongoing compliance.

Benefits of RMS Certification

  • Independent verification of responsible mohair sourcing

  • Enhanced supply chain transparency and traceability

  • Increased confidence in certified product claims

  • Recognition by international brands and retailers

  • Demonstration of commitment to responsible sourcing practices

  • Improved market access for certified products

  • Support for animal welfare and responsible farming principles

Who Can Be Certified?

RMS certification is applicable to organizations involved in:

  • Mohair Production Farms

  • Fibre Collection Operations

  • Fibre Processing Facilities

  • Spinning Mills

  • Textile Manufacturers

  • Garment Manufacturers

  • Traders and Exporters

  • Brands and Retailers

  • Other Supply Chain Participants Handling Certified Mohair

Maintaining Certification

Organizations must maintain compliance with RMS requirements, preserve traceability records, and successfully complete annual certification audits to retain certification status. Continuous monitoring helps ensure the integrity of certified mohair throughout the supply chain.