Requirements For GOTS Labels and Transaction Certificates
What Are The Requirements For GOTS Labels and Transaction Certificates
Summary: GOTS-certified products must follow strict labeling rules. The GOTS logo can only be used on products certified to GOTS standards and must include the label grade (“organic” or “made with ___% organic materials”), the certifier’s name (e.g., Certified by OTCO), and your GOTS license number. The use of the GOTS logo without full certification and labeling compliance is not allowed.
What is required on a GOTS label?
To legally use the GOTS logo on a product, the label must include:
- The label grade
(e.g., Organic or Made with 85% Organic Materials) - The phrase “Certified by [Name of Certifier]”
(e.g., Certified by OTCO) - Your GOTS license number
(issued by your certifier and linked to the GOTS public database)
All of this must appear next to or directly below the GOTS logo.
Important: If your product is not GOTS certified, you cannot use the GOTS logo.
For the most current labeling guidelines, refer to the official GOTS Licensing and Labeling Guide.
What GOTS label grades are allowed?
There are two main GOTS label grades depending on how much organic fiber your product contains:
| Label Grade | Organic Content |
|---|---|
| Organic | At least 95% organic fiber |
| Made with ___% Organic Materials | Between 70% and 94% organic fiber |
All non-organic inputs must meet strict GOTS environmental and toxicological requirements.
GOTS also allows use of “in conversion” fibers, such as:
- “Organic in conversion”
- “Made with ___% organic in conversion materials”
These refer to fibers from farms transitioning to organic certification.
Can I say “100% organic” on my GOTS product label?
Not exactly. GOTS does not have a separate label grade for “100% organic”. Products that are 100% organic fall under the “Organic” label grade.
You can use “100% organic cotton” or similar phrases in your product description, but not in place of the official label grade under or next to the GOTS logo.
What is a GOTS license number?
Your GOTS license number is a unique identifier issued by your certifier. It links your company to the public GOTS database, which allows buyers and consumers to verify:
- Your certification status
- Your licensed products
- Your approved manufacturing processes
This number is required on all products using the GOTS logo.
What if I sell GOTS-certified products but am not certified?
If you’re a retailer who does not make or process the product and you buy finished GOTS-certified goods, you are usually exempt from certification. However:
- You can advertise the product using the GOTS logo.
- The manufacturer’s GOTS license number must appear on the product.
- You cannot use your business name in association with the GOTS logo unless you are certified.
If you want to use your business name with the logo (e.g., in private-label packaging), you must become GOTS certified.
What about GOTS transaction certificates?
While not covered directly in the labeling process, Transaction Certificates (TCs) are an essential part of GOTS supply chain verification. These certificates:
- Are issued for each shipment of GOTS-certified goods
- Confirm that the products meet GOTS standards
- Are used by buyers and certifiers to track compliance through the supply chain
If you’re sourcing GOTS products or ingredients, request TCs to verify the certification status of each shipment.
Summary Table: GOTS Labeling Rules
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Logo Usage | Only allowed on GOTS-certified products |
| Label Grades | “Organic” (≥95%) or “Made with ___% Organic Materials” (70–94%) |
| License Number | Must be shown on label and links to GOTS database |
| Certified By | Must list certifier (e.g., Certified by OTCO) |
| 100% Organic Claims | Allowed in descriptions only, not label grade |
| Retailer Use of Logo | Permitted with certified product; use manufacturer’s license number |
| In Conversion Materials | Allowed as subcategories under both label grades |
Technical Details
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading, and distribution of textile products made from at least 70% certified organic fibers.
The labeling guidelines are governed by the GOTS Licensing and Labelling Guide, updated regularly. Misuse of the GOTS logo or failure to meet labeling requirements can result in suspension of certification or legal action.
Label claims must be transparent, and label use must be approved by the certifier before product release. All certified entities are responsible for ensuring their supply chain partners issue valid Transaction Certificates (TCs) for certified goods.