Over the years, consumers’ concern with the environment and organic textiles has grown at its peak, determining the authenticity of merchandise and environmental compliance. For their social and ecological responsibility, GOTS Certification, or GlobalOrganic Textile Standard is something that companies choose for their social and ecological responsibility. This blog discusses the certification process, the importance of getting GOTS audit certification in India, its benefits, and much more.
⫸ What is Global Organic Textile Standard Certification (GOTS)?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is a globally recognized certification for organic textiles, including ecological and social aspects. It sets standards for the complete textile supply chain, from Selecting the raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, labeling, and packaging distribution. This GOTS Audit certification ensures that organic textiles meet solid environmental and social aspects, giving consumers the trusted assurance of the organic status of the textiles they purchase.
History: It was founded in 2006, GOTS was developed by leading international standard-setting organizations.
⫸ GOTS Certified Products
Types of Products
- Farmer: Organic farming practices produce high-quality, GOTS-certified cotton and other fibers.
- Factory: Factories create eco-friendly textiles and garments from organic materials like cotton, linen, and fibre plant.
- Garments: Organic apparel is garments produced from fiber such as cotton, linen, and fibre plant.
- Home Textiles: Linens like bed sheets, towels and curtains, mats, clothes hangers, slipcovers.
- Shop : Natural fabrics that have been included in personal care items such as baby diapers and tampons. So as such, these are the GOTS Certified products.
⫸ Steps to Get the GOTS Label for Your Product
Who can apply to get a GOTS label? Producers of raw materials, textile processors, manufacturers, distributors, importers, brands, and other stakeholders in the textile industry can apply for the GOTS label, containing at least 70% certified organic natural fiber, which certifies organic and environmentally friendly textiles.
There are two certification levels
Organic Fabrics
- 70% minimum of fibers coming from organic agriculture
- Less than 30% non-organic fibers
Organic Textile
- 95% minimum of fibers coming from organic agriculture
- 5% maximum of synthetic fibers
⫸ The GOTS Audit Certification Process
- Application Submission: Apply to any certifier, who meets the provisions of the GOTS procedure and requirements. Document what your business is and what processes it necessarily uses in production.
- Pre-Assessment: Approved certifiers undertake a preliminary audit to get a pointer on non-compliance issues.
- On-Site Inspection: Certifiers will visit the site of production to assess compliance with the set GOTS. Investigators conduct a physical examination of production activities, storage, and documentation systems.
- Certification Decision: After assessment, the certifier will provide a certificate if all the standards have been fulfilled. Noncompliant businesses are given feedback accordingly.
- Surveillance Audits: To maintain compliance with the GOTS standards, enterprises undergo audits at least once each year, (usually annually) to ensure ongoing compliance with GOTS standards.
GOTS Audit Certification Requirements
- Minimum Organic Fiber Content: Organic fibers are required in a product at 70% and above for them to qualify to be called organic products.
- Approved Chemical Inputs: Dyes and chemical auxiliaries used must be of GOTS approval.
- Environmental Management System: Ensure the use of a waste, water, and energy management system.
- Fair Labor Practices: Refusal of child labor or compulsory labor; a safe working environment, and adequate payment to feed a family.
- Freedom of Association: Employment shall safeguard the rights of workers to join employers’ associations, unionization, and collective bargaining.
- Comprehensive Documentation: Make accurate records of all activities carried on in the production process, particularly input/output controls.
- Traceability: Maintain records on the origins of the raw materials as well as the record of all the subsequent processed stocks until they are finished products.
- On-Site Audit Preparation: Get ready for an audit by an independent certifier accredited by GOTS and ensure all the papers are laid down.
- Certification Body Selection: Select the GOTS certification body for the audit from those organizations approved by the GOTS.
- Ongoing Compliance: Undergo regular surveillance audits (typically annually) to maintain certification status.
⫸ Benefits of GOTS Audit Certification
- Market Access: It allows businesses to expand their horizons and enter into the global market for organic textiles, especially in eco-conscious markets.
- Consumer Trust: Certified products build customer confidence, which helps ensure that they meet high organic and environmental standards.
- Environmental Sustainability: It promotes eco-friendly practices by limiting the use of harmful chemicals and ensuring sustainable production processes.
- Social Responsibility: It helps ensure fair labor practices, assisting companies to show dedication to ethical production and worker welfare.
- Competitive Edge: It enhances brand reputation and sets you apart from the competition in the market focused on sustainability.
- Global Recognition: As a globally recognized standard, this certification helps businesses enter international markets with ease, particularly in regions with strict environmental and organic regulations.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Through efficient resource management and reduced waste, companies can achieve cost savings in production over time.
⫸ Costs of GOTS Audit Certification
GOTS Certification Costs in India can vary depending on various factors, such as the size of the company, the challenges or requirements of the operations, and the certifying body chosen. Here’s a simplification of typical costs in Indian Rupees (INR)
- Application Fees:
- One-time fee for processing the certification application, which can range from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.
- Inspection and Auditing Fees:
- The most significant part of the cost, including travel, audit duration, and inspection complexity. This can vary based on the location and size of the facility.
- On average, auditing fees can range from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per audit.
- Annual Renewal Fees:
- GOTS requires annual recertification, and the renewal costs include subsequent inspections and document reviews.
- The renewal fees can typically range from ₹40,000 to ₹1,50,000 annually.
- Additional Costs:
- Businesses may need to invest in lab testing, consultancy services, or facility upgrades to meet GOTS standards. This can range from ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on the needs of the company.
Total Estimated Cost: Depending on the size of your operations, the total cost for Organic Textile Certification in India can range from ₹1,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 or more annually, considering both initial certification and yearly renewal.
⫸ Factors Influencing Cost
- Business Size
- Supply Chain Complexity
- Geographical Location
- Certifying Body
- Number of Products
- Consultancy and Preparatory Work
- Annual Inspections and Maintenance
⫸ GOTS Approved Audit Agency
Role of GOTS approved certifiers in the Process
- Certifiers are responsible for evaluating compliance with GOTS standards.
- They conduct audits, provide guidance, and issue certifications upon successful evaluation.
- Certifiers review relevant documentation, including production records, chemical usage reports, and employee welfare policies, ensuring they meet GOTS guidelines.
- Certifiers conduct yearly follow-up audits to ensure ongoing compliance, ensuring that certified entities continue to adhere to GOTS standards.
⫸ GOTS Certification Bodies in India
- Control Union Certifications
- ICEA (Ethical and Environmental Certification Institute)
- Ecocert Greenlife
- SGS
- Intertek
The Importance of Organic Textile Certification
- Promotes sustainable farming practices that benefit farmers and ecosystems.
- Ensures consumer safety by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals found in conventional textiles.
- Supports ethical labor practices, improving conditions for workers in the textile industry.
Legal4sure Process to get GOTS Certification
- Client Consultation
- Gap Analysis
- Documentation Preparation
- Process Implementation Support
- Internal Audit Assistance
- Application Submission Guidance
- Audit Support
- Non-Conformity Resolution
- Certification Achievement Support
⫸ Why Choose Legal4sure for GOTS Audit Certification?
Our experience and expertise make us stand at the forefront of the industry. At Legal4sure, our team is dedicated to working for our clients to achieve Global Organic Textile Standard Certification(GOTS) and improve their overall production processes. We have a team of highly experienced auditors with broad insights into the textile industry and regulatory requirements.
We have worked with several big clients, such as Raymond Limited, Fabindia, Grasim Industries, etc. We have served more than 400+ happy clients in the textiles industry and have over many successful certifications, we provide game-changing certification services to our clients.
Ready to get started? Contact us today at +91 9310655040 to learn how we can help you achieve GOTS Certification and boost your business’s sustainability credentials.