standard glossary text
") for better textiles. Global [Standards](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/standard "standard glossary text
") is the independent non-profit organisation developing and operating voluntary [sustainability](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/sustainability "In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
") standards for textiles. Through [GOTS](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/gots "The worldwide leading voluntary sustainability standard for the post-harvest textile value chain for certified organic fibres, covering environmental criteria, human rights, social criteria and business conduct.
"), GRTS and related activities, we help businesses build responsible, transparent and resilient textile supply chains that benefit people, the planet and the industry. [ Explore our standards ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?Itemid=229) [ Get certified ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&catid=9) [](https://global-standards.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35&catid=8) #### **GOTS** Globally recognised standard for [organic](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/organic "'Organic' is a regulated term used to distinguish systems of managed production and products derived therefrom that adhere to principles of health, ecology, fairness and care, and which are certified compliant to an organic standard's regulations by an Approved Certification Body.
GOTS defines organic textiles as being made with fibres from organic agriculture systems that are certified to one of the IFOAM Family of Standards, and that are processed in socially and ecologically responsible ways, in alignment with organic principles.
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. (Source: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations)
"), strengthen supply chain transparency and meet evolving legal requirements. Global Standards provides the hollistic programme to make this possible. As an independent non-profit organisation, we develop, verify, protect and promote globally recognised voluntary sustainability standards that empower credible and efficient action across the entire textile value chain. ## Latest news [ ### Announcing Standard Updates in GOTS Version 8.1 22 July 2026  Read full article ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2489:announcing-standard-updates-in-gots-version-8-1&catid=14) [ ### Global Standards establishes new non-profit foundation to strengthen governance 06 July 2026  Read full article ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2477:global-standards-the-organisation-behind-gots-establishes-new-non-profit-foundation-to-strengthen-the-independent-governance-of-textile-sustainability-standards&catid=14) [ ### Meet Global Standards at the Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics 2026 25 May 2026  Read full article ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1904:meet-global-standard-at-intertextile-shenzhen&catid=14) [ See more news ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?Itemid=1358) ## Quick access [  ### Find suppliers ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?Itemid=1385) [  ### Verify a product ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?Itemid=1385) [  ### Access FAQs ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&catid=12) [  ### Download assets ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&catid=21) ## About us Global Standards combines science, independent verification, digital tools and global partnerships into one integrated system that helps businesses continuously improve. Rather than addressing individual sustainability topics in isolation, our standards connect environmental responsibility, social criteria, supply chain integrity and credible certification into one holistic system. [ How we work ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?Itemid=1353) 17 UN [SDGs](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/sdgs "The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
") supported **Certification to our VSS helps ensure compliance with each of the 17 UN [Sustainable Development Goals](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/sustainable-development-goals "The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
")** --- Global Stakeholder partnership **Standards set in partnership with international stakeholder communities for widespread global acceptance.** --- 100% Non-profit, self-financed **All inflow is used to reach our vision and mission — minimising administrative cost.** ## How to Get Certified A straightforward, transparent path to achieving GOTS and GRTS certification. - [Step 1](#) - [Step 2](#) - [Step 3](#) - [Step 4](#) - [Step 5](#) - [Step 6](#) ### Step 1 **Inform yourself about GOTS/GRTS** Familiarise yourself with our Standards by having a look at our website, the various standard documents and our Q&A section. This will provide you with an overview of the requirements that must be met for your certification. ### Step 2 **Reach out to the Global Standards Representative in your region** If you seek initial consultation, you can reach out to one of our [Regional Representatives](https://global-standards.org/?Itemid=1363). If you require more detailed assistance or guidance on complex issues, please get in touch with an [Approved Consultant.](https://global-standards.org/certification/approved-consultants) ### Step 3 **Choose an [approved Certification Body](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/approved-certification-body "An Approved Certification Body or Approved Certifier is a certification body that has been duly accredited by an Accreditation Body. By signing a con tract with Global Standard gGmbH, they are permitted to implement the Global Organic Textile Standard within a designated geographical area and for specific scopes of the Standard. An updated list of Approved Certifiers and their scopes is available on the GOTS Website.
")** [Here](https://global-standards.org/index.php?Itemid=1462)you will find a list of independent Approved Certification Bodies, responsible for the on-[site](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/site "An individual establishment where chemical Inputs are formulated (see Formulator) and produced. It is included in a Letter of Approval and audited by a Scope 4 Approved Certifier.
") [audit](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/audit "A systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the Standard's requirements (including environmental and social criteria) are fulfilled by a Certified Entity or applicant for the status of Certified Entity. Audits are conducted by Approved Certification Bodies (see 'Approved Certification Body').
") and certification to GOTS and/or GRTS. ### Step 4 **Contact your chosen [Certification Body](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/certification-body "A Certification Body, having been duly accredited by an Accreditation Body and by way of signing a contract with Global Standard gGmbH has been permitted to implement the Global Organic Textile Standard over a designated geographical area and for specific scopes of the Standard.
")** Submit an application to the Certification Body of your choice. The application may require you to provide details about your [facility](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/facility "An individual establishment or site where processing, manufacturing, trading or retailing of GOTS Goods is done. It is operated by a Certified Entity and inspected by an Approved Certifier.
") or product, including your location, scope of operations, and the goods you manufacture ### Step 5 **Prepare for the on-site audit** The Certification Body will inform you about the implementation and schedule an audit. It is important to prepare all necessary documentation and records for review, about which you will be informed by your Certification Body ahead of time. In case any non-compliances with the Standard/-s are detected, these will be assessed and a timeline for correction will be provided to you. ### Step 6 **Receive your GOTS and or GRTS [Scope Certificate](https://global-standards.org/resources/glossary/scope-certificate "A document issued to a Certified Entity by an Approved Certification Body which verifies the entity is in conformity with the requirements of the Standard and includes a summary of the processes and products that are permitted under the certification. It also lists the various facilities that are covered under this certification.
")/s** Once you receive your GOTS/GRTS Scope Certificate/s, you can leverage it to showcase your commitment to sustainable and ethical textile production. Your company will be found in the Global Standards public database. ## Ready to get certified? Join over 17,000 certified facilities worldwide driving the transition of the textile industry. [ get started ](https://global-standards.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&catid=9)