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Global Standards

GRTS Labelling

A controlled system for credible product claims

The labelling of GRTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is designed to support transparent, accurate and consistent communication for responsible textile products.

Only products processed in GRTS-certified facilities and compliant with all applicable GRTS requirements may carry the GRTS label.

The GRTS system combines:

  • processing in certified supply chains
  • controlled material inputs
  • independent third-party verification
  • Transaction Certificates
  • controlled label approval procedures
  • trademark protection and enforcement 

Together, these elements help strengthen the credibility and consistency of GRTS claims across global textile supply chains. 

Requirements for GRTS labelling

Who may apply GRTS labelling?

GRTS labelling may only be applied to GRTS Goods and their packaging by a Certified Entity.

Required label elements

Every GOTS product label must include:

  • the GRTS logo
  • a reference to the respective Certification Body
  • the Certification Number of the Certified Entity

All labels must be approved by the Certification Body before use.

Label approval process

Certification Bodies review and approve GRTS labelling before application to help ensure:

  • correct use of GRTS signs
  • accurate product claims
  • consistency across the market
  • compliance with GRTS labelling requirements

Guidance for correct use of signs

Global Standards provides practical guidance tools to help Certified Entities correctly apply GRTS signs and communicate certification claims consistently across products and marketing materials.
This includes guidance for:

  • on-product labelling
  • packaging
  • websites and online shops
  • advertising and promotional materials
  • catalogues and brochures
  • social media communication
  • corporate and other off-product claims

The guidance includes practical examples and clarifies permitted and non-permitted use cases to support accurate and compliant communication. For approval of specific labels and claims, Certified Entities must contact their approved Certification Body.

Protection of the GRTS programme

GRTS is a registered certification mark.

Global Standards, together with the Protection Officers, investigates unauthorised, false and/or misleading use of GRTS signs, as well as certification-related claims on products, websites, advertisements, catalogues and other materials.

Corrective and legal measures will be taken to protect the integrity and credibility of the GRTS programme and its labelling system.

Conditions for the Use of Signs - GRTS

The “GRTS Conditions for the Use of Signs (CUS)” defines:

  • the requirements for the use of GRTS signs and claims
  • labelling and promotional conditions
  • trademark usage rules
  • approval procedures
  • participation fees within the GRTS programme

The document helps support consistent application of GRTS signs across products and communication materials worldwide. 

Learn more about GRTS