What does OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON mean?
OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certifies that textile products consist of at least 70% certified organically grown cotton and have been tested for GMOs, pesticides and other harmful substances. Certification is available for raw cotton, fibres, yarns, textile fabrics, accessories and finished articles such as clothing, home textiles and much more.
Brands, manufacturers and retailers of textile products at all stages of production can use the label to systematically and verifiably document their responsibility (with the help of the TextileGenesisTM platform), credibly strengthen their market position and build trust with partners and consumers.
Good to know
ORGANIC COTTON + STeP = MADE IN GREEN
Together with the OEKO-TEX® STeP B2B certification, which assesses responsible production conditions in the textile and leather industries and systematically takes environmental and social aspects into account, OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON forms the basis for the award of the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label, which identifies products made from organic cotton that have been tested for GMOs and harmful substances and have also been manufactured under traceable, sustainable conditions. A unique, item-specific product ID provides additional transparency for MADE IN GREEN-labelled products and enables the supply chain to be traced.
All Details about the MADE IN GREEN Label
OEKO-TEX® – a strong community committed to greater sustainability
OEKO-TEX® brings together an international network of testing and research institutes that have been developing common standards for textile testing for decades. First introduced to the public in the early 1990s, the OEKO-TEX® system continues to grow. New labels and services demonstrate how flexibly OEKO-TEX® responds to changing market demands. The most recent example is OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON, which certifies the safety and reliable organic quality of cotton products.
What are the benefits of OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification?
- OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON promotes ecological farming methods by avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, and enhances biodiversity and fair conditions in cotton cultivation.
- Our quantitative GMO test distinguishes between deliberate blending and minor contamination with conventional fibres.
- Traceability is ensured via digitally verified e-transactions on the TextileGenesis™ platform.
- Goods movements and certification data are recorded centrally and digitally via TextileGenesis™, which creates transparency and ensures the integrity of the supply chain.
- Globally standardised and annually updated testing criteria ensure international compliance.
- The certification supports your internal quality assurance and minimises risks without you having to allocate your own resources to this.
- The label enables you to communicate the quality of your organic products transparently and credibly.
- You build trust with your customers and consumers and successfully position yourself in the market for responsible products.
OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON explained
Free webinar
How does the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification process work?
The certification process for OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON is clearly structured and designed to be transparent from the outset. To apply, you use a standardised form in which all essential information regarding the product, materials and manufacturing processes is fully documented.
Checklists for the application process and selection of test samples
What are your next steps?
Downloads
- Please always use the latest version of the required forms for your application, which you can download below. Our application checklist contains useful information to help ensure your application goes smoothly.
- Please note that the application forms are the same for all parties in the supply chain. Thank you for your attention!
Application forms to be submitted – ORGANIC COTTON
Frequently Asked Questions about OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON
Basic information
What is OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON and which products can be certified?
OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON refers to textiles made from certified organically grown cotton and tested throughout the supply chain against clearly defined ecological criteria. The aim is to label products that have been tested for harmful substances and GMOs. The following can be certified:
- Raw fibres
- Yarns
- Fabrics
- Home textiles
- Clothing
- Textile accessories
The prerequisite is that all components meet the relevant requirements regarding fibre origin, processing and documentation.
Where can I have my products certified to the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON standard?
Product certification under the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON standard is carried out exclusively by authorised OEKO-TEX® member institutes.
Hohenstein is a founding member of the OEKO-TEX® AG, established in 1992, and offers companies across the entire value chain the full range of certifications and product labels within the OEKO-TEX® portfolio. This includes practical solutions for implementing:
- Product stewardship
(OEKO-TEX® solutions: ORGANIC COTTON, STANDARD 100, LEATHER STANDARD, MADE IN GREEN, ECO PASSPORT) - Sustainable manufacturing processes
(OEKO-TEX® solutions: STeP, MADE IN GREEN) - Social working conditions
(OEKO-TEX® solutions: STeP, MADE IN GREEN) - Transparent supply chains
(OEKO-TEX® solutions: MADE IN GREEN, myOEKO-TEX®) - Corporate due diligence obligations
(OEKO-TEX® solutions: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS)
How long is the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate valid for?
An OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate is valid for 12 months and can be renewed annually. We recommend starting the renewal process up to three months before the certificate expires to ensure continuous product safety without any interruption to the certificate status and to guarantee a smooth process, as subsequent certifications depend on suppliers’ pre-certified components.
What is the concept behind OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON?
The concept of ORGANIC COTTON certification is based on a modular approach across the entire textile supply chain. Pre-products that are already certified, such as yarns or fabrics, can be recognised in subsequent production stages, provided their validity can be verified.
The advantage: this helps to avoid duplicate testing. Companies benefit from:
- Clearly structured processes
- Transparent documentation
- A step-by-step allocation of costs across all processing stages
The integrity, transparency and credibility of OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification are ensured through the digitalisation of the individual processing steps on the TextileGenesisTM platform, which enables seamless documentation and central consolidation of physical goods movements and certification data, thereby preventing fraudulent practices.
If you are looking for suitable suppliers, the free, global OEKO-TEX® Buying Guide – which lists OEKO-TEX® certified products, manufacturers and brands – is here to help.
What are the requirements and criteria for OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON?
The globally applicable requirements of the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification – which are updated annually on the basis of the latest scientific findings, regulatory developments and new requirements from the market and industry – encompass ecological criteria relating to the organic quality of the cotton, as well as strict limit values for any harmful substances that may be present in the product.
Specifically, the following requirements apply:
- All components of certified articles must comply with the conditions, test criteria and limit values set out in the standard.
- Products must have successfully passed testing for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) – initially, a qualitative test is carried out; if this proves positive, a quantitative GMO test is conducted to determine whether the presence is merely due to contamination with conventional cotton.
- An analytical laboratory test for pesticides and other harmful substances confirms that levels remain below the prescribed limits.
- The entire supply chain, as well as any changes made to the product at each stage of processing, must be fully and digitally documented via e-transactions on the TextileGenesisTM platform.
- Evidence must be provided of appropriate in-house quality assurance measures to ensure compliance with the product criteria throughout the certificate’s validity period.
- Our Hohenstein auditors have carried out an annual on-site visit to the company.
Where can I find the currently valid criteria and limit values for OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON?
The binding requirements for OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON are published in the official standard document. This includes tables of limit values, test catalogues and labelling guidelines. You can find the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON standard on our Hohenstein website under the menu item ‘OEKO-TEX® / Applications & Standards’, as well as on this website.
What are the requirements for the issue of an ORGANIC COTTON certificate?
An OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate is only issued if all components of an organic cotton product fall below the defined limits for harmful substances and the necessary operational quality assurance has been confirmed by our auditors during an on-site visit to the company.
Furthermore, certified items must have successfully passed the screening test for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the entire supply chain must be fully and digitally documented on the TextileGenesisTM portal.
Who benefits from OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification?
The OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification creates added value throughout the entire textile value chain – from production right through to the end consumer.
- Industry & Trade:
With this certification, textile manufacturers and suppliers credibly demonstrate that they are delivering on their promise that the cotton product is verifiably organic and has been tested for harmful substances. - Brands, Importers & Retailers:
They strengthen their credibility with consumers and meet growing market demands in the field of sustainable textiles. At the same time, they are able to quickly and reliably find suitable suppliers of organic cotton products that are safe for health. - Consumers:
Buyers are provided with reliable guidance when purchasing responsibly produced textiles made from organic cotton.
The OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification process
How do you obtain an OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate?
Companies must submit the relevant application form and representative product samples (with the exception of ginners and raw yarn manufacturers), as well as all necessary supply chain documentation, to Hohenstein. Following a formal review, laboratory analyses are carried out and an on-site visit is conducted at the applicant’s premises. Upon successful assessment, the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate is issued.
We recommend contacting our OEKO-TEX® customer service team (telephone: +880 1755 524666, email: oekotex-bd@hohenstein.com) before submitting the application form and sample materials, in order to clarify all the necessary details in advance to ensure a smooth certification process.
How much does OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON product certification cost?
The costs of organic cotton certification comprise a licence or certification fee, as well as the costs of laboratory tests and the on-site visit. These vary depending on the type of product, material composition and the complexity of the supply chain. An individual quotation is provided based on the documentation submitted.
The costs for laboratory testing depend on the material and the complexity of the product to be tested for harmful substances, as well as the specific criteria, e.g.:
- Fibres
- Yarns
- Dyed or finished fabrics
- Ready-to-wear garments
- Accessories
To obtain detailed information on the costs, we recommend that you contact our OEKO-TEX® customer service team directly.
How long does it take to certify an OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON product?
Once all documents and samples have been received in full, the certification process usually takes four weeks. The duration depends on the following factors:
- the complexity of the product
- the scope of testing
- the scheduling of the on-site visit
If your products meet all the requirements, we will issue you with the certificate.
What is the process for OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification?
Product certification for organic cotton follows a standardised, structured process:
- Submission of an application containing all the necessary product details
- Complete documentation of the supply chain using e-transactions via the TextileGenesis™ portal
- Preparation of a customised test plan by Hohenstein
- Laboratory analyses of the samples submitted, including the preparation of a test report detailing the results
- On-site visit to the company to inspect production and documentation processes on site
- Assessment and issuance of the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate
Once the 12-month certificate has expired, it can be renewed annually. We recommend that you apply to us for renewal at least three months before the current certificate expires to ensure uninterrupted use of the certification.
How do I select and send samples of sustainable cotton?
The product samples selected by the manufacturer for OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification must cover all variants of the product. Furthermore, the test samples must be representative of the goods actually manufactured and sold, and must come from current production.
Depending on the specific product being tested, certain quantities of material are required. In addition, test samples must meet specific requirements regarding packaging and dispatch to Hohenstein.
How many samples must be submitted to obtain the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON label?
Which products can be covered by an OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate?
Products with a comparable material composition and an identical production basis may be certified jointly under the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON standard. However, it is not permitted to mix different product categories or risk classes.
What is the purpose of the on-site visit for OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON, and how does it work?
An on-site visit to the applicant company is mandatory for OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification. Our Hohenstein auditors discuss all the details of the certification on site and verify whether the quality assurance system declared by the company is suitable for ensuring compliance with the required OEKO-TEX® criteria. During the on-site visit, companies can also clarify any outstanding questions in person, for example regarding the correct product labelling or the use of the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON product label for advertising purposes.
Working with the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON standard
How can I tell if an OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate or label is valid?
You can check the validity of an OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certificate yourself online using the OEKO-TEX® Label Check. Once you have entered the certificate number (without specifying the testing institute), you will receive information on its validity status as well as a detailed description of the items covered by the certificate.
Where can I find suppliers and OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certified products?
In the OEKO-TEX® Buying Guide, companies can search specifically for ORGANIC COTTON-certified producers, brands or products and identify suitable partners. Using various filters, you can refine your search to find trustworthy partners. This simplifies the process of sourcing suitable raw materials or products for sale.
Where can I obtain templates for the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON label to use on my certified products?
Following successful OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification, companies can generate and download the relevant label templates in various designs and file formats free of charge. To do this, they must first log in to the myOEKO-TEX® customer portal and access the OEKO-TEX® Label Editor.
In the Label Editor, you must carry out the following steps:
- Select the desired OEKO-TEX® certification or the type of label (e.g. OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON).
- Click on the relevant products or certificates displayed, using the corresponding number or product ID.
- Specify the design of the label or hangtag you wish to create – for example, in colour or black and white, portrait or landscape format, as well as optional elements such as QR codes.
- In the next step, select the appropriate output format, depending on whether the file is intended for digital use (SVG and PNG) or for printing (EPS or PDF).
- Finally, start the export process to download the finished label file.
Good to know:
- If you do not yet have access to the myOEKO-TEX® customer portal or are experiencing problems logging in, our OEKO-TEX® customer service team will be happy to assist you:
Phone: +880 1755 524666
E-mail: oekotex-bd@hohenstein.com - You can find detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use the label editor and on all the available design options in a YouTube Online-Tutorial.
What do I need to bear in mind when using the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON label?
The use of the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON label for product labelling or marketing purposes is subject to binding labelling guidelines. This ensures a uniform appearance of the labels worldwide, which in turn ensures clarity, credibility and consistency. The rules form an integral part of the respective OEKO-TEX® Standard and prevent the accidental or deliberate misuse of the OEKO-TEX® logos and labels, which are protected as trade marks.
Guidelines on product labelling and advertising using the labels can be found in the OEKO-TEX® Labelling Guide. The following principle applies in all cases: product-related statements may only be made if the valid certificate number and the responsible OEKO-TEX® testing institute are specified. The relevant OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON label must be clearly associated with the advertised item. Misuse or misleading use is prohibited.
Product logo
When using general statements or descriptions relating to any of the OEKO-TEX® certifications, please use the relevant product logo, e.g. in:
- Promotional materials
- Websites
- Corporate materials such as brochures, posters, newsletters, presentations and exhibition stands
- Corporate communications
Product label
If you advertise OEKO-TEX® certified products directly (e.g. in catalogues or online shops), you must use the corresponding product label, which must match the certificate issued for the product. The link between the label shown and the advertised product must be clear and must correspond to the label attached to the actual item.
This provides the user with full transparency regarding the nature, scope and validity of the label on the basis of the following details:
- the specific certificate number
- the product ID
- a QR code, which may be shown on the label as an optional feature
Can I use supplier certificates under the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON scheme?
Yes, provided they are valid and their content is appropriate. Pre-products that have already been certified may be recognised, thereby reducing the testing workload.
- Retailers and suppliers may market certified goods bearing the corresponding OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON label without applying for their own certificate – provided that the original certification is valid and accurate in terms of content.
- Importers and (retail) traders: Products that are already certified may be advertised and sold with the valid label without the trader having to apply for their own certificate. An additional licence fee is only payable if a trading company wishes to have a separate certificate number. No further testing is required provided the product has a valid certificate.