The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has stiffer regulations for transparent and traceable processing of organic textiles.

GOTS is introducing a compulsory farm-gin registry for all farms and farm groups whose certified raw material enters the GOTS system, including information on farm yields. The registry will be implemented progressively, starting in India.

The credibility of inspection agencies in India for organic cotton has come under doubt. Raw cotton is not allowed to travel more than 500 km from the farm to the certified gin. The shorter trade chain is meant to protect vulnerable points and optimizes the process for buyers.

GOTS will increase the number of unannounced audits at gins where there is a high perception of risk. GOTS also stipulates that the Farm TC number appears on the first GOTS TC at the ginning plant, which is the first step for cotton in the GOTS supply chain. The TC must state the origin for raw material, including region, state and province. This effectively traces material back to the field and adds another layer of accountability to GOTS-certified fiber.

GOTS is the world’s leading standard for processing of organic textiles. It mandates use of minimum 70 per cent organic fibres and includes both environmental and social criteria.