Managed by the non-profit organization Global Standard, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has received significant recognition from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
GOTS Version 7.0 was assessed through the OECD Alignment Assessment process and found to demonstrate close alignment with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector.
Having evaluated 167 criteria, this ‘standards only’ assessment concluded that GOTS Version 7.0 addresses all six steps of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance. While the overall result was ‘partially aligned’ due to the OECD's rigorous methodology, 69 per cent of the criteria were fully aligned and 29 per cent partially aligned, positioning GOTS among the most advanced initiatives assessed to date.
Rahul Bhajekar, Managing Director, Global Standard, states, this OECD recognition confirms, GOTS is not just a certification, but a robust tool supporting companies in embedding meaningful due diligence throughout their operations. It is amongst the frontrunners in aligning with global expectations for responsible business conduct, he adds.
The OECD commended GOTS for its comprehensive approach, which includes addressing the full due diligence process from risk identification and prioritization to mitigation, monitoring, communication, and remediation. GOTS is also lauded for defining consistent expectations across labor rights, environmental issues, and supply chain integrity, and for promoting responsible conduct across both certified companies' own operations and their full supply chains.
Ruslan Alyamkin, Responsible for Standard Development and Implementation (Social Responsibility), Global Standard, highlights, this report reaffirms the organization’s steady commitment to supporting human rights and environmental protection in textile supply chains worldwide. GOTS is grounded in internationally recognized frameworks and serves as an example of best practice in the industry, he confirms.
The GOTS Due Diligence Framework was developed in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), providing companies with a structured, risk-based approach to uphold human rights, environmental integrity, and ethical governance across the textile value chain. This latest recognition builds upon GOTS's existing credibility, which is already acknowledged by institutions such as the International Trade Centre, the US Department of Agriculture, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Claudia Kersten, Managing Director, Global Standard, says, this recognition by the OECD provides assurance to certified companies, consumers, and regulators alike. She emphasizes,
GOTS is a proven instrument supporting the business case for sustainability, empowering businesses to thrive while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the world's leading processing standard for organic textiles, GOTS sets strict environmental and social criteria from raw material harvesting to the finished product, ensuring integrity and providing comprehensive solutions for the industry and assurance to consumers globally.
