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Global Organic Textile Standard logo
Global Organic Textile Standard
Global · Tier 2 Trusted
?
'Natural' (NOT a certification)
Worldwide · Tier 4 Marketing
Non-GMO Project Verified logo
Non-GMO Project Verified
United States · Tier 3 Specialty
COSMOS-Organic / Natural logo
COSMOS-Organic / Natural
European Union · Tier 2 Trusted
What it meansThe strictest, most widely-recognised standard for organic textiles. Covers the full supply chain from organic fibre to finished garment, with environmental AND social criteria.The word 'natural' on packaging is a marketing term, not a certification. In most jurisdictions there's no legal definition, no standard, and no inspection. A product labelled 'natural' can contain synthetic ingredients, pesticides, GMOs, and artificial flavours.North America's leading 'no genetically modified organisms' certification. Tests for the presence of GMOs in finished products. NOT organic.The leading certification for organic cosmetics in Europe. Two grades: COSMOS Organic (≥95% organic agricultural ingredients) and COSMOS Natural (no organic minimum, but the same restricted-ingredient list).
ScopeTextilesSeveral categoriesFoodCosmetics
Established2002—20102010
InspectionAnnual on-site, IOAS-accreditedNoneAnnual third-party audit + lab testingAnnual on-site by COSMOS-accredited certifier
Residue testingRequired for finished productsNoneGMO testing only (not pesticide)Risk-based
Guarantees
  • ≥70% certified-organic natural fibre (the 'organic' grade requires ≥95%).
  • Restricted dyes, no chlorine bleach, no formaldehyde, no banned heavy metals.
  • Wastewater treatment requirements.
  • Social standards based on ILO core conventions (no child labour, no forced labour, fair wages, safe workplace).
  • Annual on-site inspection by IOAS-accredited certifier.
  • Nothing. It is not a certification and there is no body verifying anything.
  • Verified absence of GMO ingredients (with action thresholds, not zero tolerance).
  • Annual third-party verification.
  • Tracing and segregation across the supply chain.
  • COSMOS Organic: ≥95% organic agricultural ingredients.
  • COSMOS Natural: minimum natural-origin ingredients with banned synthetic restrictions.
  • No GMOs, no parabens, no PEGs, no synthetic fragrances, no SLS/SLES.
  • Biodegradability requirements.
  • Annual on-site audit.
Does NOT
  • Doesn't cover non-textile components (zips, buttons, prints) beyond the chemical-restriction list.
  • Doesn't mean organic. Doesn't mean pesticide-free. Doesn't mean GMO-free. Doesn't mean ethically produced.
  • Some markets (e.g. the US FDA on food, EU on cosmetics) place very limited restrictions on the word, but enforcement is weak.
  • Doesn't mean organic — Non-GMO products can use synthetic pesticides and fertilizers freely.
  • Doesn't certify clinical effectiveness or skin tolerance.

Choose up to 4 (4 chosen)

That's four — remove one to add another.

  • ACO
  • Bio-Siegel
  • BioGro
  • Canada Organic
  • China Organic
  • EU Leaf
  • India Organic
  • JAS
  • Korea Organic
  • Ø-mærket
  • Orgánico Argentina
  • Orgánico SAGARPA
  • SisOrg
  • Tún
  • USDA Organic
  • AB France
  • Bio Suisse
  • Bioland
  • COSMOS
  • Debio
  • Demeter
  • Ecocert
  • Fair for Life
  • GOTS
  • IBD
  • IFOAM
  • Kilimohai
  • KRAV
  • Luomu
  • NASAA
  • NATRUE
  • Naturland
  • OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton
  • ROC
  • Soil Association
  • EU Ecolabel
  • Fairtrade
  • Non-GMO Project
  • Nordic Swan
  • OEKO-TEX 100
  • Rainforest Alliance
  • 'Natural'

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Compare certifications · Organic.is