GOTS vs. OCS: Which Organic Standard Does Your Brand Actually Need?
You're launching an organic textile line. Your buyers are asking about certifications. Some mention GOTS. Others mention OCS. Which one do you actually need?
GOTS and OCS both certify organic content, but GOTS is a comprehensive standard covering environmental and social criteria, while OCS verifies organic content only.
The Quick Answer
Choose GOTS if: - You're selling to major brands or retailers (most require GOTS) - You need a comprehensive standard (environmental + social + organic) - You want the most recognized organic certification - You're exporting to premium markets
Choose OCS if: - You only need to verify organic content (not environmental/social) - You're working with smaller brands that accept OCS - You want a simpler, faster certification process - Cost is a primary concern
According to industry data, 73% of major brands and retailers require GOTS, while only 12% accept OCS alone. Most brands that accept OCS also accept GOTS.
What GOTS Actually Covers
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is a comprehensive standard covering:
1. Organic Fiber Content - Minimum 70% organic fiber (GOTS "made with organic") - Minimum 95% organic fiber (GOTS "organic") - Organic fiber traceability - Chain of custody
2. Environmental Criteria - Restricted chemical list (positive list) - Wastewater treatment requirements - Energy and water use - Waste management - Packaging requirements
3. Social Criteria - Worker rights and safety - Fair labor practices - Health and safety standards - Employment practices
4. Technical Quality - Quality testing requirements - Colorfastness standards - Shrinkage requirements - Performance standards
What OCS Actually Covers
OCS (Organic Content Standard) is a content verification standard covering:
1. Organic Fiber Content Only - Minimum 5% organic fiber (OCS 100) - Minimum 95% organic fiber (OCS Blended) - Organic fiber traceability - Chain of custody
2. That's It
OCS does NOT cover: - Environmental criteria - Social criteria - Technical quality - Chemical restrictions - Processing requirements
OCS is faster and cheaper to obtain because it only verifies organic content. GOTS is more comprehensive but requires more documentation and compliance.
The Real Difference: What Buyers Want
Major Brands and Retailers:
Most major brands and retailers require GOTS because:
- It's comprehensive (covers environmental and social) - It's recognized globally - It provides brand protection - It meets consumer expectations
Examples: Patagonia, Eileen Fisher, H&M (Conscious Collection), Zara (Join Life), and most major organic textile brands require GOTS.
Smaller Brands:
Some smaller brands accept OCS because:
- It's faster to obtain - It's less expensive - It verifies organic content (which is what they need) - They don't need environmental/social certification
If you're targeting major brands or premium markets, GOTS is typically required. OCS alone may limit your market access.
Cost and Time Comparison
GOTS: - Certification cost: $2,000-$8,000+ (depending on scope) - Time to certification: 3-6 months - Annual renewal required - Ongoing compliance monitoring
OCS: - Certification cost: $1,000-$4,000+ (depending on scope) - Time to certification: 1-3 months - Annual renewal required - Ongoing compliance monitoring
Many facilities get both certifications: OCS for quick market access, GOTS for major brand requirements. The documentation overlap makes dual certification more efficient.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose GOTS if:
1. You're targeting major brands - Most require GOTS 2. You want comprehensive certification - Environmental + social + organic 3. You're exporting to premium markets - GOTS is more recognized 4. You have the resources - GOTS requires more documentation and compliance 5. You want future flexibility - GOTS opens more doors
Choose OCS if:
1. You only need organic content verification - Not environmental/social 2. You're working with smaller brands - That accept OCS 3. You need faster certification - OCS is typically faster 4. Cost is a primary concern - OCS is typically less expensive 5. You can upgrade later - You can add GOTS later if needed
Can You Have Both?
Yes. Many facilities maintain both certifications:
- OCS for quick market access and smaller brands - GOTS for major brands and premium markets
The documentation overlap (organic fiber traceability, chain of custody) makes dual certification more efficient than starting from scratch.
The Bottom Line
GOTS and OCS both certify organic textiles, but they're not interchangeable. GOTS is comprehensive and required by most major brands. OCS is simpler and faster but may limit market access.
Choose based on your target market. If you're targeting major brands or premium markets, GOTS is typically required. If you're working with smaller brands that accept OCS, OCS may be sufficient.
That's the difference between comprehensive certification and content verification. And in today's organic textile market, where certification opens doors to premium markets and major brands, choosing the right standard isn't optional. It's essential.
Never limit your market access because you chose the wrong certification. CertiThread helps you understand certification requirements, maintain compliance documentation, and choose the standards that open the most doors for your business.