Currently, the main certifications for organic cotton are OCS (Organic Content Standard) and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). In the 21st century, with the improvement of living standards, consumers are increasingly emphasizing "green," "environmentally friendly," "healthy," and "organic" products. As a result, major domestic and international brands and associations have developed corresponding certification standards to meet this demand. To gain a competitive edge in the market, it is essential for Chinese enterprises to consider obtaining such certifications.

The Organic Content Standard (OCS) can be applied to non-food products containing 5%-100% organic materials. This standard verifies the organic material content in the final product and allows traceability from the source of the raw materials to the end product, with certification conducted by a reliable third-party organization. The standard promotes transparency and consistency throughout the process of independently assessing the organic content of the product. It can serve as a business tool between companies to help ensure that the products they purchase or pay for meet their requirements.

OCS certification applies to non-food products manufactured using recognized organic raw materials.

Scope of Certification Audit：

1、Product Quality System.

2、Organic Production Setup and Planning.

3、Risk Point Control in Organic Production Processes.

OCS certification audit results：

1、OCS certification is divided into Qualification Certificate and Sales Certificate.

2、The Qualification Certificate is valid for one year and requires annual surveillance audits.

3、The Sales Certificate is issued for each batch of products as an organic cotton certificate.

The primary purpose of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is to ensure the organic status of textiles, encompassing requirements for the harvesting of raw materials, environmentally and socially responsible production practices, and labeling to provide consumers with product information.

This standard includes relevant provisions for the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, import, export, and distribution of organic textiles. The final products covered by this standard may include, but are not limited to, fiber products, yarns, fabrics, clothing, and household textiles, with a focus on mandatory requirements.

GOTS Certification Scope：textiles produced with organic natural fibers.

Scope of Certification Audit：

1、Product Quality System.

2、Minimum Social Responsibility System Audit.

3、Environmental Management System Audit.

GOTS certification audit results：

1、The qualification certificate is valid for one year, with annual surveillance audits.

2、The sales certificate serves as the organic cotton certificate for each batch of products.

■ Differences between OCS certification and GOTS certification.

● First and foremost, the difference lies in the scope of certification.

GOTS certification applies to textiles produced with organic natural fibers.

OCS certification applies to non-food products manufactured using recognized organic raw materials.

● The recognition and acceptance of the certifications vary.

GOTS customers may not recognize OCS certification.

OCS customers, on the other hand, may recognize GOTS certification.

As for the reason why?

The reason is that the standards required by GOTS are higher than those of OCS. OCS focuses solely on product manufacturing management, while GOTS encompasses three aspects: product manufacturing management, environmental protection, and social responsibility.

● The requirements for raw materials differ.

OCS requires a minimum of 5% of materials to meet recognized organic standards, while GOTS has stricter requirements. GOTS requires a minimum of 70% organic natural fibers, prohibits blending with synthetic fibers, allows a maximum of 10% synthetic or regenerated fibers (sporting goods can have a maximum of 25% synthetic or regenerated fibers), and prohibits the use of genetically modified fibers.