What is OEKO-TEX certification?
OEKO-TEX certification is the world's authoritative sustainable solution launched by the International Textile and Leather Association for Environmental Protection (OEKO-TEX®), covering the entire link of the textile and leather supply chain. Founded in 1992 by the Hohenstein Institute and the Austrian Textile Research Institute, the certification system aims to promote the green transformation of the industry through hazardous substance testing, production process optimization and social responsibility audits. At present, the OEKO-TEX certification has been extended to seven modules, and has become the ecological standard trusted by more than 100,000 companies around the world.

Analysis of core authentication modules
The OEKO-TEX certification system is designed to meet the needs of different companies in a modular design and mainly includes the following key certifications:
1.STANDARD 100
Suitable for: All textiles and leather products (e.g. clothing, home textiles, accessories)
Core requirements: Detect 300+ harmful substances, including formaldehyde, heavy metals, banned azo dyes, PFAS, etc., according to the degree of contact between the product and the skin, divided into four levels (infant products are the most stringent level 1).
Advantages: Certified products can be labelled as "Confidence Textiles", which directly increases consumer trust.
2.ECO PASSPORT
Applicable to: Suppliers of chemicals, dyes and additives
Core process: CAS number screening→ laboratory analysis→ enterprise self-assessment→ on-site audit (optional). Certified chemicals can simultaneously meet the ZDHC MRSL 3.1 standard and access the global sourcing platform.
3. STeP (Sustainable Production Certification)
Applicable objects: textile and leather factories
Evaluation dimensions: chemical management, energy efficiency, social responsibility, occupational health and other six modules, to help enterprises systematically optimize the sustainable management system.
4.MADE IN GREEN
Features: Traceable labels, consumers can scan the code to view the product's production location, environmental protection and social responsibility performance.

OTHER CERTIFICATIONS INCLUDE LEATHER STANDARD, ORGANIC COTTON AND RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS.
The certification process is a four-step process
1. Select the module and mechanism
Depending on the product type, you can select a certification module (e.g. STANDARD 100 or ECO PASSPORT) and submit your application via an official OEKO-TEX® organization (e.g. Hohenstein).
2. Material preparation and testing
STANDARD 100: PROVIDE A LIST OF INGREDIENTS, RAW MATERIAL CERTIFICATES (CERTIFIED MATERIALS CAN BE REUSED TO REDUCE TESTING COSTS).
ECO PASSPORT: Submission of chemical formulations, safety data sheets, and production site management documents.
3. Laboratory testing and auditing
The testing cycle is usually 2-4 weeks, and complex products may be extended. Infant and toddler products (Level 1) testing is more expensive.
4. Certification and continuous maintenance
The certificate is valid for 1 year and needs to be renewed annually and subject to spot checks. Companies that are STeP certified can reduce the cost of repeat audits.

Why do companies need OEKO-TEX certification?
1. Break through trade barriers
The certification is directly in line with EU REACH, CPSIA and other regulations to avoid the risk of return caused by excessive hazardous substances.
2. Win the trust of the market
67% of European and American consumers give preference to OEKO-TEX label products, and certified companies can enter the green zone of Amazon, Walmart and other platforms.
3. Optimize production costs
The modular certification system supports phased investment, for example, raw materials certified by STANDARD 100 can be reused without inspection, reducing the cost of follow-up testing by more than 30%.
4. Enhance the brand premium
The average selling price of products with the MADE IN GREEN label has increased by 15%-20%, especially in the high-end market.
OEKO-TEX certification is not only a stepping stone to market access, but also a core tool for companies to implement ESG strategies. Plan your certification path now and get ahead of the green trade opportunity in 2025!