OEKO-TEX・GOTS・GRSの違い：必要なテキスタイル認証はどれか

Sustainability claims only carry weight when they are backed by credible certification. But the alphabet of textile standards — OEKO-TEX, GOTS, GRS, OCS, RCS and more — confuses even experienced buyers. Each certifies something different, and choosing the wrong one can leave your product unprotected or your marketing claim unsupported.

This guide explains what the three most common standards actually cover, and how to decide which your knit program needs.

The Core Distinction: Safety vs. Fiber vs. Content

The confusion disappears once you understand that these standards answer different questions:

They are not competitors. They can and often should be combined.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Product Safety

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a product-level certification that tests finished textiles and components for harmful substances. It covers things like azo dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals, pesticides and other restricted chemicals.

What it covers

What it does not cover

When you need it

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is the baseline expectation for garments sold into the EU and North America. It is the certificate retailers most often ask for, because it directly protects consumers and the brand. If you only pursue one certification, this is usually it.

GOTS: Organic Fiber and Responsible Processing

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is the leading standard for organic textiles. It certifies both the organic content of the fiber and the environmental and social responsibility of processing.

What it covers

When you need it

GOTS is the right standard when your product story is built on organic cotton. It is the most credible organic claim available, but it is demanding: every supply chain partner must be certified, and lead times can be longer because certified organic supply is limited.

If you only need to state organic content without the full processing and social criteria, OCS (Organic Content Standard) is a lighter alternative — but it is a weaker claim.

GRS: Recycled Content

GRS (Global Recycled Standard) verifies the recycled content of a material and sets requirements across the production chain, including social and environmental criteria.

What it covers

When you need it

GRS is the standard for recycled polyester (rPET), recycled cotton and other recycled knit materials. If your product markets recycled content — for example a hoodie made from recycled bottles — GRS is the certificate that makes the claim defensible.

Note that RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) is a lighter version that verifies recycled content but does not include the broader environmental and social criteria that GRS adds.

Head-to-Head Summary

How to Verify a Certificate

Certificates are easy to fake in a PDF. Always verify independently:

Combining Certifications

Most serious programs stack standards:

Avoiding Greenwashing Risk

Regulators in the EU and elsewhere are tightening rules on environmental claims. To stay safe:

Conclusion

The three standards are complementary, not interchangeable. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 protects product safety, GOTS certifies organic fiber and responsible processing, and GRS validates recycled content. Choose based on the claim you want to make, verify every certificate independently, and combine standards when your product story needs both safety and a fiber-specific credential.

Key Takeaways for Buyers

Work with HONGTEX

HONGTEX is a vertically integrated knit textile manufacturer based in China, offering in-house knitting, dyeing, cutting, and finishing under one roof. From fabric development and sampling to bulk production and third-party quality inspection, we support brands, retailers, and trading companies across every step of the product journey. Contact our team today to discuss your project and receive a tailored quotation within 24 hours.