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Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS)

Q: What is a GRTS certificate?

GRTS (Global Responsible Textile Standard) is a voluntary sustainability standard developed by Global Standards gGmbH, the owner of GOTS. It certifies products manufactured from fibers certified according to third-party standards recognized by GRTS; it covers requirements for environmental and chemical management, human rights, social and business conduct, and traceability throughout textile processing and production.

Q: What is the difference between GRTS and GOTS?

Both standards use the same certification program, audit approach, and supply chain requirements. The key difference lies in fiber eligibility: GOTS certifies the processing of textiles made from certified organic fibers; GRTS, on the other hand, applies the same approach to a broader range of fibers certified according to recognized fiber production standards.

Q: Is GOTS certification a prerequisite for GRTS?

No. GRTS and GOTS are separate certifications and can be obtained independently. The reason it is easy for GOTS-certified companies to obtain GRTS certification is that most of the GRTS requirements are the same as those of GOTS.

Q: Can a GOTS-certified company expand its scope to include GRTS?

Yes. GOTS-certified businesses can apply to their existing certification body to request a GRTS Scope Certificate. The certification body assesses the business’s eligibility to produce GRTS products and, if the outcome is positive, issues a GRTS Scope Certificate. Since GRTS is based on the same fundamental requirements as GOTS, an additional on-site audit may not always be necessary; the final decision rests with the certification body.

Q: Is it mandatory to work with the same certification body for GOTS and GRTS?

Yes. Both certificates must be issued by the same GOTS-approved certification body.

An international standard that extends the GOTS certification program to cover a broader range of fibers certified according to recognized fiber production standards. The same environmental, chemical, and social requirements apply to responsible non-organic fibers as well.

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What Is the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS)?

GRTS is a voluntary sustainability standard developed by Global Standards. It certifies products manufactured using fibers certified according to third-party standards recognized under the GRTS framework.

It establishes defined and rigorous requirements in the areas of environmental and chemical management, human rights, social and business conduct, and traceability throughout textile processing and production. GRTS products must contain at least 90% recognized responsible fibers.

Standard Owner: Global Standards gGmbH

It is a Germany-based nonprofit organization that owns GOTS and GRTS. Both voluntary sustainability standards are developed and managed by the same organization.

What Does It Cover?

It establishes defined and rigorous requirements for environmental and chemical management, human rights, social and business conduct, and traceability throughout the textile processing and manufacturing process.

Fiber Basis

GRTS does not establish its own fiber production standards. It accepts fibers that meet the fiber eligibility criteria and are certified according to third-party standards recognized by GRTS.

One Organization. Two Standards. Different Claims.

Discover how GRTS extends the GOTS certification program.

GOTS and GRTS use the same certification approach, audit framework, and textile value chain requirements. The key difference is fiber eligibility.

Certified organic fibers. GOTS is a globally recognized standard for the processing of textiles made from organic fibers.

Fibers certified to recognized responsible fiber production standards. GRTS extends the same certification program to a broader range of fibers.

Chemical management, environmental management, human rights including social criteria, due diligence, physical traceability throughout the supply chain, independent third-party certification, and product labeling requirements are the same in both standards.

GOTS- and GRTS-certified products use different labels and claims. The GOTS label indicates textiles made from certified organic fibers, while the GRTS label indicates textiles made from fibers certified according to recognized fiber production standards.

Contact USB Certification for GRTS Certification

As a GOTS-approved and IOAS-accredited certification body, we issue GRTS Scope Certificates and Transaction Certificates. Add GRTS to your existing GOTS audit or apply from scratch.

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Which Fibers Can Be Used in GRTS?

ELIGIBLE FIBER CATEGORIES

GRTS does not establish its own fiber production standards. It accepts fibers that meet the fiber eligibility criteria and are certified according to third-party standards recognized by GRTS. Certified fiber content is physically tracked throughout the relevant processing and trading stages, and quantities are verified through volume reconciliation.

Plant Fibers

Cotton, linen, hemp, and other natural plant fibers.

Animal Fibers

Wool, cashmere, mohair, alpaca, and other animal-derived fibers; animal welfare requirements apply.

Regenerated Cellulosic Fibers

Man-made cellulosic fibers derived from responsibly managed forests that meet defined production criteria.

Recycled Fibers

Recycled natural and synthetic fibers certified according to recognized recycling standards.

Biopolymers

Bio-based polymer fibers that meet responsible sourcing and defined environmental requirements.

Organic and In-Conversion Fibers

Certified organic and organic-in-conversion fibers, provided they remain below the GOTS threshold (less than 70%).

How Is a VSS (Voluntary Sustainability Standard) Recognized?

For a fiber production standard to be recognized under GRTS, it must meet the fiber eligibility criteria defined by Global Standards.

Organizations may submit an application, accompanied by supporting documentation demonstrating that new fiber or fiber production standards meet the requirements for inclusion in GRTS. The process is open to the evaluation of new fiber standards and innovations over time.

Physical Chain of Custody

Certified fiber is kept physically separate throughout the supply chain; identity-preserved traceability is verified through Transaction Certificates (TC).

Independent Third-Party Certification

Fibers must be certified by a third-party certification body independent of the standard owner.

GMO Ban

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and fibers derived from them are not accepted; this includes GMO cotton.

Animal Welfare

Animal welfare requirements apply to animal fibers; mulesing (removal of wool-bearing skin strips from a sheep’s breech area) is prohibited.

GRTS Fiber Ratio Rules

WHICH FIBERS, IN WHAT PROPORTIONS?

GRTS products must contain at least 90% certified fiber in accordance with recognized fiber production standards. Certified organic and organic-in-conversion fibers may be used, provided they account for less than 70% of the total fiber content.

At Least 90% Responsible Fiber

At least 90% of the fiber content in GRTS products must be certified in accordance with the fiber production standards recognized by GRTS.

Organic Fiber Less Than 70%

Certified organic and organic-in-conversion fibers may be used; however, they must account for less than 70% of the total fiber content. This threshold clearly defines the distinction between GOTS and GRTS.

Up to 10% Additional Fiber

Where essential for the product’s technical or functional requirements, specified additional fibers are permitted up to a total of 10%.

Blends Are Permitted

Blends of different responsible fibers are permitted, provided that at least 90% of the fiber content is recognized responsible fiber and additional fibers do not exceed the 10% limit.

Prohibited Fibers Under GRTS

The following fibers and fiber blends cannot be used in GRTS-certified products because they do not meet the GRTS fiber eligibility requirements or fall within the scope of GOTS.

Blended products are eligible under GRTS, provided that at least 90% of the fiber content is recognized responsible fiber and additional fibers do not exceed the 10% limit.

Uncertified Fibers

Fibers that are not certified to a recognized fiber production standard (excluding the 10% additional fiber allowance).

GMO Fibers

Genetically modified fibers, including GMO cotton.

Fibers That Do Not Meet Pesticide Standards

Fibers that do not meet GRTS’s applicable pesticide requirements.

Fibers That Violate Animal Welfare Standards

Animal fibers that do not meet animal welfare requirements; for example, wool from sheep that have undergone mulesing.

Fibers Tracked Only Through Mass Balance

Fibers that cannot be physically traced and are tracked solely using the mass balance method.

The Difference Between GOTS and GRTS

Different starting points, same processing requirements. The table below summarizes the common and differing aspects of the two standards.

Criterion	GOTS	GRTS
Fiber base	Certified organic fibers	Fibers certified according to recognized fiber production standards (at least 90%)
Organic / In-Conversion Fiber Ratio	At least 70%	Less than 70% (<70%)
Processing requirements	Same: chemical management, environmental management, human rights and social criteria, due diligence
Traceability	Same: physical traceability and volume reconciliation throughout the supply chain
Audit	The same system; annual audits for both standards; the audits can be combined
Prerequisite	No; GOTS is not a prerequisite for GRTS; they can be obtained separately.
Label	Different labels and claims; a product bears the label of only one standard

GOTS-certified businesses can expand their scope to include GRTS through their existing certification bodies; audits can be scheduled within the existing audit cycle.

Who Should Be Certified?

GRTS VALUE CHAIN

Every business involved in the processing and trade of GRTS-certified products must be certified. This covers the entire textile value chain, from the first processing of the fiber (e.g. ginning, wool scouring) through spinning, weaving and knitting, wet processing and garment manufacturing, as well as trade activities, including those of importers and exporters.

Yarn Spinning

Yarn production and all related processes are covered by the certification.

Weaving and Knitting

The stages of fabric production require a GRTS Scope Certificate.

Wet Processing

Pre-treatment, dyeing, printing, and finishing processes; chemical and wastewater requirements are applied here.

Apparel and Manufacturing

Production of ready-to-wear clothing, home textiles, and other finished goods.

Trade

B2B trade activities, including those involving importers and exporters, must also be certified.

A consistent, independently certified framework

Key Features of GRTS Certification

Recognized Fiber Production Standards

Only fibers certified according to standards accepted under the GRTS Fiber Assessment Framework may be used.

Defined Processing Requirements

Clear and verifiable requirements for all processing stages.

Physical Traceability

Identity-preserved physical traceability throughout the supply chain.

Social Requirements

ILO-based human rights and social criteria.

Environmental Criteria

Environmental management, wastewater, emissions, and resource efficiency requirements.

Chemical Requirements

Approved input lists and product residue limits.

Due Diligence

An OECD-based due diligence management process.

Volume Reconciliation

A quantity reconciliation is performed to verify the flow of certified materials.

Independent Third-Party Verification

Independent auditing and certification by accredited certification bodies.

GOTS-Aligned Certification

The same certification approach as GOTS; audits can be combined.

Why GRTS?

GRTS is built upon the GOTS certification approach and covers a broader range of eligible fibers. Compliance with GRTS requirements for products containing recycled materials, regenerated cellulosic fibers, or other eligible fiber types is independently assessed and certified by accredited third-party certification bodies.

As a GOTS-approved and IOAS-accredited certification body, USB Certification offers textile sustainability standards—including GOTS, GRS, RCS, OCS, RWS, and RMS—all under one roof. We combine your existing GOTS audit with GRTS, assess the eligibility of your fiber sourcing, and finalize your labeling approvals. With our team of experts, we’re by your side every step of the way—from the application process through the audit to obtaining certification. Contact us today to learn more and take advantage of our services.

– Full Supply Chain Certification

GRTS covers the entire textile supply chain, from the initial processing of eligible fiber inputs to the labeled final product. It provides physical traceability, independent third-party certification, and verifiable certification information.

– Reduce the Audit Burden

GRTS follows a certification approach aligned with GOTS. For GOTS-certified businesses, GRTS certification is a straightforward process; annual audits are required for both standards, but the audits are conducted jointly to avoid duplication. Additional effort is generally limited to issuing or updating the Scope Certificate and implementing GRTS labeling requirements.

– Regulatory Preparedness

It supports future ESPR requirements by enabling the certification of products containing recycled and other eligible fiber blends, and supports the traceability systems and data collection needed for the Digital Product Passport.

– Support Product Innovation

It allows for the use of higher proportions of recycled and other eligible fibers while maintaining certification requirements.

– Expand Your Selection of Certified Fibers

Respond to changing market needs with eligible recycled fiber products and supply chain transparency; certify your non-organic product lines under one roof as well.

Step by Step: How to Get a GRTS Certificate?

GRTS certification is conducted by approved, independent third-party certification bodies responsible for on-site inspections and certification activities. The process consists of six steps.

1
Learn More About GRTS
Review the GRTS Standard, implementation documents, and guidance materials. These resources provide an overview of certification requirements, including fiber eligibility, environmental and social criteria, traceability systems, and labeling requirements.
2
Get Support and Guidance
For initial support or guidance, you can contact the Global Standards representative in your region. For more detailed technical support, you can also work with consultants who are well-versed in GRTS requirements.
3
Select an Approved Certification Body
GRTS certification is conducted by approved, independent third-party certification bodies responsible for on-site inspections and certification activities. GOTS and GRTS certifications must be obtained from the same certification body.
4
Submit Your Application
Submit an application to the certification body of your choice. The application may require information regarding facility locations, scope of operations, products and fiber types, processing activities, traceability systems, and environmental and social management systems.
5
Prepare for an On-Site Inspection
The certification body provides information about the process and plans audits. Records are prepared regarding traceability and Transaction Certificates, environmental and chemical management, due diligence, social and human rights requirements, as well as product flow and volume reconciliation. If nonconformities are identified, corrective actions and timelines are defined.
6
Get Your GRTS Scope Certificate
Once the requirements are met, the company receives the GRTS Scope Certificate. With a valid certificate, the company may begin the production, processing, trade, and labeling of GRTS products; the company is listed in the publicly accessible certification database.

Apply Now for the GRTS Certificate

Contact us for an audit plan and quote tailored to your needs. If you have GOTS certification, you can add GRTS to your next audit.

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GRTS

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Frequently Asked Questions

GRTS (Global Responsible Textile Standard) is a voluntary sustainability standard developed by Global Standards gGmbH, the owner of GOTS. It certifies products manufactured from fibers certified according to third-party standards recognized by GRTS; it covers requirements for environmental and chemical management, human rights, social and business conduct, and traceability throughout textile processing and production.

Both standards use the same certification program, audit approach, and supply chain requirements. The key difference lies in fiber eligibility: GOTS certifies the processing of textiles made from certified organic fibers; GRTS, on the other hand, applies the same approach to a broader range of fibers certified according to recognized fiber production standards.

No. GRTS and GOTS are separate certifications and can be obtained independently. The reason it is easy for GOTS-certified companies to obtain GRTS certification is that most of the GRTS requirements are the same as those of GOTS.

Yes. GOTS-certified businesses can apply to their existing certification body to request a GRTS Scope Certificate. The certification body assesses the business’s eligibility to produce GRTS products and, if the outcome is positive, issues a GRTS Scope Certificate. Since GRTS is based on the same fundamental requirements as GOTS, an additional on-site audit may not always be necessary; the final decision rests with the certification body.

Yes. Both certificates must be issued by the same GOTS-approved certification body.

Yes. Since GRTS is based directly on the criteria and procedures used in GOTS, all audits can and should be conducted simultaneously. This ensures an efficient certification process without duplicating efforts.

For currently certified businesses, there is virtually no additional audit burden when GOTS and GRTS certification are conducted simultaneously. The effort required to prepare for environmental, social, and chemical requirements is the same as for GOTS. The additional effort is limited to the creation or updating of the Scope Certificate and GRTS labeling.

In GRTS, “responsible” refers to the fibers used in the certified product. Eligible fiber categories include natural plant-based and animal-based fibers, regenerated cellulosic fibers, recycled natural and synthetic fibers, biopolymers, and certified organic and in-conversion fibers that fall below the GOTS threshold. GRTS products must contain at least 90% recognized responsible fibers.

Virgin petroleum-based synthetic fibers are generally not considered primary fiber content. Virgin polyester also cannot be used as an additional fiber material. Recycled polyester is considered a responsible fiber if it is certified according to a recognized recycling standard. Specified additional synthetic fibers are permitted only in limited quantities when technically or functionally necessary.

Yes. Blended products can be certified provided that the fibers in the blend are recognized as responsible fibers under the standard and all applicable GRTS requirements are met. At least 90% of the product must consist of recognized responsible fibers, the organic fiber content must be less than 70%, and additional fibers must not exceed 10%.

Yes. For a product to be sold, labeled, or marketed as GRTS-certified, all businesses in the processing and production chain, as well as B2B traders, must be certified. All certified businesses are subject to annual on-site audits.

No. GOTS and GRTS are not tiered standards; there are no levels of compliance. All certified businesses must meet all the requirements of the relevant standard.

The GRTS certification fee is determined based on the number of facilities, the scope of processes, product categories, and your existing certifications (such as combining with a GOTS audit); therefore, there is no fixed list price. There is also an annual licensing fee paid to Global Standards. Please contact us for a customized quote based on your specific scope.

You can review the records in the certified supplier database. For definitive verification, request a copy of the company’s GRTS Scope Certificate; the certificate must be issued by an approved certification body and must include the company’s contact information and the scope of certification. If in doubt, you can obtain confirmation from the issuing body using the certificate number.

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Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS)

What Is the Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS)?

Standard Owner: Global Standards gGmbH

What Does It Cover?

Fiber Basis

One Organization. Two Standards. Different Claims.

Contact USB Certification for GRTS Certification

Which Fibers Can Be Used in GRTS?

Plant Fibers

Animal Fibers

Regenerated Cellulosic Fibers

Recycled Fibers

Biopolymers

Organic and In-Conversion Fibers

How Is a VSS (Voluntary Sustainability Standard) Recognized?

Physical Chain of Custody

Independent Third-Party Certification

GMO Ban

Animal Welfare

GRTS Fiber Ratio Rules

At Least 90% Responsible Fiber

Organic Fiber Less Than 70%

Up to 10% Additional Fiber

Blends Are Permitted

Prohibited Fibers Under GRTS

Uncertified Fibers

GMO Fibers

Fibers That Do Not Meet Pesticide Standards

Fibers That Violate Animal Welfare Standards

Fibers Tracked Only Through Mass Balance

The Difference Between GOTS and GRTS

Who Should Be Certified?

Yarn Spinning

Weaving and Knitting

Wet Processing

Apparel and Manufacturing

Trade

Key Features of GRTS Certification

Recognized Fiber Production Standards

Defined Processing Requirements

Physical Traceability

Social Requirements

Environmental Criteria

Chemical Requirements

Due Diligence

Volume Reconciliation

Independent Third-Party Verification

GOTS-Aligned Certification

Why GRTS?

– Full Supply Chain Certification

– Reduce the Audit Burden

– Regulatory Preparedness

– Support Product Innovation

– Expand Your Selection of Certified Fibers

Step by Step: How to Get a GRTS Certificate?

Apply Now for the GRTS Certificate

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Frequently Asked Questions

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