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 labor ethics, 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 labor ethics, and traceability throughout the textile processing and manufacturing process.

Fiber Basics

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

One Organization. Two Standards. Different Claims.

Discover how GRTS has expanded its 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 according to recognized, industry-standard fiber production standards. GRTS extends the same certification program to a broader range of fibers.

Chemical management, environmental management, social criteria—including human rights—assessment, 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 and Process Certificates. Add GRTS to your existing GOTS audit or apply from scratch.

Call Us Now Send Email

Which Fibers Can Be Used in GRTS?

UYGUN LİF KATEGORİLERİ

GRTS does not establish new fiber production standards; rather, GRTS builds upon existing standards that meet fiber compliance requirements. Certified fiber content is physically tracked throughout the relevant processing and trading stages, and quantities are verified through mutual agreement.

Dietary Fiber

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

Animal Fibers

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

Regenerated Cellulose 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 Organic Transition 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 the GRTS, it must meet the fiber compliance 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 the GRTS. The process is open to the evaluation of new fiber standards and innovations over time.

Physical Chain of Custody

Identity-protected physical traceability and Transaction Certificate (TC) verification are required.

Independent Third-Party Certification

The fiber production standard must be audited and certified by an independent organization.

GMO Ban

Genetically modified organisms are not acceptable; this includes GMO cotton.

Animal Welfare

Animal welfare requirements apply to the relevant animal-derived fibers; mulesing and the slaughter of live lambs are excluded.

GRTS Fiber Ratio Rules

BİR ÜRÜNDE HANGİ LİF HANGİ ORANDA?

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% Functional 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

When necessary for technical or functional product requirements, a total of up to 10% of specified additional fibers is permitted.

Mixing Is Permitted

Blended products are acceptable provided that each fiber in the blend is certified according to a recognized fiber production standard.

Prohibited Fibers Under the 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, however, are eligible under GRTS provided that each fiber in the blend is certified according to a recognized fiber production standard.

Uncertified Fibers

Fibers that are not certified according to a recognized fiber production standard.

GMO Fibers

Genetically modified fibers, including GMO cotton.

Fibers That Do Not Meet Pesticide Standards

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

Fibers That Violate Animal Welfare Standards

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

Fibers Monitored Exclusively by 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.

TitleGOTSGRTS
Fiber baseCertified organic fibersFibers certified according to recognized fiber production standards (at least 90%)
Organic / Organic Transition Fiber RatioAt least 70% or moreLess than 70% (<70%)
Processing requirementsSame as: chemical management, environmental management, human rights and social criteria, assessment
TraceabilitySame: physical traceability and volume reconciliation throughout the supply chain
AuditThe same system; annual audits for both standards; the audits can be combined
PrerequisiteNo; GOTS is not a prerequisite for GRTS; they can be obtained separately.
TagDifferent 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 DEĞER ZİNCİRİ

Every business involved in the processing and trade of GRTS-certified products must be certified. This covers the entire textile value chain—from yarn spinning to weaving and knitting, and from wet processing to 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.

Woven and Knitted Fabrics

The stages of fabric production require a GRTS Scope Certificate.

Age 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 documented.

Tutarlı ve bağımsız olarak belgelendirilmiş bir çerçeve

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-protected 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.

Assessment

An OECD-based diagnostic assessment 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-Compliant 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 cellulose, 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, plan the compliance of your fiber supply, 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 suitable 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 Compliance

It supports future ESPR requirements by ensuring the certification of products containing recycled and other suitable fiber blends; it also provides the traceability systems and data collection necessary for the Digital Product Passport.

– Support Product Innovation

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

– Expand Your Selection of Certified Fibers

Respond to changing market needs with the right 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 accredited, 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 compliance, environmental and social criteria, traceability systems, and labeling requirements.

  • 2
    Get Support and Guidance

    For initial support or guidance, you can contact your local representative. For more detailed technical support, you can also work with consultants who are well-versed in GRTS requirements.

  • 3
    Select an Accredited Certification Body

    GRTS certification is conducted by accredited, independent third-party certification bodies responsible for on-site inspections and certification activities. GOTS and GRTS certifications must be obtained from the same organization.

  • 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 process certificates, environmental and chemical management, status assessments, 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.

Call Us Now Send Email
GRTS

Documents

Global Responsible Textile Standard (GRTS) v1.0
ViewDownload
Manuel for the implementation of GRTS v1.0
ViewDownload
Conditions for the use of signs – GRTS v1.0
ViewDownload

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 labor ethics, 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 produced with GOTS-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 existing certification bodies 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-accredited 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” directly refers to “life.” Eligible fiber categories include natural plant-based and animal-based fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, recycled natural and synthetic fibers, biopolymers, and certified organic and organic transition 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 the process, 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 accredited 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.

Check Our Other Services

GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard

USB Certification and GOTS certification services. We offer sustainable solutions for your organic textile products.…

Gots Organic Certificate Cotton flower branch and white towel in the bathroom. Organic cotton products

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

Certify your organic textile production to global standards with GOTS certification. Apply now for your…

Textile and Recycling Certification

USB Certification offers textile and recycling certification services. Contact our team of experts to learn…

Textile Exchange

Obtain USB Certification and Textile Exchange certification. Validate your claims regarding organic, recycled, and responsibly…

You may be interested in these topics (Newsletter & News)

GOTS

GRTS: A New Global Standard for Responsible Textiles

USB Certification offers GRTS certification, a new global standard for textile industry responsibility. Contact us…

GRTS Takes Its First Steps in Türkiye: Veritas Tekstil Certi…

Achieve sustainability in the textile industry with GRTS certification. Apply now with USB Certification’s expertise!

The “Essentials of Certification for GOTS and Textile…

Discover the basics of Textile Exchange and GOTS certification. Start your sustainability journey by joining…

Global Standard Announces Comprehensive Sustainability Stand…

Global Standard introduces a comprehensive sustainability standard for textiles. Get certified based on environmental and…