GOTS Version 8.0 Released
19 March 2026: Global Standard is pleased to announce the release of GOTS Version 8.0, the latest update to the world’s leading processing standard for organic textiles. The updated Standard strengthens requirements for air emissions and waste management, as well as criteria for product safety. It introduces new provisions on circularity, microfibre management and updates in residue testing.
Version 8.0 also elevates due diligence obligations and formalises governance requirements, including ESG disclosure, anti-corruption policies and conflict-of-interest safeguards, to support credible, responsible business conduct. The introduction of mandatory due diligence processes is based on OECD guidelines and provides even greater clarity for companies as they navigate heightening regulatory risks.
“We proudly present GOTS Version 8.0 as the outcome of an extensive and highly collaborative revision process, reflecting the collective intelligence of our global stakeholder community,” notes Global Standard Managing Director Rahul Bhajekar, adding that “the diverse expertise, rigorous dialogue and shared commitment of all participants have been decisive in further strengthening the Standard and ensuring its forward-looking relevance.”
Global Standard Managing Director Claudia Kersten states, “GOTS Version 8.0 marks an important milestone in our continuous improvement journey. It is even more clearly designed as a coherent governance system for the entire textile value chain and serves as a practical system-level business tool for the industry. It governs how a textile is produced, how it is verified, what may be claimed and how it is labelled, creating traceability and integrity.”
Standard Version 8.0 can be downloaded on the GOTS website.
Some of the changes in Version 8.0 include ….
– New tools – References to GOTS tools like the Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities.
– Updated due diligence requirements – New due diligence criteria help to better align with OECD guidelines.
– Increased worker protections – New criteria to strengthen worker protections to mitigate risks from extreme heat, humidity and other extreme weather conditions.
– Elaborated climate criteria – Clearer requirements strengthen greenhouse gas emissions management, including Scope 1 & 2 inventory, documentation and improvement.
– Strengthened GMO verification – Updated testing references improve confirmation of non-GMO cotton fibres.
– A clear GOTS Manufacturing Restricted Substances List – A dedicated section introduces clearer and stronger requirements for chemical inputs and formulators.
– Enhanced chemical input controls – Stronger chemical management, including clarified limits for free aniline in indigo dyes.
– An endocrine disruptor assessment – New guidance aligns chemical evaluation with EU legislation.
– Stricter PFAS controls – Tightened limits and updated testing significantly strengthen the PFAS ban.
– Circularity requirements – Certified products can now remain within GOTS certification across repair, resale and other circular business models.
– Testing for durability and robustness – Expanded technical quality tests to ensure improved product longevity and compliance of certified final goods.
– New packaging criteria – Comprehensive packaging rules promote recycled content, restrict harmful materials and support alignment with emerging regulations.
– Microfibre controls and monitoring – Risk-based measures are required to address microfibre release during processing and measure fragmentation in the final product.
– Strengthened textile waste management – Clearer requirements improve handling and reduction of textile waste.
– Waste hierarchy guidance – Prioritisation of prevention, reuse, recycling and responsible end-of-life solutions.
The Manual for Implementation has also been expanded with better guidance on many requirements, including due diligence, human rights and internal audits.
Version 8.0 was finalised following two rounds of public consultations in 2025, each with extensive stakeholder engagement to align with global sustainability initiatives, including the ISEAL Code of Good Practice.
After the transition period, GOTS Version 8.0 will be fully effective as of 1 March 2027.
https://global-standard.org
