You can recognize a GOTS-certified garment by three things on the label: the GOTS logo, the label grade ("organic" or "made with organic"), and a license number. You can look up this license number free of charge in the public database at global-standard.org and check whether it belongs to a valid certificate. If the label only says "organic cotton" or "sustainable" but does not show a license number, this is not proof of GOTS certification.
What distinguishes the label grades "organic" and "made with organic"
GOTS has two levels, which differ in the proportion of certified organic fibers:
- "organic": at least 95% certified organic fibers
- "made with organic": at least 70% certified organic fibers
Both levels must meet the same environmental and social criteria throughout the entire supply chain. The difference lies only in the fiber content, not in the strictness of the controls.
How to check the license number in the GOTS database
- Look for the license number on the label or tag. It is located directly next to or below the GOTS logo.
- Open the public database at global-standard.org and enter the number in the search field. If the full number does not work, it often helps to enter only the digits without the letter code.
- Check whether an active certificate with a valid period is displayed.
Important: Not every product from a certified company is automatically GOTS-certified. A company can be certified and still sell individual products without GOTS status. The key is the labeling on the respective product.
Why GOTS is more than "organic cotton" on the label
GOTS covers the entire processing chain, not just the raw material:
- Ban on numerous harmful chemicals in dyeing and processing
- Binding social criteria throughout the supply chain, including the ban on child and forced labor
- Traceability from the raw material to the finished garment via so-called transaction certificates
- Annual on-site inspections by independent, accredited certification bodies – GOTS does not certify itself, but commissions external inspection organizations
This is what distinguishes GOTS from standards that only confirm the organic content of the raw material, but say nothing about dyeing processes, chemical use, or working conditions.
What changes with GOTS 8.0
The new version GOTS 8.0 was published on March 1, 2026. It introduces binding due diligence requirements for the supply chain, among other things. Companies can switch over now. From March 1, 2027, all audits will be carried out according to version 8.0. Until then, certificates according to 7.0 and 8.0 are equally valid.
How we know this
GREEN SHIRTS is itself GOTS-certified and is audited annually by an accredited certification body. The inspection steps described here also apply to our own certification. You can find our current license number and the link to check it on our page Certificates and Seals.
Published on 12.08.2026 · last checked on 22.10.2026 · Author: Niklas Astor, Founder of GREEN SHIRTS
Sources:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Version 7.0 and Version 8.0
- GOTS – Development and Implementation (global-standard.org)
