Contact person
Helena Hjärtnäs
Forsknings- och utvecklingsingenjör
Contact Helena
OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON – Certification for Organic Cotton
OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON proves your cotton is truly organic, traceable and tested for harmful substances – from farm to finished product. RISE is an authorised OEKO-TEX® institute, providing independent certification and expert support throughout the entire process.
What does an OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification mean?
OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON is available in two certification levels depending on the proportion of organic cotton:
- OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON – products made from 100% organic cotton
- OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON Blended – products containing at least 70% organic cotton
The certification applies across the entire textile supply chain and is based on three types of verification:
Traceability from farm to finished product
Organic cultivation is verified against IFOAM Organics International standards. The cotton flow is then tracked through transaction certificates at every stage – from ginning, spinning and knitting through to the finished product. Every transfer of ownership is documented.
Quantitative GMO verification
DNA analysis of fibre and yarn determines whether the cotton contains genetically modified material. The method is unique in that it distinguishes between deliberate mixing and accidental contamination. The threshold is below 5% GMO material.
Testing for harmful substances
The product undergoes the full OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 testing programme, supplemented by analysis of additional pesticide residues. This includes PFAS, banned azo dyes and heavy metals – in line with REACH, the EU POP Regulation and ECHA’s SVHC Candidate List.
The criteria are updated annually based on new research and legislation. A mandatory on-site inspection is carried out before the certificate is issued.
What are the benefits?
Strengthen the credibility of your organic claims
Show that your cotton is genuinely organic with independent third-party verification from farm to finished product. This reduces the risk of greenwashing and strengthens trust among customers, buyers and brands.
Meet legal and customer requirements more easily
The certification supports compliance with global requirements such as EU REACH, EU POP and US CPSIA. This makes it easier to meet demands from public procurement, international customers and major brands.
Full traceability throughout the supply chain
Cotton is verified from farm to finished product through transaction certificates and central control at every stage. This creates transparency, reduces fraud risks and provides stronger evidence during customer audits.
Save time and costs in the testing process
If components are already certified according to ORGANIC COTTON, testing for the final product can be minimised. If OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified chemicals are also used, the scope of testing can be reduced even further.
Take the next step towards OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN
ORGANIC COTTON provides the foundation for MADE IN GREEN – the label that combines product safety, traceability and responsible production. This strengthens both market position and end-customer trust.
Increase visibility and business opportunities
Certified products can be verified via the OEKO-TEX® Label Check and listed in the OEKO-TEX® Buying Guide, making it easier for buyers and brands to find and choose you as a supplier.
Build customer trust with a recognised brand
OEKO-TEX® is an established and internationally recognised name. Certification gives customers and consumers confidence that the product has been assessed and tested against more than 1,000 harmful substances.
Who can get certified?
The certification is suitable for companies that develop, manufacture or sell textile products containing organic cotton – for example brand owners, garment manufacturers, suppliers, private label businesses and sourcing organisations.
What's included?
- Verification of raw material origin against organic farming standards
- Control of material flows, mass balances and transaction certificates
- Quantitative GMO testing of fibre and yarn
- Chemical testing according to STANDARD 100 plus pesticide analysis
- Mandatory on-site inspection
- Certificate with test report, valid for one year with annual renewal
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON and other cotton certifications?
Within the OEKO-TEX® system, ORGANIC COTTON is the only certification that combines farm-level traceability, quantitative GMO testing and comprehensive chemical testing in one single system.
Which companies can be certified?
Companies across the entire textile value chain can be certified, including spinners, weavers, dyehouses, garment manufacturers and brand owners.
Can the certification be combined with other OEKO-TEX® certifications?
Yes. Since 2025, ORGANIC COTTON has been a prerequisite for MADE IN GREEN. If you also use ECO PASSPORT certified chemicals, the scope of testing can be reduced.
How long does the process take?
This depends on your role in the supply chain, the complexity of your products and how well your documentation is already in place. Contact us and we will assess it together.
Why should I certification through RISE?
RISE has been an official OEKO-TEX® institute since 1993 and is the only authorised body for ORGANIC COTTON certification in Sweden and Norway. You get an experienced team and personal guidance throughout the entire process.
How do I get started?
Complete the application form or contact us directly – we will help you take the next step.
