Accessories such as buttons, zippers, sewing threads, labels, and trims are small components—but they play a major role in the compliance of organic textile products. To clarify how these components can be evaluated under GOTS, a dedicated accessory approval procedure has been established. This guide explains the key takeaways, eligibility rules, approval process, and compliance expectations for accessory manufacturers, textile producers, and brands working within the GOTS supply chain.
Are Accessories Certified Under GOTS?
No. Accessories cannot be certified under GOTS. Instead, accessories may be approved through a voluntary assessment process that results in a Letter of Approval. This approval confirms that specific accessories meet the applicable environmental and residue criteria for use on GOTS Goods.
Understanding this distinction is critical:
Textile products are certified.
Accessories are approved.
Accessory manufacturers do not become GOTS-certified entities.
Is Accessory Approval Mandatory?
Accessory approval is not mandatory.
However, accessory producers may voluntarily apply for approval if they want to:
Demonstrate compliance with GOTS accessory requirements
Support their customers’ certification and audit readiness
Increase acceptance of their accessories in GOTS-certified supply chains
While approval is optional, all accessories used on GOTS Goods must comply with defined criteria, regardless of whether a Letter of Approval exists.
Who Can Apply for Accessory Approval?
Accessory manufacturers or suppliers may apply for approval by submitting an application to:
Any GOTS-approved Certification Body accredited for mechanical textile processing and manufacturing.
The application is evaluated against specific GOTS criteria for accessories and residue limits.
What Criteria Do Approved Accessories Need to Meet?
Accessories used on GOTS Goods must comply with requirements covering:
Allowed and prohibited accessories.
Limit values for residues in additional fibres and accessories.
Material safety and environmental considerations.
The approval assessment ensures that accessories do not introduce prohibited substances or unacceptable residue levels into certified textile products.
How the Accessory Approval Process Works
The approval process follows a structured approach:
Application Submission
The accessory manufacturer submits product details to a GOTS-approved Certification Body.Technical Assessment
The Certification Body evaluates the accessory against:Allowed and prohibited accessory criteria
Applicable residue limits
Issuance of Letter of Approval
If compliant, a Letter of Approval for Accessories is issued using a standardised template and format.
This Letter of Approval lists the approved accessory trade names and permitted uses.
No On-Site Audit Required (For Now)
Unlike chemical inputs:
No on-site inspection or audit of accessory manufacturers is currently required.
Approval is based on document review and technical assessment.
This makes the accessory approval process more accessible while still maintaining product-level compliance controls.
Important Rules to Understand
Accessory approval comes with several important limitations:
Accessories are approved for use, not certified.
Approval applies only to specific listed trade names.
Approval does not grant permission to make GOTS marketing claims.
Approval does not replace the responsibility of certified manufacturers to ensure compliance.
Certification Bodies may withdraw approvals if requirements are no longer met.
How Accessory Approval Supports GOTS-Certified Supply Chains
While optional, accessory approval offers clear advantages:
Simplifies audits for textile manufacturers.
Reduces compliance uncertainty for brands.
Improves transparency around trims and components.
Helps prevent non-conformities related to accessories.
Builds trust across the certified supply chain.
For brands and manufacturers, working with approved accessories can significantly reduce risk.
Common Misunderstandings to Avoid
❌ Calling accessories “GOTS certified”
❌ Using unassessed accessories on certified products
❌ Assuming approval is permanent without review
❌ Treating accessory approval like chemical approval
❌ Using approved accessories outside permitted conditions
Clear communication and correct terminology are essential for compliance.