A Scope Certificate (SC) is the foundation of credibility within the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification system. It defines who is certified, what processes and products are covered, and which facilities are authorised to operate within the GOTS supply chain.
To ensure consistency, transparency, and global trust, Global Standard gGmbH introduced Version 3.0 of the Policy for Issuance of Scope Certificates, harmonising how certification bodies issue and manage Scope Certificates worldwide.
What Is a GOTS Scope Certificate?
A GOTS Scope Certificate is issued to an organisation that has been inspected and audited by a GOTS-approved Certification Body (CB) and verified as compliant with GOTS requirements.
It applies to:
Textile processors
Manufacturers
Traders
Retailers
However, it is important to note:
A Scope Certificate alone does NOT prove that specific goods are GOTS-certified.
Proof of certified goods is provided only through Transaction Certificates (TCs)
Why This Policy Matters
The policy was introduced to:
Standardise layout, structure, and wording of Scope Certificates.
Make verification easier for brands, buyers, and regulators.
Prevent misinterpretation or misuse of certification status.
Strengthen traceability and transparency across the organic textile supply chain.
From 1 July 2022, all Scope Certificates must follow this policy and the official template.
Mandatory Rules for Issuing Scope Certificates
1. Use of Official GOTS Template
Certification Bodies must use the latest official Scope Certificate template.
Mandatory template text must remain unchanged.
Instructional text must be removed before issuance.
Certificates must be issued only in PDF format.
2. Digital Security & Authentication
Scope Certificates must be cryptographically signed.
Signing certificates must be issued by an Adobe Approved Trust List (AATL) authority.
Each CB must publish the methods by which certificates can be authenticated (e.g., website, email, QR code, or digital signature).
This ensures protection against fraud and unauthorised alterations.
Language, Format, and Data Standards
To maintain global consistency:
English is the official language of the Scope Certificates.
(Unofficial translations are allowed but clearly marked as “informational only”).Dates must follow ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD).
Country and state names must follow GOTS Geographic Classification.
Bilingual or multilingual certificates are not permitted.
Scope Certificate Validity & Recertification Rules
Scope Certificates are valid for a maximum of one year
Initial certification is always issued for exactly one year
Recertification must be completed within 90 days after expiry
Certification gaps:
≤ 180 days → anniversary date remains unchanged
180 days → treated as a new certification
This prevents misuse of expired certificates while allowing limited administrative flexibility.
What Must Appear on the First Page of a Scope Certificate
The first page acts as a public compliance summary and must include:
Certification Body name and address.
Unique Scope Certificate number.
Certified company name and main site address.
License number (remains unchanged across renewals).
GOTS standard name and version.
Product categories and process categories (with official codes).
Validity period and issue date.
Authorised signature, CB stamp, and GOTS logo.
Mandatory declaration clarifying that only Transaction Certificates prove certified goods.
Products Page: What Can Be Sold as GOTS?
The Products Appendix defines exactly what an organisation is allowed to sell or process as GOTS-certified:
Each product is listed separately by:
Product category
Product detail
Material composition
Both certified and non-certified materials must be declared
Generic fibre names must be used (no proprietary fibre branding)
Label grades must be clearly stated:
Organic
Made with Organic
Organic in-conversion (where applicable)
This prevents over-claiming and supports accurate consumer communication.
Facilities Page: Transparency Across the Supply Chain
The Facilities Page provides full visibility of all operational sites, including:
Certified Facilities Appendix
Main site and additional facilities.
Approved process categories.
Independently Certified Subcontractors
Listed with license numbers and expiry dates.
Non-Certified Subcontractors
Declared separately or marked as “None” if not applicable.
This section is critical for audits, buyer verification, and regulatory due diligence.
What Is Not Allowed
❌ Multi-standard Scope Certificates (GOTS cannot be combined with other standards).
❌ Use of Scope Certificates as proof of certified goods.
❌ Alteration of mandatory template text.
❌ Use of accreditation body logos on the certificate.
Why Scope Certificates Are Critical for Compliance
For brands and retailers facing supply chain due-diligence laws, Scope Certificates:
Define certification boundaries
Support supplier onboarding and risk assessment
Enable transparent verification by regulators and buyers
Complement Transaction Certificates for full traceability
Together, Scope Certificates + Transaction Certificates form the backbone of GOTS compliance.
Final Takeaway
The GOTS Policy for Issuance of Scope Certificates v3.0 reinforces trust, clarity, and accountability across the organic textile supply chain. While a Scope Certificate defines who is certified and what they are allowed to do, it must always be supported by Transaction Certificates to prove certified goods.
For certified organisations, understanding this policy is essential to:
Avoid compliance risks.
Prevent misrepresentation.
Meet buyer and regulatory expectations.
If you hold or rely on GOTS certification, reviewing your Scope Certificate against this policy is no longer optional—it’s a compliance necessity.