Textile Exchange Standards

Supplier Certification Toolkit

Contents
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Introduction█ █3
About the Supplier Certification Toolkit█ █4
About Textile Exchange█ █4
About Certification█ █5
Why is Certification Necessary?█ █6
Benefits of Certification█ █7
Limitations of Certification█ █7
How Does Certification Work?█ █8

Chain of Custody█ █11

Scope Certificates (SC) █ █13
Transaction Certificates (TC) █ █14
How to Apply for a Transaction Certificate (TC)█ █15
The Certification Process█ █16
Who Needs to be Certified?█ █17
The Essential Steps for Suppliers█ █18
The Cost of Certification█ █19

Marketing your Certification█ █21

Textile Exchange Standards█ █23

Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) █ █24
Global Recycled Standard (GRS) █ █24
Organic Content Standard (OCS) █ █25
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) █ █25
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) █ █26
Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) █ █26
Appendices█ █27

TE-401-V1.0-2020.06.04 © | Page 2
Introduction

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Introduction
Supplier Certification Toolkit

About the Supplier Certification About Textile Exchange

Toolkit
Textile Exchange is a global non-profit
Chain of custody certification requires that works closely with our members
that each stage in the supply chain to drive industry transformation in
takes the proper steps to ensure that the preferred fibers, integrity and standards,
integrity of the claimed material can be and responsible supply networks.
maintained. The supply chain is key to We identify and share best practices
delivering that integrity all the way to the regarding farming, materials, processing,
final product. traceability and product end-of-life in
order to reduce the textile industry’s
The goal of this document is that impact on the world’s water, soil and air,
suppliers and manufacturers have a and the human population.
©TextileExchange

©T
resource to introduce new users to the extil
eExchan
ge
system of Textile Exchange standards,
understanding how certification works,
and identifying the next steps for a
supply chain company to begin certifying
products.

For those who have already begun to

use product certification, the Supplier ©TextileExchange
Certification Toolkit will provide answers
to implementation issues, how to
interpret certificates, and additional
technical issues.

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 About
Certification

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About Certification
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Why is Certification Necessary? Types of Verification

Certification is a way to ensure social Third-party certification: A company, Verification by standard-setting Testing: Product testing may be used to
and/or environmental performance for process, or product is certified to body: Some internationally recognized verify the presence of certain materials
a product and ensures that claims are a standard by a certification body. standard bodies also conduct their own through the use of tracers or DNA
correct and verified by someone outside Ideally the party who has written audits to monitor conformity with their markers applied at the fiber level. Testing
of the business relationship. and owns the standard is a separate standards rather than using a separate may also be performed to check for
entity from the party certifying to the accredited certification body. harmful substances in the final product.
Textile Exchange considers third- standard. The certification body will be
party certification to be one of the authorized by another separate party, Second-party verification: Verification Example:
strongest ways to ensure the integrity called an accreditation body, to ensure done by a company in a business Company X puts a marker into its
of sustainability claims. In this system, consistency in the way the certification is relationship with the party being recycled polyester fiber. It can then test
an independent third-party (certification carried out. assessed. For example, a spinning final products for the presence of this
body) gives assurance that a company, factory may be assessed by a buyer. marker, to ensure that their recycled fiber
process, or product is in conformity with For more details on how our third-party This may be time-consuming and costly is actually being used.
requirements in a particular standard. certification system works, read How for the company gathering information
Does Certification Work?. and requires a strong understanding
Certification provides brand of both the requirements being made, Note:
protection, purchase assurance, The benefits of working with independent the production processes and business
and greater credibility to the claims certification bodies (CBs) include (but are operations of the companies involved. Certification is one of a number
being made. Above all, certification not limited to): of options to verify claims being
ensures that environmental and/or Self-Reporting (First-party made on products. While it is
social improvements lead to real and • CBs are required to have relevant verification): Direct reporting of most often considered to be the
meaningful change. professional experience and product information from the supply strongest mothod of verification,
qualifications. chain members themselves. These may there may be situations where
take the form of written assurances or other methods are adequate or
• CBs have no commercial interests in
formal affidavits that their processes even more appropriate.
the products, companies or services
and products are in conformance to a
assessed and certified.
given set of requirements; either self-
• CBs are typically licensed or developed guidelines or a third-party
reviewed by accreditation bodies, standard.
which monitor their integrity and
performance.

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About Certification
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Benefits of Certification Limitations of Certification Conclusion

Credible Claims: Brands making claims Certification is a snapshot: It takes time: We typically estimate the Certification remains one of the strongest
need confidence that the claims made Certification is a tool that supports certification process to take 6-8 weeks methods of ensuring product claims are
to consumers are true. Certification integrity. However, the audit happens at if a company is prepared and responds accurate and clear. The value of third-
provides a credible voice for suppliers a particular space and time and does not quickly to requests from the certification party certification in verifying product
and brands, verifying that claims are guarantee the situation between visits. body. This may be longer if the integrity and building strong relationships
valid1. It is important to continue commitments certification body is facing high demand. between suppliers, brands and retailers
to building capacity with your suppliers, The process seems to be easiest for helps to ensure that our industry can
The system of recognizable standards practice continuous improvement, and those that work through certification continue to deliver real and meaningful
creates a common language for maintaining strong relationships. No alongside their suppliers and customers. change.
suppliers, brands, retailers, and system is fool-proof, and certification is Communicate with your supply chain
consumers globally. one of the best tools we have. partners and ensure expectations are
managed through the process.
Industry Alignment: Certification to Increased cost: Because the cost
internationally recognized standards is based on the number of facilities, See The Certification Process – The
contributes to greater industry alignment companies producing a small number Essential Steps for Suppliers for
on specific issues. This allows the of certified products may find the costs additional information.
industry to move faster towards progress per unit to be prohibitive. There are some
on sustainability goals. considerations that can help you save Audit fatigue: Audits take time.
money: Certified companies are required to
Demonstrates commitment to provide additional internal resources
integrity: Certification provides an • Be prepared for the audit. to prepare and be present during
opportunity for suppliers to explain their the audit. When manufacturers are
• Consolidate certified products to
commitments and have their products or required to conform with many different
create efficiency.
services verified by a third party, which standards, multiple audits occur. This
can lead to higher confidence in you as • Be prepared for initial costs up
can become burdensome for them and
a supplier. front to bring your process into
result in less diligence with each audit.
conformity, these will go down over
It is important to choose standards that
time.
are well established and widely used in
For more information on the costs the market, which helps to reduce the
of certification, see The Costs of number of audits a given facility is asked
Certification. to complete. To reduce audit fatigue,
it may be possible to bundle audits
by having several standards with one
certification body.
1
Check the labeling laws in the country of sale; or for online sales, check the country where the item is being sold into.

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 How Does
Certification Work?

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How Does Certification Work?
Supplier Certification Toolkit

This section will focus on how the ISEAL Alliance The Certification System
system of third-party certification
works. It is important to have a solid As a full member of the ISEAL Alliance,
understanding of the terms used to Textile Exchange follows the ISEAL
explain the process of certification. You Codes of Good Practice for standard-
Accreditation Body
can find a list of key terms in Appendix setting bodies to ensure we have a
Provides oversight
A: Glossary. robust and transparent processes for our
standards.

Participation
Our Approach
Textile Exchange’s highest priorities are
The Development of Standards to include all parties that may be affected
by the standard, and to create a tool that
A proper sustainability standards balances strict requirements with realistic
development process will include the and auditable criteria. The development Standard Scheme
following: of all Textile Exchange standards is done Standard Certification Body
• A clear and realistic scope of positive through international working groups Scheme Owner Audits for conformity
impact and metrics to measure (IWGs), representing the full spectrum Sets the rules with the rules
progress along the way. of interested parties, including animal
welfare groups, farmers, supply chain
• A multi-stakeholder process to members, industry associations, as well
ensure that interested parties are as brands and retailers. Certified Companies
represented. Implement the Standard

• Strong system of credibility

in the assurance system that
governs auditing and certification
requirements.

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How Does Certification Work?
Supplier Certification Toolkit

The Role of Textile Exchange The Role of the Accreditation Body

Textile Exchange provides leadership The accreditation body (AB) has the
within the textile industry to increase responsibility for checking that the
understanding, confidence, and certification body follows our guidelines.
adoption of preferred fibers and materials Textile Exchange works with the
and proper verification strategies. accreditation body to ensure that our
While Textile Exchange has extensive standards are consistently applied
experience in standards development across all certification bodies working
and ownership, we do not engage with our standards.
in certification activities: all of the
organization’s focus is on supporting the Certified Companies and
quality and adoption of our standards. Consumer Claims

The Role of the Certification Body Companies that have met the
requirements of Textile Exchange
The certification body (CB) has the only standards have been audited by a
formal relationship with the certified certification body and have been issued
company. They handle certification to a scope certificate. This means that they
the requirements of the Textile Exchange are eligible to produce certified products.
standard(s). The certification body is Only products accompanied by a
accredited to provide these services. transaction certificate are considered
The certification body shares information certified.
regarding its certified sites with Textile
Exchange. Companies with fully certified products
may make claims to consumers about
their conformity with the standard.
They may also use the standards as an
internal tool to verify their own claims
to consumers without mentioning the
standard. All claims must meet the
requirements found in the relevant Logo
Use and Claims Guide.

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Chain of Custody

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Chain of Custody
Supplier Certification Toolkit

What is Chain of Custody? Content Claim Standard (CCS) Material Material Product Material Material Material
Labeling Content Claim Content Claim Claim Content Claim Content Claim Content Claim
Chain of custody is a system that The Content Claim Standard (CCS) is
documents and ensures the path taken the chain of custody system for all Textile Social

by a defined entry material through all Exchange standards. On its own, the
stages of transfer and production, to the CCS can be used to verify any claimed Processing
Requirements
Environmental

final product. material through any supply chain. It is

Chemical
the foundation for all of our standards.
Principles of Chain of Custody
Chain of CCS CCS CCS CCS CCS CCS CCS
Product Identification: Custody

• Certified products are accurately Social Social

identified
Input Land Land
Verification Management Management
• Content percentages of claimed Requirements

materials are accurate Organic Farm Recycled Recycled Animal Animal Animal
Generic
Standard Input Input Welfare Welfare Welfare
Product Segregation:

• Certified goods are not mixed with

non-certified goods ©T
©TextileExchange

extil ge
eExchan

• Certified goods are stored separately

from non-certified goods

Volume Reconciliation:
Flow of Documents TC TC TC TC TC TC TC
• Certified outgoing products match
Textile Exchange uses scope certificates
the incoming certified goods
(SC) and transaction certificates (TC) to
• (Input) +/- (production loss) = (output) establish chain of custody. You can find
templates for both scope certificates and
transaction certificates in this section; Farm Trader Sourcing Yarn Fabric Garment Brand Retailer
more information about the templates
may be found on the Textile Exchange
website. SC SC SC SC SC SC SC

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Chain of Custody
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Scope Certificates (SC)

A scope certificate (SC) is issued by a certification body and verifies that a company
is qualified to produce goods to a given standard. To qualify, the company must be
audited by the certification body to the requirements of the standard. Scope Certificate (SC) Checklist:

The certification body listed at the top is accredited to the

standard. (The list of accredited certification bodies for each
standard may be found on the Textile Exchange website.)
Farm Trader Sourcing Yarn Fabric Garment Brand Retailer
The “Name of Certified Company” is accurate.

The correct standard is listed on the front page.

SC SC SC SC SC SC SC
The applicable product categories are listed on the front page or
annex.

Appendix B: Scope Certificate (SC) Example The applicable processing steps or activities are listed on the front
page or annex.

The site supplying the product is listed on the front page or

annex.

The certificate is still valid, i.e. within the date listed on the front
page.

The certificate is signed and stamped by the certification body.

The scope certificate can be validated, either by a web link or QR

code on the scope certificate itself, on the Textile Exchange scope
certificate listings, or from the certification body.

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Chain of Custody
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Transaction Certificates (TC)

A transaction certificate (TC) is issued by a certification body and verifies an exact
shipment of products contain the claimed material. TCs are issued each time
goods change ownership, and details on the TC will match invoices and shipping Transaction Certificate (TC) Checklist:
documents.
Selected standard is listed at the top.

TC TC TC TC TC TC TC The certification body listed in box 2 is accredited to the standard.

(The list of accredited certification bodies for each standard may
be found on the Textile Exchange website.)

Your supplier is listed in box 3.

Farm Trader Sourcing Yarn Fabric Garment Brand Retailer Your company name is listed in box 7.

The facility receiving the goods is listed in box 8; make sure your
Appendix C: Transaction Certificate (TC) Example company or facility is listed as the consignee of the product in box
8.

The details in box 10 match the details of the shipment, product

(material & composition) & label grade.

Be sure to check for a second page: this is where annexes are

listed if there is insufficient space on the first page

Make sure the input fiber certification is correct in box 14.

Certified Volume under Box 13, Box 13a, & 13b.

The certificate is signed, stamped and dated by the certification

body.

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Chain of Custody
Supplier Certification Toolkit

How to Apply for a Transaction

Certificate (TC)
The CB will review the documents and
In order for a product to be issued a conduct a volume reconciliation to
transaction certificate, a certified supplier ensure you have purchased enough
is required to submit a request to their certified inputs to have made the certified
certification body for each shipment products in the application. The CB is
or group of shipments. With your not required to issue a TC more than 6
request (or application), you should months after the shipment date of the
submit the information listed below and first shipment. Multiple shipments (same
other documents requested by your supplier/customer) over up to 3 months
certification body. may be combined on one TC.

• copies of invoices/shipping Delays with the issuance of transaction

documents and TCs for inputs for certificates may happen, and are often
CCS product; caused by TCs for certified inputs
being delayed. Keep the lines of
• amounts of stock on hand for inputs communication open with your CB and
intended for CCS product; your buyers to ensure that everyone has
a reasonable expectation of when they
• expected gain or loss during the
will be available. CBs are required to
production process(es);
issue TCs in a timely manner.
• amount of CCS product shipped and
amount in stock; and

• copies of invoices/shipping
documents and TCs for outgoing
CCS product.

© | Page 15
The Certification
Process

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The Certification Process
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Who Needs to be Certified?

Textile Exchange standards require
each stage of the supply chain to be Textile Exchange Standards require all sites
certified, starting from the raw material to be certified through to the seller in the last Retailers (business-to-consumers)
producer (e.g. duck or goose farm, business-to-business transaction. are not required to be certified.
recycler, sheep farm, or first processor of Usually the last stage to be certified is the
organically grown material) all the way to garment manufacturer or the brand.
the seller in the last business-to-business
transaction. This ensures the full chain of
custody of the claimed material can be
verified.

Note:
Brand Consumers
As a supplier, you must be
certified in order to provide
certified products to your
customers. Farm Trader Scouring Yarn Fabric Garment

Brand Retailer Consumers

If a brand sells their products to retailers,
then the brand must be certified in order
for a product-specific claim to be made.

Certified organization Non-Certified organization

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The Certification Process
Supplier Certification Toolkit

The Essential Steps for Suppliers

Understand your customers’ Submit an application. The certification Correct any non-conformities. Request TCs for all products that
requirements. Make sure you body will provide you with an application Following the audit, your certification contain claimed material. Only
understand requests in terms of to gather all the appropriate information. body will send you a report of the audit, products that have been issued a TC are
materials, inputs and process, or the This will include the scope of your including any areas where you did not considered certified. You must request a
requirements of the standard they have production, product categories, facilities meet the requirements of the standard. TC from your certification body for each
requested. under your scope, and others. You are responsible for correcting any shipment or batch of shipments sent to a
non-conformities (NCs) before the customer that requests certified product.
Choose the standard(s) to be Schedule and host the audit. Work certification body can give you a scope
certified against. First, make sure with your certification body to find a time certificate or certificate of compliance.
you understand which standards your for their on-site visit. Read the standard Please note that your certificate of Questions?
customers are requesting. If they only ahead of time to prepare for the audit. compliance may also be referred to as a
request certain processing or material On site audits always include: “Scope Certificate”, per a policy update If you have questions concerning
requirements, choose a standard that as of December 1, 2019. certification, contact your
verifies your conformity with these • Review of certification related certification body. They will be
requirements. documents; Share your scope certificate with any able to help you first, and if
customers that have requested your not, they can come to Textile
Choose a certification body • Review of volume and material
certification. This document is valid Exchange to resolve issues.
accredited to the selected tracking records; and
for one year (three years for RWS and
standard(s). The list of certification • Site tour and interviews with staff, RMS farms) and lets them know that you
bodies may be found on the Textile including production staff. have been certified fully to the standard.
Exchange website. When more than one It is important to anticipate when the
certification body is available, consider You should make sure that the right certificate will expire and schedule your
how close their offices are to your facility, people are available for the audit, renewal audit in advance to prevent a
their fee structure, and if they certify to including all staff responsible for any lapse in certification.
other standards that you would consider area of conformity within the facility.
also becoming certified to in order to Prior to the audit, you should also start
reduce costs. It’s a good idea to get to compile any documentation that may
estimates from more than one CB, if help to show your conformity with the
possible, as quotes can vary widely. requirements of the applicable standard.

© | Page 18
The Cost of
Certification

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The Cost of Certification
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Cost Estimates How to Save on Cost

The cost estimates in this section are Direct Cost Fee Structure Reduce Direct Cost
based on Textile Exchange standards
and will vary. The requirements of The pricing structure of the different • Prepare documentation and
different standards vary, and so the cost certification bodies should be available necessary procedures – use
will also vary. Unless otherwise noted, on their website or by request. the standard as a tool to prepare
any estimates refer to the cost of a single for the audit. Preparation reduces
Read the Textile Exchange Certification the amount of time the auditor
site being certified, using the average Fee Structure to learn more about
daily rates provided to us by certification spends during the initial inspection
certification cost to the certification and reduces the chance of non-
bodies. bodies. conformance follow-up inspections.
In addition to the price structure of
the certification body, the cost will be • Compare prices of multiple
influenced by the following factors: certification bodies – request fee
schedules from certification bodies
• Complexity of standard chosen that operate in your region before
engaging with a certification body.
• Location of site in relation to Since it will hopefully be a long-term
certification body’s location of relationship, you should get cost
auditors (audit travel cost) estimates from several certification
bodies when possible, since fee
• Complexity of site operations
schedules vary widely between CBs
• Number of sites and subcontractors depending on various factors. Ask
to be audited which fees are not included in a
quote. Fees such as travel time/cost,
• Initial non-conformities requiring TC fees, or label release fees may or
follow-up may not be included in the price.
• Number of transaction certificates
and label releases, if fees present

• Fee structure of chosen certification

body

© | Page 20
Marketing your
Certification

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Marketing your Certification
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Online Certified Companies List Textile Exchange Standards

Labeling Requirements
Suppliers who are certified to any Textile Requirement 2: The final certified Requirement 3: Any product-specific
Exchange standard(s) will be listed on If a customer requests you, as a supplier, product contains the minimum required claims and associated label/hangtag
our website, including company name, to label the certified products, you certified material as outlined in the chart artwork is approved by a certification
country, certification body, standard, and should make sure that approval has below: body - see claims-making process
certified products. been granted to the company requesting below.
the label before attaching the label. You Minimum Blending*
https://textileexchange.org/integrity/find- should ask to see a copy of the Logo % allowed? Requirement 4: A valid scope certificate
certified-companies/ Release Form signed by a certification (SC) is held by the final certified company
OCS
5% Yes and includes the correct product
body. It’s not required to keep these on Blended
Communicating with your category.
files, but your certification body may ask
Customers OCS 100 95% No
if you have a process in place to check Requirement 5: Printed claims (e.g.
As a certified company, you are permissions before attaching labeling RCS hangtags, sewn-in labels) are physically
permitted to use the standards logos to products. The company requesting 5% Yes
Blended attached to certified products by certified
to communicate with your business the label is responsible for obtaining a companies only.
partners that you are able to provide Logo Release Form and working with RCS 100 95% No
them with certified products. You the certification body on the proper claim • Brands and retailers who do not
can read more about how to use the language and approval. GRS 50% Yes require certification must request that
standards language and logos in the their direct certified supplier apply
Only products that meet each of the hangtags.
Logo Use & Claims Guides. Remember RDS 5% No
requirements below are eligible for
that only products that are accompanied
labeling:  
with a transaction certificate to your RWS 5% No
customer are considered certified. If Requirement 1: The final product
you intend to communicate about your is certified up to the seller in the last RMS 5% No**
work with one of our standards, please business-to-business transaction.
contact your certification body to obtain * with conventional material of the same type
the logo and approve any claim you • If a brand is selling direct to
would like to make. consumers, they are not required to ** Non-RWS wool may be blended with RMS
mohair, and non-RMS mohair may be blended
be certified (unless labelling happens
with RWS wool
at their facilities and not at their direct
suppliers).

• If a brand is selling to a retailer, the

brand is required to be certified.

© | Page 22
Textile Exchange
Standards

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Textile Exchange Standards
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) The RCS is intended for use with any Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
product that contains at least 5%
The Recycled Claim Recycled Material. The scope of the RCS The objectives of the GRS are:
Standard (RCS) is an starts at the recycling stage and extends
international, voluntary • Alignment of definitions across
to the seller in the final business-to-
standard that sets multiple applications.
business transaction. Material collection ©TextileExchange

©T requirements for and material concentration sites are • Track and trace recycled input
e x t i l e E xc ha nge
third-party certification subject to self-declaration, document The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is materials.
of recycled input and collection, and on-site visits. an international, voluntary, full product
chain of custody. The goal of the RCS is standard that sets requirements for • Provide customers (both brands
to increase the use of recycled materials. Please refer to the RCS 2.2 third-party certification of recycled and consumers) with a tool to make
Implementation Manual to learn more. content, chain of custody, social and informed decisions.
The objectives of the RCS are: environmental practices, and chemical
restrictions. The goal of the GRS is to • Reduce harmful impact of production
• Alignment of recycled definitions to people and the environment.
increase use of recycled materials in
across multiple applications.
products and reduce/eliminate the harm
• Provide assurance that materials in
• Track and trace recycled input caused by its production.
the final product are actually recycled
materials. and processed more sustainably.
• Provide consumers (both brands and • Drive innovation in addressing
end consumers) with a tool to make quality issues in the use of recycled
informed decisions. materials.
• Provide assurance that materials The GRS is intended for use with
are actually recycled and in a final any product that contains at least
product. 20% recycled material. Each stage of
production is required to be certified,
beginning at the recycling stage and
ending at the last seller in the final
business-to-business transaction.
Material collection and material
concentration sites are subject to self-
declaration, document collection, and
on-site visits.

Please refer to the GRS 4.2

Implementation Manual to learn more.

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Textile Exchange Standards
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Organic Content Standard (OCS) Responsible Down Standard

(RDS)
The Organic Content The OCS accepts organically grown The objectives of the RDS are to:
Standard (OCS) is material from farms certified to a national The Responsible
an international, organic standard recognized by the Down Standard (RDS) • Ensure that down and feathers do
voluntary standard below standards: is an international, not come from supply chains where
that provides chain of voluntary standard animals have been subjected to any
©
©TTe x e
e xttiilleeEExxcchhaanngge
custody verification for • IFOAM that addresses animal unnecessary harm.
©T
e x t i l e E xc ha nge
materials originating • USDA’s National Organic Program welfare in the duck and • Reward and influence the down
on a farm certified to recognized organic (NOP) geese supply chain and and feather industry to incentivize
standards. The standard is used to verify chain of custody of down and feather practices that respect the humane
organically grown raw materials from the • Regulation (EC) 834/2007 & EU material from certified farms to the final treatment of ducks and geese.
farm to the final product. The goal of the 2018/848 product.
OCS is to increase organic agriculture • Education and development of
production. • Any other organic standard that is Individual sites are certified by the supply chain in order to drive
approved in the IFOAM Family of independent third-party certification continuous improvement of best
The objectives of the OCS are to: Standards. bodies using annual audits. Material is practices.
tracked from the farm to the final product
• Provide the industry with a tool to Material-specific requirements: using transaction certificates, following • Provide companies with a tool to
verify the organically grown content the requirements of Textile Exchange’s know what is in their products, and
of the products they purchase. • Organic Cotton – GMO testing for the
Content Claim Standard (CCS). to make accurate claims.
organic cotton in accordance with
• Provide companies with a trusted OCS-103 GMO Screening of Organic • Ensure strong chain of custody for
tool to communicate organically Cotton. certified materials as they move
grown content claims to the industry. through the supply chain.
• Wool - the first processor or OCS
• Provide organic farmers with broad certified sites shall only accept The scope of the RDS starts from the
access to the global organic market organic wool as an input if it is non- farm and extends to the seller in the last
for their products. mulesed or from a farm with ceased business-to-business transaction.
mulesing status.
The scope of the OCS starts at the first Please refer to the RDS 3.0 User Manual
processor of organically grown material Please refer to the OCS 3.0 User Manual to learn more.
and extends to the seller in the final to learn more.
business-to-business transaction.

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Textile Exchange Standards
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Responsible Animal Fibers (RAF) Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)

The Responsible Animal Fiber The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is an industry The objectives of the RWS are:
Standard (RAF) is an umbrella term for tool designed to recognize the best practices of farmers,
multiple standards related to animal ensuring that wool comes from farms with a progressive • Ensure that wool does not come from animals that
fibers. Current RAF standards are the ©T
e x t i l e E xc ha nge approach to managing their land, and from sheep that have been subjected to any unnecessary harm.
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and have been treated responsibly. • Reward and influence the wool industry for strong
the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS). animal welfare, land management, and social welfare
As an independent, voluntary standard, companies can
A single farm may be certified to either choose to become certified to the RWS. On farms, the practices.
the RWS or the RMS and separate scope certification ensures that sheep are treated with respect • Provide robust chain of custody from farm to final
certificates are issued. For the supply to their Five Provisions2 and also ensures best practices product.
chain, scope certificates are issued in the management and protection of the land. The
for the RAF and both RWS and RMS standard is globally applicable to all breeds of sheep, • Create an industry benchmark to drive improvements
products can be added. and mulesing is strictly prohibited. in animal care, land management, and social welfare
where needed.
The following sections provide more The scope of the RWS starts from the farm and extends
detail on the goals and objectives of the to the seller in the last business-to-business transaction.
RWS and the RMS. Please refer to the RWS 2.0 User Manual to learn more.

Please refer to the RAF Transition Policy

to learn more.
Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS)
The Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) is an industry The objectives of the RMS are:
tool designed to recognize the best practices of
farmers, ensuring that mohair comes from farms with a • Ensure that mohair does not come from animals that
©T
e x t i l e E xc ha nge progressive approach to managing their land, and from have been subjected to any unnecessary harm.
goats that have been treated responsibly. • Reward and influence the mohair industry for strong
As an independent, voluntary standard, companies can animal welfare, land management, and social welfare
choose to become certified to the RMS. On farms, the practices.
certification ensures that goats are treated with respect • Provide robust chain of custody from farm to final
2
The Five Provisions are internationally
to their Five Provisions and also ensures best practices product.
recognized standards for the protection of animal
in the management and protection of the land.
welfare, consisting of: 1. Good Nutrition; 2. Good
• Create an industry benchmark to drive improvements
Environment; 3. Good Health; 4.Appropriate The scope of the RMS starts from the farm and extends in animal care, land management, and social welfare
Behavior; 5. Positive Mental Experiences. to the seller in the last business-to-business transaction. where needed.
(Source: Farm Animal Welfare Council). Please refer to the RMS 1.0 User Manual to learn more.
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Appendices

© | Page 27
Appendix A: Glossary
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Accreditation: The process by which Certification Body (CB): An accredited Content: Type and proportion of a Mulesing: Removal of wool-bearing
third-party entities (certification bodies) third-party body that certifies or confirms material in a product. strips of skin from between the hind legs
are evaluated and endorsed to conduct that the conditions of the given standard of sheep (the “breech” area) in an effort
certification activities in connection with have been met. Inputs: All substances and materials to avoid problems of fly strike.
a given standard. used in the production of textiles.
Certifier: See Certification Body. Non-compliance: Lack of conformity
Audits: An inspection or examination Inspections: See Audits. with a standard.
by certification bodies of facilities and/or Certified Grower: A farmer who
produces fiber in fields or farming Inspector: The representative of the Organic Fiber (or “organically grown
documents to verify compliance to the
operations that have been certified by certification body that physically visits the fiber”): Fiber grown without the use
requirements of a given standard. Audits
accredited certifiers as following the site being certified to review documents of toxic and persistent pesticides or
may be scheduled or random with little
requirements of a given standard. and view operations. fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation or
advance notice.
genetic engineering, and certified by an
Chain of Custody: A system to Integrity: Making truthful claims;
Blend: Any combination of two or accredited independent organization.
document and guarantee the path taken integrity is essential in maintaining the
more types of raw material types in a
by a defined raw material through all trust of farmers, processors, sellers In-Conversion: The establishment
product. eg: a fabric may be made of
stages of transfer and production, to and consumers, and in ensuring that of an organic management system
50% organic cotton/30% conventional
the final product. The chain of custody the targeted social and environmental and building of soil fertility requires
cotton/20% polyester.
preserves the identity of the raw material. benefits are actually achieved. an interim period, known as the
Certificate: A document issued by This can be done through a system conversion period. While the conversion
Label: Descriptive, informative or
certification body confirming compliance of scope certificates and transaction period may not always be of sufficient
pictorial material on or accompanying a
to the given standard; there are different certificates that follow the product duration to improve soil fertility and
product or its immediate container.
types of certificates depending on which through each stage, or a system that for re-establishing the balance of the
standard you’re being certified to. manages the flow of goods through data Mass Balance Calculations: A ecosystem, it is the period in which all
collection at each stage of the supply calculation of the total amount of fiber the actions required to reach these goals
See Transaction Certificate and Scope chain. are started.
inputs a company receives, and the
Certificate.
total amount it shipped out (taking
Claim: An oral, written, implied, Organization: A legal entity which
Certification: Refers to the issuing into consideration the gain or loss
representation, statement, advertising is certified to or in the process of
of written assurance (the certificate) during production, as well as inventory
or other form of communication that is becoming certified to the standards.
by an independent external body that levels). This information is captured on
presented to the public or buyer. A scope certificate is held by an
it has audited a management system transaction certificates of companies
organization, and an organization has
and verified that it conforms to the Commingling: Physical contact being certified; this allows the certifier
one or more sites.
requirements specified in the standard.3 between certified and non-certified to verify the percentages of fiber in the
When Textile Exchange uses the word materials during production, processing, final product and ensure the site is not
certification, we are always implying transportation, storage or handling. sending out more product than they
third-party verification to a standard. could possibly produce in accordance
with a standard.
3
From the International Organization for Standards (ISO).
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Appendix A: Glossary
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Pre-consumer recycled material: Standard: A norm setting out conditions Sub-contractor: An individual or Transaction Certificate (TC): A
Material captured from the waste stream for the farming and/or processing of a company that is hired by the producer certificate supplied by the certification
before it has reached the consumer. An product. or handler to perform services. Note body, confirming that the traded product
example of pre-consumer material that that the sub-contractor will not has been produced in accordance
may be recycled is cutting room floor • Raw Material Standards typically take ownership of the goods being with a specific standard. The quantity,
waste. Pre-consumer recycled material is cover agricultural production or raw processed. certification body and standard will all
sometimes referred to as post-industrial material extraction and often involve be identified. Transaction certificates
recycled material. addressing environmental or social Supply Chain: The progression of are issued when goods are changing
issues in production or use of the business entities involved in the supply ownership.
Post-consumer recycled material: raw fiber. These can be mandatory and purchase of materials, goods or
Material captured from the waste if making a qualified claim on a services from raw materials to the final Transitional: See In-Conversion.
stream after being used by a consumer. product. textile product.
Examples of post-consumer materials Transparency: Disclosure relating to the
that may be recycled are used t-shirts, • Processing Standards cover the Trader: The individual or organization operations, inputs, and materials used in
plastic drinking bottles, etc. processing and flow of goods from that takes ownership of products (for the the production of a final product.
the original input to final product; they sake of buying and selling) between the
Records: The information in written, may address environmental or social supplier and purchaser of the products Site: The facility in which a specific
visual, or electronic form that documents issues in the processing of the final (eg: between the sewing factory and the operation is taking place: gin, spinning
the activities undertaken by a user product, or may simply address chain retailer). Traders do not necessarily take mill, knitting or weaving mill, dyeing
to demonstrate accordance with a of custody. physical possession of the goods. and finishing unit, and sewing factory.
standard. The site may also be referred to as a
• Mandatory Standards must be Traceability: The ability to trace the production unit.
Recycled: Material that would have, complied with in order to meet any history, application or location of a given
under normal industry practices, entered legal requirements in the country of material. Verification: A system of ensuring that
the waste stream and that is processed sale. product claims are true and accurate.
into a new product. Textile Exchange Verification may take many forms,
recognizes both pre- and post-consumer • Voluntary Standards are standards Note: testing, self-reporting, or certification.
recycled material. Pre-industrial waste is that a company is not required to See also, Certification.
comply with in order to meet any Tracing generally refers to going
not considered a valid recycled input. backward through time and the
legal requirements in the country of
Scope Certificate (SC): A certificate sale, but may choose to use for other supply chain, while tracking refers
issued by the certifier showing that a reasons. to moving forward through time
specific facility has been certified as and the supply chain.
conforming to a specific standard.

© | Page 29
Appendix B: Scope Certificate Example
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Textile Exchange Scope Certificate (SC) Example: Download pdf

[CB’s Letterhead containing Name and Address of CB] [CB’s Letterhead containing Name and Address of CB] [CB’s Letterhead containing Name and Address of CB]

SCOPE CERTIFICATE [AB Spinning Ltd Group of Industries ] [AB Spinning Ltd Group of Industries]
[Standard – ORGANIC CONTENT STANDARD (OCS)] [Standard – ORGANIC CONTENT STANDARD (OCS)]

Products Annex to certificate no. xxxxx Facility Annex to certificate no. 295-190022-T-OCS 100-01.2019
Scope Certificate Number [295-190022-T-OCS 100]
Under the scope of this certificate the following facilities have been inspected and assessed. The listed
In specific the certificate covers the following products: processing steps/activities conform with the corresponding criteria of the [ORGANIC CONTENT
[PPP Inspection & Certification India Private Limited] STANDARD] for the certified products:
declares that
Product Category Product Details Material and Material composition1 Label Grade
Name of Facility Address of Processing steps / Type of Relation
[AB SPINNING LTD GROUP OF INDUSTRIES] Yarn Carded yarn Organic cotton 95% + 5 % Elastane OCS 100 operation activities
(Main/ Facility)
Yarn Combed yarn Organic cotton 100% OCS 100
License Number [OCS 2022345] AB Spinning ltd 129, Santingar Spinning & Trading Main
Yarn Open yarn Organic cotton 100% OCS 100
[129,Santinagar 12917 Bangladesh] Group of 12917
Industries BANGLADESH

has been inspected and assessed according to the

ORGANIC CONTENT STANDARD

Place and Date of Issue Stamp of the issuing body [Standard] Logo
- Version 2.0 -
and that products of the categories as mentioned below (and further specified in the product [Delhi, 12 February 2019]
appendix)conform with this standard:
Non-Certified Subcontractor Appendix to Certificate no. 295-190022-T-OCS 100-01.2019
Product categories: YARN Name of facility Address of Processing Steps /
[Signature] Operation Activities
AB Spinning 1 130 Santingar Spinning
Processing steps / activities carried out under responsibility of the above mentioned company
for the certified products: Name of the authorised person

[Spinning, Trading]

Certified Subcontractor Appendix to Certificate no. 295-190022-T-OCS 100-01.2019

This Certificate is valid until: 21 April 2020 The following independently certified subcontractors are listed under this scope certificate.
License Expiry date Name of Address of Processing Type of
number Facility operation steps / relation
Place and Date of Issue Stamp of the issuing body [Standard] Logo activities
[Delhi, 12 February 2019] [Image of stamp] subcontracted

[Authorized Person]

[Signature]

Place and Date of Issue Stamp of the issuing body [Standard] Logo

This Scope Certificates provides no proof that any goods delivered by its holder are [OCS 100] certified. Proof of Delhi, 12 February 2019]
[OCS 100] certification of goods delivered is provided by a valid Transaction Certificate (TC) covering them.
The issuing body may withdraw this certificate before it expires if the declared conformity is no longer guaranteed.
[Optional: A sentence that references the certificate to stipulations of the contract with the licensee and/or clauses
of certifier’s scope specific stipulations] [Signature]
Accredited/Licensed by: [IOAS], Accreditation N°: [3001] Name of the authorised person
[If applicable: This electronically issued document is the valid original version]

Yellow Highlighted & Red circle points to check-in SC.

1 Material composition is optional

Scope Certificate 295-190022-T-OCS 100and License number OCS 2022345, , [12 02 2020], page 1 of 4 Scope Certificate 295-190022-T-OCS 100and License number OCS 2022345, , [12 02 2020], page 2 of 4 Scope Certificate 295-190022-T-OCS 100and License number OCS 2022345, , [12 02 2020], page 3 of 4

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3

© | Page 30
Appendix C: Transaction Certificate Example
Supplier Certification Toolkit

Textile Exchange Transaction Certificate (TC) Example: Download pdf

TEMPLATE TRANSACTION CERTIFICATE (TC) FOR TEXTILES PROCESSED

ACCORDING TO THE ORGANIC CONTENT STANDARD (OCS)
Transaction Certificate Number [PRJ 2022345/01096238] Reference Number of the certificate:

[PRJ 805470/01096238]
1. Certification Body 2. Input Information
1a) Body issuing the certificate (name and address) 2a) Reference number of the input transaction certificate
[OCS 2021345/01096237] 17. Continuation of box 10
PPP Inspection & Certification India Private Limited
2b) Farm scope certificates number of First Raw material
C-349, ABC, Industrial Area, Delhi 110001 Sr No Product name Trade name Label grade Packed Lot- Gross Certified
[ORG/SC/11221/223433] in number(s) Weight Weight
2c) Farm transaction certificate numbers of First Raw material
[NPOP/12345676] 1 Carded yarn – 95% Organic Ne 16/1 OCS 100 404 51234933 1100 Kg 1000 Kg
1b) Licensing code of the certification body
2d) Trader(s) Transaction Certificates numbers of First Raw material Cotton + 5% Elastane CARTO
[OCS]-[PPP]-[18] [NPOP/12344512] NS
18. Continuation of box 8 and box 9
3. Seller of certified product(s) 4. Inspection body (name and address)

3a) Name of seller of certified product(s) PPP Inspection & Certification India Private Limited
AB Spinning Ltd Group of Industries C-349, ABC, Industrial Area, Delhi 110001 INDIA 19 Continuation of 2
129, Santingar 12917 BANGLADESH 2a)
3b) License number of seller [OCS 2021345/01096237]
OCS 2022345 2b)
5. Last processor of certified product(s) 6. Country of dispatch [ORG/SC/11221/223433]
2c)
5a) Name of last processor of certified product(s) BANGLADESH [NPOP/12345676]
AB Garment Ltd Group of Industries 2d)
129, Santinagar 12917 BANGLADESH [NPOP/12344512]
5b) License number of last processor
OCS 2022345
7. Buyer of the certified product(s) 8. Consignee of the product (Address of the place of destination) 20. This transaction certificate does not entitle the buyer / consignee of the goods to use the OCS logo or make reference to OCS. The rules
for the labelling of OCS certified product are outlined in the "OCS Logo Use and Claims Guide" (available on www.TextileExchange.org ).
7a) Name of buyer of certified product(s) 9 Love Knitting
[9 Love Knitting ] 21. Signature of the authorized person Stamp of the issuing body Logo of the Standard
[1325, Shantinagar DHAKA BANGLADESH] 1325, Shantinagar DHAKA Bangladesh of the body detailed in box 1
7b) License number of buyer 9. Country of destination
[OCS 4488090]
Delhi, India; 25 February 2020
BANGLADESH
10. Product and shipment information 11. Gross shipping weight (kg)
Name XYZ
Organic Content Standard (OCS) Certified: 1100 kg
Carded Carded Yarn – 95% Organic Cotton + 5% Elastane (OCS 100) 12. Net shipping weight (kg)

Products as specified in Box 17 1000 kg

13. Certified weight (kg)

Invoice no: 123456 d.d.22/05/17
Transport document no: MOLU1390234988 1000 kg
Transport document d.d. 01-06-17
13 a Certified weight (standard 1)
Container no: TCLU548750-1 kg
Identification codes: CARTON NO; 807-1209, “For C & A ORDER’
Lot No: 51234933 13 b Certified weight (Standard 2)
kg

14. Declaration of the body issuing the certificate

This is to certify that, based on the relevant documentation provided by the seller named in box 3, (i) the [organic
cotton] used for the products as further detailed / referred to in box 10 and quantified in box 11, 12 and 13 has been
produced in accordance with (an) organic farming standard(s) which is/are recognized by] the Organic Content Yellow Highlighted & Red circle points to check-in TC.
Standard (OCS), and (ii) the products have been processed in accordance with the OCS. Conformity with the
standard is audited and monitored systematically under responsibility of the certification body named in box 1.
15. Additional declarations
Certification of the organic material used for the products listed complies with USDA NOP rules yes no
(relevant information for products marketed and sold in the US; obligatory information for any OCS TC)
16. Place and date of issue Stamp of the issuing body Logo of the Standard

Delhi, India; 25 February 2020

Signature of the authorized person
of the body detailed in box 1
Name XYZ

[If applicable: This electronically issued document is the valid original version]
Transaction Certificate Number PRJ 2022345/01096238and Seller License Number OCS 202234 25 02 2020 page 1 of 2 Transaction Certificate Number PRJ 2022345/01096238and Seller License Number OCS 202234 25 02 2020 page 2 of 2

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