You verify a textile certificate by entering its certificate or licence number into the certifier's own public database and comparing what comes back with the PDF the supplier sent you. GOTS has its own public database, Textile Exchange runs the database for OCS, GRS and RCS, and OEKO-TEX offers a label check by certificate number. The PDF alone proves nothing, because PDFs are easy to edit and certificates expire or get suspended. Ten minutes on the database is the cheapest due diligence you will do all year.
Where to look
- GOTS: the public GOTS database, searchable by licence number, company name or product category.
- OCS, GRS and RCS: the Textile Exchange certified companies database, searchable by certificate number or company name.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: the OEKO-TEX label check, which takes the certificate number printed on the label or certificate.
- Other schemes: most have an equivalent online lookup. If a scheme has no public database, ask the certification body to confirm in writing.
What to check once you find the record
Start with the name and address. The entity on the database must be the entity you are contracting with, not a sister company or a trading house that bought certified fabric once. Then check validity. Certificates have an expiry date, and a record may show suspended or withdrawn status even before that date.
Next, read the scope. A GOTS certificate lists the processing steps the company is certified for, such as spinning, weaving, dyeing or making up, and the product categories covered. If your order is garments and the scope says only fabric, the supplier cannot sell you certified garments under that certificate. For OEKO-TEX, check that the product class matches your end use and that the article description matches what you are buying.
Finally, compare the database record against the PDF line by line. Differences in dates, scope or company name are a reason to stop and ask questions.
Red flags
- The supplier sends a certificate in another company's name and explains that they are a group company.
- The certificate number cannot be found, or returns a different company.
- The scope covers products or processes different from what you are ordering.
- The expiry date has passed and the supplier says renewal is in progress.
- The supplier is reluctant to give the certificate number and offers only a low-resolution image.
How we help
Database formats change and schemes update their rules, so check the certifier's current guidance. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
We run every shortlisted supplier's certificates through the relevant databases before we add them to your shortlist, and we record the certificate number, scope and expiry date in the supplier profile. For certified orders we collect the transaction certificate with the document pack, so the lot is tied to the claim. If you have a certificate in hand and want it checked, send it over or book a free 20-minute sourcing review.