OCS
OCS is an international textile certification standard that verifies that materials derived from organic cultivation are included in a product and that those materials are traceably managed throughout the distribution process.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Overview
OCS is a certification standard that covers the presence of organic raw materials and the management of trade processes from raw materials to textile products and finished goods. In textile products, it is often checked when sourcing yarn, textiles, or products made with organic cotton.
This certification does not indicate the feel, durability, or safety of the finished product. It is a concept for verifying that raw materials derived from organic cultivation are connected to products under certified management.
Scope and Basic Concept of the Standard
Under OCS, it is important to keep raw materials derived from certified organic farmland separated from other materials at each stage, such as spinning, weaving and knitting, dyeing, sewing, and distribution, and to keep them traceable through documentation. For blended or union fabrics, the scope of the target raw materials and the blend ratio are checked individually.
The focus is on the organic nature of the raw materials and distribution management, and it differs from certifications that comprehensively evaluate chemicals used in processing, wastewater, labor conditions, and similar factors. For this reason, it is necessary not to judge processing conditions or the environmental responsibility of the entire product based on the certification name alone.
Points to Check When Sourcing and Making Products
When sourcing textiles, confirm with the seller how far the certification applies, whether to the raw cotton, yarn, textile, or finished product. Even if the raw cotton is certified, it does not necessarily mean the same chain of certification can be confirmed through the subsequent processing and distribution stages.
Check whether the order lot, product number, blend ratio, color, and whether there is any processing match the details stated on the transaction certificate. When certification labeling is used, including at sewing factories or secondary processing suppliers, organize the certification status of each process and the handoff of documents in advance.
- Validity period of the certificate and applicable business sites
- Item name, quantity, lot, and blend ratio on the transaction certificate
- Consistency between the product to be labeled and the certified scope
- The raw materials of the blended partner and their certification details
Labeling and Differences from Similar Certifications
When making OCS-related claims on products or sales materials, check not only the certificate but also the transaction certificate that supports the relevant transaction. Expressions such as "organic" and "certified" should be used so as not to mislead people about the target raw materials, target processes, or certified business operators.
GOTS is a certification that, in addition to the content and distribution management of organic fibers, includes environmental and social requirements for processing. GRS covers the content and traceability of recycled materials. OCS differs in that it mainly focuses on confirming the content of organic raw materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all textiles certified by OCS made entirely of organic cotton?
Not necessarily. Since OCS deals with containing organic raw materials, it is also used for textiles blended with polyester and similar materials. The overall composition of the textile and the proportion of organic raw materials must be confirmed separately through the blend ratio indication and the transaction certificate.
If raw cotton is certified by OCS, can the finished garment also be labeled OCS?
Certification information for raw cotton alone may not be sufficient as the basis for labeling a finished product. For each stage of spinning, weaving and knitting, dyeing, sewing, and distribution, the chain of certification and the supporting documents for the relevant transactions should be checked before considering labeling.
Which should I choose, OCS or GOTS?
When the main purpose is to confirm the content and distribution route of organic raw materials, OCS is a candidate for consideration. If you also want to confirm environmental and social requirements in the processing stages, understand the differences from GOTS and choose the standard that fits your plan, trading partners, and labeling policy.
