How to obtain OEKO-TEX certification for textile products and leather

OEKO-TEX certification for textile products and leather

OEKO-TEX® is an international independent organization that provides testing and certification services for textile products at all stages of production, including raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods. The aim of OEKO-TEX® certifications is to ensure that textile products are free from harmful substances and are safe for human use.

There are several different certifications under the OEKO-TEX® system, including:

1. STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®: This certification is granted to textiles that have been tested and proven to be free from over 100 harmful substances, including chemicals that could be detrimental to human health.
2. MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®: This label indicates that the product is not only safe from a chemical perspective but also produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
3. LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX®: This certification focuses on leather products, ensuring that they do not contain harmful substances.
4. ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®: This certification is for chemical suppliers whose chemicals have been tested to ensure they do not contain harmful substances.

The OEKO-TEX® system is highly regarded worldwide in the textile and apparel industry and serves as a key reference for consumers seeking to purchase safe and environmentally friendly products.

OEKO-TEX® is both a certificate and a label

• Certificate: When a product or a company’s production process passes the rigorous testing and auditing requirements of OEKO-TEX®, they are awarded an official certificate. This certificate is a formal document that verifies the product’s compliance with OEKO-TEX® standards, such as the absence of harmful substances, environmentally friendly production, or sustainable practices.
• Label: The OEKO-TEX® label is what companies can place on their products to inform consumers that the product has been certified according to OEKO-TEX® standards. The label often includes the certification type (e.g., STANDARD 100, MADE IN GREEN) and a unique identification number, allowing consumers to verify the certification’s validity.

In summary, OEKO-TEX® starts as a certification process and results in a label that consumers see on products, assuring them of the product’s safety and environmental compliance.

List of products subjected to OEKO-TEX certification

OEKO-TEX® certifications cover a wide range of textile products across different stages of production. The list of products that can be subjected to OEKO-TEX® testing and certification includes:

1. Raw Materials:
   • Fibers (natural and synthetic)
   • Yarns
   • Fabrics (woven, knitted, non-woven)
2. Intermediate Products:
   • Dyed or printed fabrics
   • Threads
   • Elastics
   • Linings
   • Zippers and other textile accessories
3. Finished Textile Products:
   • Clothing (all types including underwear, outerwear, sportswear)
   • Home textiles (bed linen, towels, curtains, carpets, upholstery fabrics)
   • Soft furnishings (pillows, cushions, blankets)
   • Baby and children’s textiles (clothing, toys, bedding)
   • Footwear (including leather parts)
   • Leather goods (bags, belts, wallets)
   • Textile toys
4. Non-textile Accessories:
   • Buttons
   • Fasteners
   • Labels
   • Thread
   • Interlinings
5. Textile Chemicals and Dyes:
   • Dyes and pigments
   • Textile auxiliaries (softeners, coatings)
   • Printing inks

Each of these products can be tested and certified under various OEKO-TEX® standards, such as STANDARD 100, MADE IN GREEN, LEATHER STANDARD, and ECO PASSPORT, to ensure they meet safety and environmental criteria.

How to obtain OEKO-TEX certification?

Obtaining OEKO-TEX® certification involves several steps, depending on the specific type of certification you are seeking (e.g., STANDARD 100, MADE IN GREEN, LEATHER STANDARD, ECO PASSPORT). Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Identify the Appropriate Certification:

• Determine which OEKO-TEX® certification is relevant to your product (e.g., STANDARD 100 for textiles, LEATHER STANDARD for leather products, ECO PASSPORT for chemicals).

2. Contact an OEKO-TEX® Institute:

• Reach out to one of the OEKO-TEX® member institutes. There are several institutes worldwide that are authorized to conduct OEKO-TEX® testing and certification. You can find a list of authorized institutes on the official OEKO-TEX® website.

3. Application and Documentation:

• Submit an application to the chosen OEKO-TEX® institute. You will need to provide detailed information about your products, including the materials used, production processes, and any chemical treatments applied.
• Prepare and submit all required documentation, including material specifications, production details, and safety data sheets for chemicals used.

4. Testing and Evaluation:

• The institute will conduct a series of tests on your products to check for harmful substances and other safety criteria. This includes chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and evaluation of production processes.
• The tests are conducted according to the criteria defined by the specific OEKO-TEX® standard you are applying for.

5. Inspection of Production Facilities (if applicable):

• For some certifications, such as MADE IN GREEN, an on-site audit of your production facilities may be required to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards.

6. Receive Certification:

• If your products pass the testing and meet all the requirements, you will receive the OEKO-TEX® certification. This certification typically comes with a label or logo that you can use on your products and marketing materials.

7. Renewal and Ongoing Compliance:

• OEKO-TEX® certifications are typically valid for one year. You must undergo regular retesting and audits to maintain the certification. Ensure continuous compliance with the standards, as random checks can be performed by the OEKO-TEX® institute.

8. Cost:

• Be prepared for the costs associated with testing, certification, and any necessary modifications to your production processes to meet the standards.

9. Use of the OEKO-TEX® Label:

• Once certified, you can use the OEKO-TEX® label on your products. The label usually includes a unique certification number, allowing consumers to verify the certification status.

Validity of OEKO Tex certification

The OEKO-TEX® certification is typically valid for one year from the date of issue. After this period, the certification must be renewed to ensure that the products continue to meet the OEKO-TEX® standards.

Renewal involves re-testing the products and possibly re-auditing the production processes, depending on the specific certification. This annual renewal process ensures that the products consistently comply with the latest safety and environmental criteria set by OEKO-TEX®.

Useful link

OEKO Tex official website

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