OEKOTEX

OEKO-TEX is an international, independent testing and certification system for textile products. It verifies that textiles are free from harmful substances and are produced under safe and socially responsible conditions. The system is run by OEKO-TEX, an association with national institutes that conduct testing, certification, and research related to textile safety and sustainability.

The flagship offering is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, which certifies finished textiles and raw materials for harmful substances. Products tested under this standard must meet limit values that exceed many regulatory requirements. To reflect end use, the standard groups products into four classes: Class I for items for babies and young children; Class II for textiles with direct skin contact; Class III for textiles with no or minimal skin contact; and Class IV for products with only indirect skin or limited contact.

Beyond STANDARD 100, OEKO-TEX operates several other programs. MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX certifies that a product is tested for harmful substances and produced in facilities verified for environmental and social responsibility, with a transparent supply chain. STeP by OEKO-TEX certifies sustainable textile production facilities, focusing on areas such as environmental management, social responsibility, and quality control. The LEATHER STANDARD applies similar testing principles to leather products.

Certification process typically involves product sampling, laboratory testing by independent OEKO-TEX institutes, and, for some programs, factory audits or facility verifications. When compliant, certificates are issued and labels or product documentation may display certificate numbers or MADE IN GREEN or STeP marks.

OEKO-TEX standards are widely used by brands, retailers, and manufacturers to communicate safety and sustainability to consumers and to facilitate international trade in textiles.