The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

 

Continental Clothing Co. is licensed by the Soil Association and the Control Union to supply fully certified organic products in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard. Licence number DK19090. The Company also holds a licence to use the Soil Association Organic Standard logo on products that meet the organic standard criteria.
All the certified products that are sold ‘unprocessed’, that is without printing or other chemical processing, can carry the logo. Garments that are printed by licensed printers according to the organic standard can also carry the organic standard logo at the point of sale.

The aim of the standard is to define world-wide recognised requirements that ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.
Textile processors and manufacturers are enabled to export their organic fabrics and garments with one certification accepted in all major markets. Approved are natural fibres that are certified organic and fibres from conversion period certified according to recognised international or national standards and certified by any IFOAM accredited or internationally recognised (according to ISO 65) certifier.

Key criteria for processing and manufacturing include the below.

ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA ​

  • At all stages through the processing organic fibre products must be separated from conventional fibre products and must to be clearly identified
  • All chemical inputs (e.g. dyes, auxiliaries and process chemicals) must be evaluated and meeting basic requirements on toxicity and biodegradability/eliminability
  • Prohibition of critical inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano particles, genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their enzymes
  • The use of synthetic sizing agents is restricted; knitting and weaving oils must not contain heavy metals
  • Bleaches must be based on oxygen (no chlorine bleaching)
  • Azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds are prohibited
  • Discharge printing methods using aromatic solvents and plastisol printing methods using phthalates and PVC are prohibited
  • Restrictions for accessories (e.g. no PVC, nickel or chrome permitted)
  • All operators must have an environmental policy including target goals and procedures to minimise waste and discharges
  • Wet processing units must keep full records of the use of chemicals, energy, water consumption and waste water treatment, including the disposal of sludge. The waste water from all wet processing units must be treated in a functional waste water treatment plant.
  • Packaging material must not contain PVC. Paper or cardboard used in packaging material, hang tags, swing tags etc. must be recycled or certified according to FSC or PEFC

Technical Quality and Human Toxicity Criteria

  • Technical quality parameters must be met (s.a. rubbing, perspiration, light and washing fastness and shrinkage values)
  • Raw materials, intermediates, final textile products as well as accessories must meet stringent limits regarding unwanted residues

Minimum Social Criteria

Minimum social criteria based on the key norms of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) must be met by all processors and manufacturers, including at farm level. They must have a social compliance management with defined elements in place to ensure that the social criteria can be met. For adequate implementation and assessment of the following social criteria topics the listed applicable key conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) have to be taken as the relevant basis for interpretation.

 Employment is freely chosen

  1. There is no forced or bonded labour

  2. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected

  3.  Working conditions are safe and hygienic

  4. Child labour must not be used

  5. Living wages

  6. Working hours are not excessive

  7. No discrimination is practised

  8. Regular employment is provided

  9. Harsh or inhumane treatment is prohibited

Quality Assurance System

Generally a company participating in the GOTS certification scheme must work in compliance with all criteria of the standard. GOTS relies on a dual system to check compliance with the relevant criteria consisting of on-site auditing and residue testing.

Read the full standard here

GOTS is explained using very simple and engaging story line graphics making clear that using organic fiber alone is not enough but that the whole supply chain has to be considered. Correct on-product labelling is also explained in an easy understandable way.

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Import Duty and Taxes

“Please note that orders shipped from our UK warehouse to the USA, with a value under $800, are currently exempt from import duty. This means you can shop our collection of stylish apparel from across the pond without worrying about additional fees.

It’s important to note that this exemption applies to orders under $800 only. If your order exceeds this amount, you may be subject to additional charges, which vary depending on the type of apparel and the value of the order.

For more information on US import duty rates, we recommend consulting with a customs broker or the US Customs and Border Protection agency.

The customer is responsible for all shipping and freight charges to, FOB Seller’s warehouse. Orders received before 3:00 PM will be shipped the same day, subject to availability. Inventory will fluctuate on seasonal items. Orders are normally shipped by UPS for all clients in the US and Canada.

Seller will ship using a carrier designated by Customer upon request. However, if a carrier designated by Customer charges Seller for such charges due to the Seller having an invalid or delinquent account, the amount of such charge plus a 20GBP handling fee will be billed to Customer and payable upon receipt.

The seller will not be responsible for shipping delays caused by a carrier. Shipping charges may be billed separately.

FREE SHIPPING for orders over USD $300 . Order over USD $300 and automatically receive FREE shipping to the USA. This offer is not available for trade account holders.

OPEN A TRADING ACCOUNT.

Access to the World’s Best.

At CCC Japan, we partner with like-minded ethical screen printers and decorators that are excited to work in partnership with us, ultimately enabling front-end clients and brands access to the world’s best sustainable fashion apparel blank brands that CCC Japan proudly distributes.

Open a trade account and have access to:

Access to the World’s Best

At CCC Japan, we partner with like-minded ethical screen printers and decorators that are excited to work in partnership with us, ultimately enabling front-end clients and brands access to the world’s best sustainable fashion apparel blank brands that CCC Japan proudly distributes.