OEKO-TEX® continues its mission to foster trust in the textile and leather industry by maintaining high standards of safety, sustainability, and transparency. To ensure compliance with the latest scientific research and legal developments, the OEKO-TEX® Association has announced updated testing criteria, limit values, and certification guidelines, effective April 1, 2025, after a transition period.
Key Updates in OEKO-TEX® Certifications
1️⃣ STANDARD 100: Enhanced Organic Cotton Certification & BPA Limits
- Organic Cotton Certification Shift: The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificate will no longer include “GMO-free” or “organic” claims for cotton. Instead, companies must certify organic cotton through the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON standard.
- BPA Limit Reduction: After consultation with toxicologists, the limit value for Bisphenol A (BPA) has been reduced from 100 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg due to its classification as an endocrine disruptor by the WHO.
2️⃣ LEATHER STANDARD: Strengthening Supply Chain Transparency
- In alignment with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), companies must now trace the origin of their leather products to earn OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD certification.
- The requirement for proof of origin (e.g., slaughterhouse delivery notes) applies specifically to hides and leather from cattle and calves.
3️⃣ MADE IN GREEN: New Organic Cotton Certification Option
- The OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label now recognizes OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON as a certified product category.
- This change strengthens supply chain traceability and ensures responsible production from farm to final product.
4️⃣ STeP by OEKO-TEX®: Enhanced Collaboration with ZDHC
- STeP-certified companies are now eligible to participate in the ZDHC Supplier to Zero Programme, promoting sustainability in textiles, apparel, footwear, and leather industries.
- Companies can upload their STeP certificates to the ZDHC Supplier Platform for verification and acknowledgment.
5️⃣ ECO PASSPORT: Expanding Certification Scope & Biodegradability Focus
- Certification Expansion: OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT will now cover commodity chemicals in addition to specialty chemicals used in textile and leather production.
- Biodegradability Verification: Certified products such as surfactants, softeners, and complexing agents must provide proof of biodegradability, verified by an OEKO-TEX® institute or an approved third party.
- Stronger Monitoring: Second-life commodity chemicals will be subject to more frequent testing to ensure quality and environmental safety.
About OEKO-TEX®
For over 30 years, OEKO-TEX® has provided standardized solutions that help manufacturers, brands, and suppliers improve safety, sustainability, and transparency in textile and leather production. With 35,000+ businesses across 100+ countries, OEKO-TEX® continues to set global benchmarks for responsible manufacturing.
