The changes, disclosed ahead of the EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (EmpCo, EU 2024/825) taking effect from 27 September 2026, are intended to ensure the ongoing legal compliance of Oeko-Tex’s sustainability labels as new national laws are implemented.
The EmpCo Directive is set to introduce tighter requirements for sustainability labels within the EU, mandating that environmental claims be substantiated by certification schemes that undergo verification by independent third parties.
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According to Oeko-Tex, its restructured governance will not only fulfil these immediate requirements but also position the organisation for anticipated future regulatory changes.
Central to the reorganisation is the clear division between standard setting and conformity assessment processes.
The certification body stated that this distinction has been institutionalised to reinforce the independence of its operations.
The transformation includes converting Oeko-Tex GmbH into a public limited company (AG), introducing a new Statute of Independence, forming an Independence Council, and establishing an anonymous whistleblowing system.
Other measures include signing an accreditation agreement in line with international standards (ISO/IEC 17065), ensuring certification bodies meet ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, and restructuring decision-making authority under a Board of Directors.
These adjustments were “necessary” and had been prepared carefully with the assistance of several independent legal opinions, Oeko-Tex stated.
At the same time, the body confirmed that regular services such as product testing, auditing, and certification will proceed without change for customers and partners.
Its global network of accredited certification bodies remains intact, with standard setting continuing through a multi-stakeholder approach and public consultation involving external experts.
Companies using Oeko-Tex labels can continue to substantiate product claims credibly and with legal certainty under the new regime, it added.
Oeko-Tex CEO Dr Alfred J. Beerli said: “Consumer protection begins with trust, and trust only arises when what is claimed is independently verified. With the new structure, we anchor this independence even more firmly and make it transparently verifiable for everyone.
“This gives our customers, and the people who see our labels in the shop, the certainty that they can rely on Oeko-Tex.”
