Textile Exchange has released the latest version of the Organic Content Standard (OCS) with updates relating to traceability between the farm and first processor and GMO testing.
Originally released in 2013, the goal of the OCS is to increase organic agriculture production. It requires certification of the entire supply chain starting at the first processor of organically grown material through to the final business-to-business seller and transaction certificates between each buyer and seller of OCS certified product. The ending result is a consumer-facing logo and claim about the organically grown content.
The OCS also allows labelling of verified in-conversion or transitional organically grown material in order to provide those farmers that are required to wait two to three years when switching from conventionally grown crops with an incentive to do so.
“The Organic Content Standard was our first standard and the basis of establishing our Chain of Custody, which is the backbone for all of our standards. It remains a key tool for supporting and stabilising organic fibres,” says La Rhea Pepper, managing director at Textile Exchange.
The updates to the Organic Content Standard 3.0 include:
- The former OCS Implementation Manual is now divided into two documents. The OCS User Manual provides interpretation and guidance for users of the standard while the OCS Certification Procedures details requirements certification bodies must follow.
- More robust traceability between the farm and first processor.
- GMO testing for organic cotton must occur in accordance with Textile Exchange’s OCS-103 GMO Screening of Organic Cotton.
- Organic wool inputs must be non-mulesed (according to the non-mulesed definition of the Responsible Wool Standard) or from a farm with ceased-mulesing status.
- Certified organisations must now maintain technical specifications for all OCS materials.
The update follows the launch of a new Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) last month.
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