The revised standard is said to strengthen requirements for air emissions and waste management and update criteria for product safety. It also adds provisions covering circularity, microfibre management and changes to residue testing.
Global Standard said the new due diligence approach is intended to provide “greater clarity” for companies facing increasing regulatory risk.
The updated version follows an “extensive and highly collaborative revision process,” including two rounds of public consultations in 2025.
The revision process included extensive stakeholder engagement and alignment with global sustainability initiatives, including the ISEAL Code of Good Practice.
“We proudly present GOTS Version 8.0 as the outcome of an extensive and highly collaborative revision process, reflecting the collective intelligence of our global stakeholder community,” Global Standard managing director Rahul Bhajekar said, adding that “the diverse expertise, rigorous dialogue and shared commitment of all participants have been decisive in further strengthening the Standard and ensuring its forward-looking relevance.”
Due diligence and governance provisions in Version 8.0
A central change in Version 8.0 is the introduction of new due diligence criteria intended to better align with OECD guidelines. The release also notes elevated due diligence obligations alongside formalised governance requirements, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure, anti-corruption policies and conflict-of-interest safeguards.
Version 8.0 also references new tools, including the Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities.
The Manual for Implementation has been expanded to provide additional guidance on requirements such as due diligence, human rights and internal audits.
Environmental and climate-related updates
Global Standard said Version 8.0 strengthens requirements related to air emissions and waste management. It also includes “elaborated climate criteria,” with clearer requirements for greenhouse gas emissions management, including Scope 1 and Scope 2 inventories, documentation and improvement.
The release lists “strengthened textile waste management,” along with waste hierarchy guidance prioritising prevention, reuse, recycling and responsible end-of-life solutions.
Chemical management and testing changes
The update introduces “a clear GOTS Manufacturing Restricted Substances List” as a dedicated section that sets out requirements for chemical inputs and formulators. It includes enhanced chemical input controls, including clarified limits for free aniline in indigo dyes.
Additional chemical-related provisions include an endocrine disruptor assessment with guidance aligned with EU legislation, and stricter Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) controls through tightened limits and updated testing, described as significantly strengthening the PFAS ban.
In addition, the standard updates testing references to strengthen genetically modified organisms (GMO) verification for confirming non-GMO cotton fibres.
Circularity, microfibre and product requirements
Version 8.0 introduces circularity requirements allowing certified products to remain within GOTS certification through repair, resale and other circular business models. It adds microfibre controls and monitoring, requiring risk-based measures to address microfibre release during processing and to measure fragmentation in the final product.
For finished goods, the release notes expanded testing for durability and robustness aimed at product longevity and compliance. New packaging criteria are also included, with rules promoting recycled content, restricting harmful materials and supporting alignment with emerging regulations.
Global Standard said Version 8.0 strengthens product safety criteria and introduces new testing and residue rules for hygiene products, including tampons.
GOTS Version 8.0 will take full effect on 1 March 2027, following the transition period.
In July last year, Global Standard said that its GOTS Version 7.0 is found to closely align with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector.
