The Content Claim Standard is the basis of all our standards.
The foundation of all our standards is the Content Claim Standard (CCS). It’s a chain of custody standard that gives companies a means of verifying that one or more raw material inputs are in the final product.
GOALS
We’re helping companies track responsible fibers and build trust.
HOW IT WORKS
Verifying inputs along the supply chain.
SCOPE
We’ve created a robust system that can be applied worldwide.
The CCS can be used all the way along the supply chain by manufacturers, brands, retailers, certification bodies, and organizations supporting raw material initiatives. The CSS is verified by accredited third-party certification bodies.
DEVELOPMENT
Catch up on revisions and changes
CCS 3.0 was published on July 1, 2021, and the revised standard includes some changes. You can see the CCS 3.0 Consultation Feedback Summary for an overview of the comments received during the public stakeholder review.
Brand certification
Brand certification is required to complete the chain of custody.
Outsourcing
Contracts with subcontractors are now required. New requirements for organizations acting as subcontractors are also in place.
Trader certification
Traders without physical possession no longer need to be certified.
Multi-group certification
Clarification of requirements in Section F in CCS 3.0.
Alternative Volume Reconciliation
Clarification of eligibility criteria for the use of AVR.
INTERNATIONAL WORKING GROUP
Apply to participate in the Textile Exchange Content Claim Standard Revision International Working Group
Textile Exchange is planning a revision to the Content Claim Standard (CCS). We’re committed to building credible, internationally recognized standards that are developed and periodically revised through a transparent process that includes multi-stakeholder input.
Textile Exchange develops its standards with support from an International Working Group (IWG), a multi-stakeholder governance body with members representing various tiers in the fashion, textile, and apparel industry with an aim to engage a balanced and diverse group in decision-making.
As we finalize the public summary for the upcoming revision process, we would like to put out a call for participation in the Internation Working Group in accordance with our revised Standard Setting Procedures published in October 2025.
IWG members are expected to commit to the following for the duration of the revision:
• Attend at minimum quarterly (four times per year) IWG meetings to engage on the content development of the standard. In-person attendance is required for at least one of those gatherings;
• Dedicate an appropriate amount of time to the IWG by proactively contributing their subject matter expertise, industry experience, and knowledge of the Textile Exchange standard(s) in furtherance of the standard’s development goals;
• Provide timely and thorough written feedback to follow-up questions, surveys, and documents for review; and
• Participate in the voting process for decision making on mandatory criteria.
Please note that the International Working Group membership is limited to the duration of the standard development or revision process and that IWG members sign a charter to commit to roles and responsibilities.
If you would like to participate in the revision process as a member of the IWG, please email your resume and a brief statement of interest to standards@textileeexchange.org. In your application, please highlight your work with preferred fibers and materials, supply chains, and/or Chain of Custody/technical experience as well as your availability for the expected time commitment to participate in the International Working Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to common questions about the CCS. If you have a question not answered here, get in touch with us directly, and we’ll be happy to answer it for you.
Do I need to get certified to the Content Claim Standard (CCS)?
No. The CCS is the foundation of all of our standards and does not require its own certification. It provides a strong chain of custody system from the source to the final product for all Textile Exchange standards.
Do you have translations of your standards available in other languages?
Visit the Knowledge Center to see all standards documents. For some, translations are available.