The Organic Content Standard aims to increase organic agricultural production.
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a voluntary global standard that sets the criteria for third-party certification of organic materials and chain of custody.
GOALS
We’re incentivizing farmers to go organic and helping companies to verify their claims.
How it Works
Tracing organic fibers from farm to final product
Organic Content Verification
Only material from certified organic farms (under one of IFOAM’s Family of Standards) is accepted to the OCS.
Chain of custody
Chain of custody documents and verifies the path certified materials take through all stages of the supply chain to the final product. Learn more
Credible Certification
A professional, third-party certification body audits each stage in the supply chain.
Confident Communication
A professional, third-party certification body audits each stage in the supply chain.
Stakeholder engagement
The OCS is developed with the input of producers, suppliers, brands, and retailers from all parts of the globe.
DEVELOPMENT
Catch up on revisions and changes
The first version of the OCS was launched in March 2018. In 2019, we began revisions for OCS 3.0, and the updated standard was released on March 1, 2020. For a summary of the comments received during the Public Stakeholder Review period, you can take a look at the OCS 3.0 Consultation Feedback Summary.
TRANSITION
Materials Matter Standard
We’re unifying and harmonizing our current suite of standards into the Materials Matter Standard, a voluntary sustainability standard for the production and primary processing of raw materials used in the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. It represents a significant evolution of Textile Exchange’s standards system, building on the strengths of what came before while offering a more streamlined and impact-driven pathway forward.
The new standard sets detailed requirements for the production and primary processing of raw materials—from how land, water, and energy are used, to how working conditions, animal welfare, emissions, chemicals, and waste are managed. Its purpose is to provide a common language and shared direction for the industry, while recognizing the unique contexts of different material producers, processors, and the communities and landscapes they depend on.
The criteria for Materials Matter Standard were released on December 12, 2025, with the standard becoming effective on December 31, 2026 and mandatory from December 31, 2027.
Integrating the Organic Content Standard
Organic cotton, which has long been an integral part of Textile Exchange’s standards system, will continue to play a central role through a gradual transition pathway for the Organic Content Standard into the Materials Matter system.
This pathway will preserve essential functions such as traceability while strengthening the system to enable more holistic, farmer-centered outcomes.
Looking ahead, Textile Exchange intends to expand the system through partnerships with credible programs that align with their shared vision for climate and nature impact. This includes exploring pathways for fibers such as cotton produced through preferred production systems and man-made cellulosic fibers.
By collaborating with established partners and bringing efforts together under one framework, Textile Exchange aims to reduce duplication, ease the burden on suppliers, and enable brands to more easily source materials that deliver measurable benefits on the ground. This partnership-driven approach is designed to broaden opportunity and impact across the industry while accelerating progress for climate, nature, people, and animals.
As this transition progresses, we will be communicating a detailed pathway for how OCS will be integrated into the Materials Matter system.
Spotlight On
In-conversion cotton
Demand for organic fibers like cotton has increased dramatically in recent years. But when farmers make the switch to organic practices, there’s a transitional period when what they produce isn’t certified. Financially supporting farmers through this transition will be essential to ensure organic fibers for the future. That’s why we’re now recognizing in-conversion content in our standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question not answered here, get in touch with us directly, and we’ll be happy to answer it for you.
Are Textile Exchange standards recognized globally?
Yes, all our standards apply globally. You can use our logos worldwide as long as you meet the requirements for logo use and claims.
Do you have translations of your standards available in other languages?
Visit the Document Library to see all standards documents. For some, translations are available.
Where can I source organic cotton?
You can find an organic cotton supplier in our Supplier Directory.
What is the difference between the Organic Content Standard (OCS) and GOTS?
GOTS has additional processing requirements. It also requires a 70% minimum content percentage and has restrictions on other the fibers that organic content can be blended with.