The requirements of GOTS certification regarding human rights and social responsibility

December 17, 2025

The social responsibility factory inspection requirements of GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) apply to all entities involved in the processing, manufacturing, packaging, trading, and distribution of organic textiles. These entities must ensure that their operations fully comply with the human rights and social standards of GOTS and undergo strict factory inspection procedures to verify compliance.
The following are the core inspection items and requirements for the GOTS social responsibility factory inspection:
Forced labor
During the factory inspection, strict checks are conducted to determine if there is any form of forced labor. It is strictly prohibited to force workers to work through punishment, violence or intimidation, including debt bondage labor, human trafficking or contract labor. The certification entity must not detain workers' identification documents or collect deposits, must guarantee workers' right to terminate the employment relationship freely, and ensure that workers do not have to pay any fees for employment.
2. Child Labor
During the factory inspection, the focus is on verifying the employment records. The use of child labor is strictly prohibited. If child labor is found to be employed in error, the entity must take remedial measures and support the child's education. The employment of young workers must comply with strict working hours and conditions restrictions to ensure their health, safety, and access to education.
3. Discrimination, Harassment and Violence
During the factory inspection process, the recruitment, salary, promotion and other aspects will be examined to see if there is any discrimination based on personal characteristics. The certification entity must provide a working environment free from harassment and violence, and adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviors such as sexual harassment.
4. Gender Equality
Verify whether the entity promotes gender equality through fair and transparent procedures, and provide equal training and development opportunities for all genders. Special protection must be given to pregnant, lactating female workers and employees with family responsibilities to prevent them from being treated unfairly due to related reasons.
5. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
The factory will assess whether the entity respects and supports the rights of workers to freely form trade unions and engage in collective bargaining. The entity must not interfere with union activities and should provide necessary support and facilitation for the work of worker representatives.
6. Occupational Health and Safety
This is a crucial aspect of the factory inspection. The entity must establish an effective occupational health and safety management system, identify and control risks in the workplace, provide free personal protective equipment, ensure that emergency measures are in place, and offer special protection to vulnerable worker groups.
7. Compensation and Living Wage
The factory inspection team will review the payroll records to ensure that the compensation is at least in line with the legal or higher industry standards and can meet basic living needs. Piece-rate wages must have a reasonable benchmark, and the wages must be paid on time and in full with detailed records.
8. Working Hours
Verify the attendance records to ensure that working hours comply with laws and international labor standards. The total weekly working hours should not exceed 48 hours. Overtime must be voluntary and within limits, and workers must be guaranteed sufficient rest time.
9. Stabilizing Employment
The inspection team will review the types of contracts to prevent entities from circumventing their legal employer responsibilities through the use of short-term contracts, labor dispatch, or family outsourcing arrangements, thereby safeguarding the rights and interests of workers.
10. Migrant Workers
Ensure that equal treatment is provided to migrant workers, including in terms of salary, conditions, and contract terms. It is strictly prohibited to detain their travel documents. The charges for food, accommodation, etc. provided should be reasonable.
11. Domestic Workers
The certification entity must ensure that domestic workers enjoy the same rights and protections as factory workers, and conduct inspections within the factory premises to verify their working conditions as much as possible.
Summary
The GOTS Social Responsibility Audit is a comprehensive and rigorous inspection and certification system. It aims to ensure that the entire supply chain complies with high standards of ethics and social norms through continuous audit and inspection. Through this certification, enterprises not only prove their compliance but also systematically manage social responsibility risks and achieve sustainable operations.