The first step is to apply for GOTS certification. This can be done online through the website, or clients can complete the application form and submit it to NimkarTek via email on projects@nimkartek.com.

Once the application is reviewed, NimkarTek will provide a tailored quotation. Upon acceptance of the quotation, a contract is signed, along with the Certification Terms and Conditions, Process Agreement and NDA.

NimkarTek will request the necessary technical documentation for each product that requires certification. This includes the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which must comply with one of the following regulations or guidelines:

• ANSI Z400.1/Z129.1:2010
• ISO 11014-1
• EC 1907/2006 (REACH)
• EC 2015/830
• GHS (Global Harmonized System)
• JIS Z 7253:2012

While the SDS serves as a primary reference, some GOTS requirements may necessitate additional documentation or testing to confirm the chemical's compliance. This could include environmental and toxicology reports, lab analyses, and more.

Documents typically needed for review include:

• Technical Data Sheet (TDS) of applied products
• Test Reports: Analysis report as per the GOTS input chemical criteria
• Declaration: Declaration of products related hazards and product information
• Other Documents: traceability documents, any other information required.
  

Once a product has successfully cleared the documentation review, chemical manufacturers and formulators will undergo an environmental and safety audit at their production facility. This audit takes place in the first year of certification and is repeated every three years or as needed if the GOTS standards are updated. The audit will focus on:

• Chemical Management (4.2.1)
• Prohibited and Restricted Inputs(4.2.2)
• Requirements related to Hazard and Toxicity of Input Chemicals (4.2.3)
• Product stewardship of Input Chemicals (4.2.4)
• Environmental Management (4.2.5)
• Wastewater Management (Section 4.3.2)
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) (Section 4.4.7)
  
  For traders and distributors, an onsite audit is not required, provided they are sourcing certified products from approved formulators/manufacturers.
  

Following successful completion of all required assessments, NimkarTek will issue a GOTS Letter of Approval, which will be valid for three years.

This certification ensures that a manufacturers input chemicals meet GOTS standards criteria and are approved for use in the production of GOTS-labeled textiles.

Once products are certified, any associated labels and artwork must be approved by NimkarTek to ensure compliance with GOTS branding guidelines.

Simply submit your proposed designs for final verification and approval.