NEWS & CSR

How Important Is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certification in the Global Textile Industry?

30 Jan 2026 | 52 Views | News Category: Certification

Many textile manufacturers actually have excellent production quality, yet still struggle to enter export markets for one simple reason: the absence of a globally recognized certification, such as OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.

Now imagine if your factory could prove to international buyers that every yarn, button, and raw material used in your textile products has passed scientific testing and is free from more than 1,000 harmful substances. This is not just a claim—it is a strategic advantage that strengthens your negotiation position and enhances your competitiveness in the global market.

This is the real value of OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification.

What Is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certification?

A Brief Explanation

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is an international testing and certification system for textile products that ensures all components have been tested for harmful substances that may pose risks to human health. This certification covers yarns, buttons, labels, zippers, and even the smallest accessories used in your textile products.

Who Issues the Certification?

This standard is issued by the OEKO-TEX® Association, an independent global organization consisting of 17 testing institutes worldwide. Since 1992, OEKO-TEX® has developed STANDARD 100 to continuously improve textile safety on a global scale.

Why Is This Certification So Important in the Global Textile Industry?

1. Ensuring Product Safety

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is more than just a logo—it is proof that your textile products have undergone strict toxicological testing based on internationally recognized criteria. The closer a textile product is to human skin, the stricter the testing requirements.

2. A Compliance Tool for International Regulations

Major export markets such as the European Union enforce stringent regulations on chemical substances used in textiles (for example, REACH). Products certified under STANDARD 100 are tested in line with international requirements, significantly increasing the likelihood of passing export compliance audits.

3. Credibility in the Eyes of Global Buyers

Large buyers across Europe, the United States, and Asia increasingly require OEKO-TEX® certification when selecting approved suppliers. This helps your factory secure larger orders, build long-term trust, and minimize reputational risks.

Why Is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Becoming Even More Relevant?

Stricter Regulatory Updates

Starting 1 April 2025, OEKO-TEX® introduced important updates to STANDARD 100, including:

A reduction of the Bisphenol A (BPA) limit from 100 mg/kg to just 10 mg/kg, to minimize exposure to substances classified as endocrine disruptors.
The removal of “organic” or “GMO-free” claims for cotton under STANDARD 100; these claims are now covered by OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification.

These updates demonstrate that STANDARD 100 not only prioritizes health protection, but also continuously aligns with the latest scientific research and evolving global regulatory trends.

What Does This Mean for Textile Manufacturers?

1. Increased Competitiveness

With OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, your factory can access wider export markets and compete more effectively with manufacturers from other certified regions.

2. Addressing Sustainability Challenges

Although STANDARD 100 focuses primarily on material safety rather than full sustainability, it serves as a strong foundation for adopting additional OEKO-TEX® standards such as MADE IN GREEN or STeP, which address supply chain transparency and environmentally responsible production practices.

3. Risk Mitigation for Buyers and Consumers

Global buyers are becoming increasingly cautious about the use of hazardous chemicals. By holding STANDARD 100 certification, your factory can significantly reduce the risk of legal claims, product recalls, and reputational damage—by complying with one of the world’s strictest textile safety standards

In short, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification is a critical foundation for textile manufacturers that aim to:

Demonstrate compliance with global standards
Enhance competitiveness in international markets
Ensure product safety for end consumers
Become a preferred partner for global buyers

With the 2025 updates further strengthening testing parameters and chemical threshold limits, this certification is no longer just an added value—it is a strategic necessity for textile industry players who want to remain competitive and grow sustainably.

For textile products that meet international standards and are certified under OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, please feel free to contact us.

Share This

BACK

NEWS CATEGORIES

View All Categories...