The OEKO-TEX Association has released the updated testing criteria, limit values, and guidelines for its certifications, based on the latest scientific research and legal developments. The press release came on Jan. 14, 2025.

Key changes include enhanced organic cotton certification through OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON, with inclusion in OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN, stricter BPA limits under OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, and rigorous transparency requirements for leather supply chains under OEKO-TEX LEATHER STANDARD. The expanded OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT will include commodity chemicals and biodegradability verification. The revised standards will take effect on April 1, 2025, following the transition period.

A Brief Breakdown on Updates

A brief breakdown of the 2025 updates is as follows; for full details and explanations, please read the entire press statement.

STANDARD 100: New organic cotton rule and BPA safety – Starting April 1, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification will not include any claims of “GMO-free” or “organic” cotton in the certificate scopes. Certifying cotton as “organic” is now achievable through OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON. This change specifically pertains to cotton materials. Other organic materials such as hemp, linen or wool remain unaffected.

LEATHER STANDARD: Ahead of Europe’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) – As part of the European Green Deal and the 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy, the European Commission adopted a new regulation in May 2024. One of the challenges posed by the EUDR is the requirement for leather supply chain transparency. Companies must trace the origins of their leather products to ensure they do not contribute to deforestation. The EUDR was supposed to come into force at the end of 2024 but was postponed by one year in November 2024. However, for hides and leather material from cattle and calves, proof of origin (e.g. delivery notes from the slaughterhouse) is required to earn OEKO-TEX LEATHER STANDARD certification.

MADE IN GREEN: Adding ORGANIC COTTON certification option – The OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN label recognizes OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON as product certificate in addition to STANDARD 100 and LEATHER STANDARD.

STeP: Enhanced ZDHC cooperation boosting sustainability in textiles and leather – STeP certificate holders are now eligible to participate in the ZDHC Supplier to Zero Programme. Companies can upload their STeP certificate and report to the ZDHC Supplier Platform for acknowledgment within the Supplier to Zero Programme.

ECO PASSPORT: Expanding scope and highlighting biodegradability – Starting in 2025, OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT will expand its certification scope beyond chemicals specialized for textile and leather applications to include commodity and maintenance chemicals.

For those interested in learning more, a webinar will be held on Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. ET.