How to apply for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification for jacket suppliers

How to apply for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification for Jacket Suppliers

In today's competitive clothing market, consumers are increasingly concerned about product quality and safety. For jacket suppliers, obtaining OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification can not only enhance the market competitiveness of products, but also enhance consumers' trust in the brand. This article will introduce in detail the steps and precautions for jacket suppliers to apply for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, helping suppliers to pass the certification smoothly and open the door to the international market for their products.

1. Introduction to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certification
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is a globally unified textile testing and certification system designed to ensure that textiles do not contain chemicals that are harmful to the human body during the production process. The certification applies to all kinds of textiles, including raw materials, semi-finished products and finished products, such as clothing products such as jackets. Through this certification, companies can prove to consumers that their products are safe and environmentally friendly, meeting the requirements of the international market

2. The necessity of applying for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification
Improve market competitiveness: As consumers pay more and more attention to environmental protection and health, products with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification are more competitive in the market. Traders in many countries and regions regard this certification as a prerequisite for entering the market
Enhance consumer trust: This certification can prove that the product meets strict safety standards during the production process and does not contain chemicals that are harmful to the human body, thereby enhancing consumer trust in the brand
Comply with regulatory requirements: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification complies with many global regulatory requirements, such as the EU REACH Regulation and the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, helping companies avoid market access barriers due to regulatory issues

III. Steps to apply for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification

(I) Prepare application materials
Applicants need to prepare the following materials:

Filled in application form
Declaration of conformity
Supplier list, including supplier information of all fabrics and accessories
List of dyes, chemicals and auxiliaries
Copy of management system certification certificate (if any)
Raw materials that have obtained OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certificates must provide a copy of the certificate

(II) Submit application
Enterprises need to submit a completed application form and test samples to the issuing agency. The test samples should represent the products that the company wishes to certify. The selection of samples should take into account factors such as the composition, process and color of the product. The number of samples submitted should be prepared according to the requirements of the certification body

(III) Laboratory testing
After the application materials are submitted, the certification body will conduct laboratory testing on the samples. The test content includes the detection of more than 300 hazardous substances, such as banned azo dyes, carcinogenic and allergenic dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), organotin compounds, chlorinated phenols, phthalates (plasticizers), PFOS, PFOA, surface lubricant residues (APEO), etc. The test cycle is usually 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of product and the complexity of the test items. During this period, the company should maintain communication with the certification body to keep abreast of the progress of the test

(IV) Obtaining the test report
After the test is completed, the certification body will provide the company with a test report. The report will list the test results of the sample in detail. If the sample passes the test, the company needs to sign a declaration of conformity and submit it to the certification body. If the sample fails the test, the company will receive a "Failure Report" which will list the reasons for failure and the substances exceeding the standard.

(V) Issuance of Certificate
Once all materials and test results meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 standard, the certification body will issue the company an OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certificate with a validity period of one year. The company needs to apply for renewal before the certificate expires to maintain the validity of the certification.

(VI) On-site Follow-up
After obtaining the certificate, the certification body will conduct an on-site follow-up visit to the company within six months after the certificate is issued. This follow-up visit is intended to ensure that the company continues to follow the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 standard during the production process. If the company fails to pass the follow-up visit, the certificate may be revoked.

IV. Precautions during the application process
Ensure that the materials are accurate and complete: When preparing and submitting application materials, the company must ensure the accuracy and completeness of all information to avoid delays in the application due to incomplete or incorrect materials.
Choose a suitable certification body: The company should choose a reputable OEKO-TEX® member body for certification to ensure the authority and effectiveness of the certification. Only OEKO-TEX® member organizations can conduct testing and issue certificates
Pay attention to sample requirements: Before conducting sample testing, ensure that the sample meets the requirements of OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 to avoid test failures due to sample problems. Samples should be representative and cover different ingredients and processes of the product
Timely renewal: The certificate is valid for one year. Enterprises need to apply for renewal in time before the certificate expires to ensure that the product continues to meet market requirements
Regular self-inspection: Regularly self-inspect the production process to ensure that OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is always followed to avoid affecting the certification status due to poor management

V. Summary
Applying for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification is an important step for jacket suppliers to enhance market competitiveness, enhance consumer trust and comply with regulatory requirements. By following the detailed application process and precautions above, suppliers can successfully obtain certification and lay a solid foundation for products to enter the international market. During the application process, maintaining close communication with the certification body and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of each step are the keys to successful certification. Hopefully, this article can provide practical guidance for jacket suppliers and help them achieve greater success in the global market.