For start-up fashion knitwear brands, you will almost inevitably encounter customers asking, ‘Do your garments have OEKO-TEX® certification?’ Many knitwear factory salespeople say ‘yes, yes,’ but they cannot clearly explain which certification it is, what it certifies, or what it proves. DGJIAYAN Sweaters Factory will walk you through the complete OEKO-TEX® certification system, helping you get straight to the point when sourcing and selling.
📋 Key Findings
OEKO-TEX® is a textile safety certification system jointly launched by the Austrian Textile Research Institute and the German Hohenstein Institute, covering more than 100 countries worldwide. Products with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification have been tested by an independent third party and are proven to contain no harmful chemicals to the human body. The certification is updated annually and can be verified in real time on the official website.
What is OEKO-TEX? — An Overview of the Certification System
OEKO-TEX is not a single certification, but a complete system containing multiple standards, targeting different links in the textile supply chain. Common ones include the following:
| Certification | Certified Object | Key Significance | Buyer Interest Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANDARD 100 | Textiles & Garments | Ensures products are free from harmful substances | Highest Priority |
| STeP | Factories & Production Facilities | Verifies sustainable manufacturing processes and working conditions | Essential for Mid-to-High-End Brands |
| ECO PASSPORT | Chemicals & Dyes | Ensures the safety of textile chemicals | Important for Premium Brands |
| MADE IN GREEN | Traceable Product Label | Provides full supply-chain traceability via QR code | Valuable for Transparency Marketing |
When it comes to selecting a suitable sweater factory, the two most important things to understand are STANDARD 100 (product certification) and STeP (factory certification).
STANDARD 100: the most important product certification
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is currently the most widely used textile safety certification globally; its symbol is a green label bearing the text “TESTED FOR HARMFUL SUBSTANCES” and a certification number.
Key Items for Certification Testing:
- Banned Azo Dyes: Certain azo dyes can break down into carcinogenic aromatic amines. STANDARD 100 tests for more than 100 potentially harmful substances, including restricted azo dyes.
- Formaldehyde Content: Excessive formaldehyde can irritate the skin and respiratory system. The STANDARD 100 limits are often stricter than many national regulations.
- Heavy Metals: Strict limits are placed on heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel.
- pH Value: Excessively acidic or alkaline textiles may cause skin irritation and discomfort.
- Pesticide Residues: Natural fibers such as cotton and wool may contain traces of pesticides, which are monitored under the certification requirements.
- Colorfastness Performance: Ensures that dyes do not excessively transfer to the skin, clothing, or other materials during use.
| Product Class | Applicable Products | Requirement Level |
|---|---|---|
| Product Class I | Infant and Baby Products (0–3 Years) | Most stringent; limits for substances such as formaldehyde are close to zero |
| Product Class II | Adult Clothing in Direct Contact with Skin | Strict requirements; suitable for next-to-skin knitwear and sweaters |
| Product Class III | Outerwear Not in Direct Contact with Skin | Standard requirements; suitable for jackets and coats |
| Product Class IV | Decorative and Interior Textile Materials | Basic requirements |
STeP: Sustainability Certification at the Factory Level
STeP (Sustainable Textile Production) is a certification designed for manufacturing facilities. Rather than evaluating the product itself, it assesses the factory’s production methods and management systems, assigning a comprehensive score based on six key modules: Chemicals Management, Environmental Performance, Environmental Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Social Responsibility, and Quality Management.
STeP certification is becoming an increasingly critical criterion for high-end European brands when selecting suppliers—demanding not only product safety but also sustainability throughout the entire supply chain. Factories holding STeP certification therefore possess a distinct competitive advantage when securing mid-to-high-end orders from clients in Europe and the Americas.
How do I verify the authenticity of a certification?
OEKO-TEX certifications are susceptible to issues such as counterfeiting and expiration. We must proactively verify their validity rather than simply relying on the PDF documents presented by the other party.
Visit the Official Website
Go to www.oeko-tex.com and click on the “Certificate Search” section.
Enter the Certificate Number
Each certificate has a unique identification number. Enter the number to verify the certification.
Verify Key Information
Confirm the supplier name, certificate validity, and certified product category.
Check Certificate Validity
STANDARD 100 certificates are renewed annually, while STeP certifications are typically renewed every three years.
What does having a certification mean?
STANDARD 100 Signifies: This specific batch of products has undergone independent third-party testing and is free from specified harmful substances; it serves as a verifiable assurance of “product safety” for consumers.
STANDARD 100 Does *Not* Signify: It does *not* imply that the product is “organic”—acrylic fibers, for instance, can also obtain this certification. It does *not* imply that the factory’s production processes are environmentally friendly—the product certification applies solely to the product itself. Furthermore, it does *not* guarantee that every subsequent batch is safe—theoretically, if the batch of yarn used is changed, re-testing is required.
