When sourcing textiles from Pakistan, certifications are one of the most important due diligence checks a buyer can perform. A credible mill will hold certifications that verify its manufacturing processes, chemical safety standards, and social compliance. This guide explains the key certifications relevant to textile procurement — what each one means, what it covers, and how to verify it.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is the most widely recognised certification in the textile industry. It certifies that every component of a textile product — fabric, thread, labels, and accessories — has been tested for harmful substances and found safe for human health. For hospitality buyers, this is particularly important for products that come into direct contact with skin (towels, robes, bed linen). An OEKO-TEX certificate is issued per product class: Class I (for baby products), Class II (for direct skin contact), and Class III (for products not in direct contact). Verify any OEKO-TEX certificate on the official OEKO-TEX label check website — certificates have an expiry date and must be renewed annually.
ISO 9001 — Quality Management System
ISO 9001 certifies that a manufacturer has a documented and audited quality management system in place. It does not certify the quality of the product itself, but it does verify that the factory has consistent processes for controlling quality, handling non-conformances, and managing customer requirements. For buyers, ISO 9001 is a signal that the factory takes quality management seriously — though it should be one of several checks rather than a standalone decision factor.
GOTS — Global Organic Textile Standard
GOTS certification covers the entire supply chain for organic textiles — from raw cotton fibre to finished product. To hold GOTS certification, a manufacturer must source certified organic cotton (no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers) and must meet strict environmental and social criteria in processing (no harmful dyes, wastewater treatment, fair working conditions). GOTS is the appropriate certification for buyers who need to make credible organic claims to their end customers — particularly relevant for retail brands targeting eco-conscious consumers.
Sedex / SMETA — Social Compliance Audit
Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is a platform for sharing supply chain audit data. The associated SMETA audit (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) covers labour standards, health and safety, business ethics, and environmental management. Many European and North American retail brands require their suppliers to hold a current SMETA 2-Pillar or 4-Pillar audit on the Sedex platform. Unlike certifications, SMETA is an audit report rather than a certificate — you access it through the Sedex platform once the supplier adds you as a buyer.
REACH Compliance (for EU Buyers)
The EU REACH regulation restricts the use of certain hazardous chemical substances in products sold in the European Union. Pakistani manufacturers exporting to the EU should be able to provide a REACH compliance declaration for their dyes and finishing chemicals. This is typically covered by OEKO-TEX certification, but some buyers also require a separate REACH declaration from the chemical supplier. Confirm this requirement with your import compliance team before placing orders.
How to Verify Certificates
Always verify certificates directly rather than relying on copies provided by the supplier. OEKO-TEX: use the Label Check tool at oeko-tex.com. ISO 9001: ask for the certificate and the name of the certifying body (e.g., Bureau Veritas, SGS, TÜV). Verify the certificate number directly with the certifying body. GOTS: search the GOTS public database at global-standard.org. Sedex: you must be registered on the Sedex platform and the supplier must grant you access to their audit report.
Certifications and SafatTex
SafatTex holds OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification for our terry towel range. We are able to manufacture to GOTS-certified organic cotton specifications on request (minimum order quantities apply). We are registered on the Sedex platform. If you require specific certification documentation as part of your supplier qualification process, contact us and we will provide the relevant certificates and verification details.