Responsible Knits: A Compliance Primer for Buyers
OEKO-TEX, GRS, RWS, BSCI — what the labels mean, what they cost, and which questions to ask suppliers.
By Puyuan Fashions Editorial
Product-level vs factory-level
Certifications fall into two buckets: product-level (OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GRS, RWS) and factory-level (BSCI, SEDEX, ISO 9001). A supplier may hold both — but check that the certificate covers the actual product and site you are buying from.
Questions worth asking
Ask for the certificate number and issuing body, the audit date, and which product groups are covered. For recycled content, request the transaction certificate; for wool and cashmere, request fibre-origin or RWS scope documentation.
Compliance as a buying advantage
Buyers who bring clear compliance criteria into their RFQs get faster, more accurate answers — and avoid the expensive surprise of a failed customs or retailer audit later.
Ready to plan your next season?
Join the platform and shortlist suppliers within minutes — free for buyers.