Oeko-Tex Standard 100 — deep dive
Oeko-Tex tests textiles for harmful substances — four product classes by skin-contact intensity, 1000+ banned/restricted substances list, batch-tested at independent lab.
What Oeko-Tex tests
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a product-level certification that tests textiles (and components — buttons, zippers, threads, prints, accessories) for harmful substances. Four product classes: I (baby, ≤3 years, strictest limits), II (skin-contact, e.g. T-shirts, underwear), III (low skin-contact, e.g. coats), IV (decorative, e.g. tablecloths). Tests 1000+ substances: AZO dyes (banned aromatic amines), formaldehyde, heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg), phthalates, pesticide residues, chlorinated phenols, organic tin compounds, PFCs / PFAS.
How it differs from GOTS
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 = harmful-substances product-test certification. GOTS = organic-content + social + environmental process certification. Different scope: a 100% conventional polyester garment can be Oeko-Tex certified (it just doesn't contain harmful chemistry) but cannot be GOTS (not organic). Most premium merch combines both: GOTS-organic cotton tested to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Product Class II. Oeko-Tex annual batch testing required; certification expires yearly.
Pricing — Poland
PLN pricing excluding VAT. Standard lead 5-8 working days, rush production +35% delivers in 3-5 days. Production hub serves the whole country. VAT 23%, e-invoices via KSeF (Krajowy System e-Faktur). Warszawa hub.
FAQ
Cost?
License + testing 500-2500 EUR / product / year depending on class. Re-test annually.
Product class for merch?
T-shirts, hoodies, polos = Class II (skin contact). Jackets, bags, tote bags = Class III. Decorative items = Class IV.
Print testing?
Yes — Oeko-Tex tests printed garment including print inks. Plastisol with phthalates fails; water-based pigment, discharge, silicone-based pass.
Made in Green?
Oeko-Tex Made in Green is additional label adding manufacturing process audit (akin to a lighter GOTS) + chain-of-custody.
Required by buyers?
Increasingly: H&M, Inditex, IKEA, Lidl mandate Oeko-Tex 100 in supplier contracts. Becoming default for EU mass-market apparel.