The Organic Content Standard (OCS) 3.0 is now launched after the conclusion of a regular revision process involving an International Working Group and following Textile Exchange’s Standard Setting Procedures. “The Organic Content Standard was our first standard and the basis of establishing our Chain of Custody, which is the backbone for all of our standards. I am proud of the evolution of the OCS through the revision process. It remains a key tool for supporting and stabilizing organic fibers,” La Rhea Pepper, Managing Director at Textile Exchange.
Updates in OCS 3.0 standard include:
• The former OCS Implementation Manual is now divided into two documents. The OCS User Manual provides interpretation and guidance for users of the standard while the OCS Certification Procedures details requirements certification bodies must follow.
• More robust traceability between the farm and first processor.
• GMO testing for organic cotton must occur in accordance with Textile Exchange’s OCS-103 GMO Screening of Organic Cotton
• Organic wool inputs must be non-mulesed (according to the non-mulesed definition of the Responsible Wool Standard) or from a farm with ceased-mulesing status
• Certified organizations must now maintain technical specifications for all OCS materials.
The standard can be downloaded here
About OCS
The OCS requires certification of the entire supply chain starting at the first processor of organically grown material through to the final business to business seller. It also requires transaction certificates between each buyer and seller of OCS certified product. The ending result is a consumer-facing logo and claim about the organically grown content.
The OCS also allows labelling of verified in-conversion or transitional organically grown material in order to provide those farmers that are required to wait two to three years when switching from conventionally grown crops with an incentive to do so.
Upcoming OCS 3.0 Webinar:
Want to learn even more about OCS 3.0? Join us for a free webinar on Thursday, April 30 at 10:00 am CDT/11:00 am EST to introduce the newly revised standard and have your questions answered.
Online Registartion can be had here