Guide to Using OEKO-TEX® Labels & Logos

NEW: OEKO-TEX® Brand & Retailer Directory

OEKO-TEX® Rebrand

The 2-year customer transition period ends December 2024.

OEKO-TEX® trademark rules protect our brand and yours.

Consistent, recognizable and verifiable labels enable better decisions and build trust with consumers.

These rules also help protect against greenwashing and comply with initiatives. For example, the EU Consumer Agenda requires claims to be verifiable, reliable and transparent so that consumers are empowered to play an active role in the green transition.

These rules should be followed for any reference to an OEKO-TEX® certification or label.

Make sure the product is covered in the scope of the valid certificate
Use the correct reference
Ingredient labeling is strictly prohibited
Always ensure clear reference and separation from unrelated or unofficial claims
Know the differences between a logo vs label, product vs company labels and appropriate uses for each
Include all required elements of a label (there are several layout options)
Comply with minimum size, color specifications and design rules to ensure legibility and brand consistency

Label Editor

Correct Reference

Includes capitalization (e.g. "OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100"), registered trademark symbol and approved supporting language.

OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN

Trademarked Certification Name & Capitalization:
"OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN"

(Previously: MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®)

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

(One of several label layout options)

Official Supporting Messages:

Certification Promise: Sustainable and safe
Key Statement: Better all round: responsibly produced textiles & leather
Description: Textiles and leather labeled OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN are produced sustainably in a socially responsible workplace. Purchase them with confidence that they are fully traceable and meet our strict consumer safety standards. This label supports both better working conditions and a healthier planet.

These modular statements can be adapted and combined.

[Easily Add or remove the bracketed phrases.]

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

B2C

Products carrying the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label are produced in responsible workplaces. Purchase them with confidence that they are traceable and tested for harmful substances.
Make informed and responsible purchasing decisions with OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN.
We’ve made it easy for you to shop responsibly. OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN labeled products have been tested for harmful substances to protect your family.
Scan the QR code or enter the unique product ID in the oeko-tex.com Label Check to see how and where this OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN labeled product was made.

B2B Traceability

Our OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN labeled products can be traced using their unique product ID [and the oeko-tex.com Label Check].

B2B Safety + Production

[Every/Each/This/Our] OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN labeled item[s] was [were] extensively tested according to OEKO-TEX® safety criteria for consumer health.
[Every/Each/This/Our] OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN labeled item[s] was [were] produced in certified and audited production facilities.
[Every/Each/This/Our] OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN labeled item[s] was [were] extensively tested according to OEKO-TEX® safety criteria for consumer health and produced in certified and audited production facilities.

Please obtain approval for any unofficial copy or translations.

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

Trademarked Certification Name & Capitalization:
"OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100"

(Previously: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®)

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

(One of several label layout options)

Official Supporting Messages:

Certification Promise: Textiles you can trust
Key Statement: The original safety standard: for everyday confidence
Description: Setting the standard for textile safety, from yarn to finished product. Every item bearing the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label has passed safety tests for the presence of harmful substances.

These modular statements can be adapted and combined.

[Easily Add or remove the bracketed phrases.]

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

B2C Safety

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 sets the standard for textile safety, from yarn to finished product. Every product carrying the label has passed laboratory tests for harmful substances.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 keeps you and your family safe by testing [each component of] a certified product against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances.
Each component of [an/this] OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified item has been tested for substances that could harm your health.
Each component of [an/this] OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified product has been tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances.

B2C Trust

You can trust OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified products because they have been laboratory tested with strict scientific standards to protect your health.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 [certificate/label] validity can be verified using the oeko-tex.com Label Check.

B2B Compliance

Our OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified [products] have been independently tested for harmful substances according to [extensive] scientific criteria [that go beyond global regulations].
Using OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified products help [you] comply with chemical requirements, such as REACH and CPSIA.
The comprehensive OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 testing criteria are based in science [and stay ahead of global regulations].

B2B Safety, Product Class 1

This product is certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 product class 1, with testing to the strictest requirements [and limit values] [safe enough for babies].

B2B Lab Tested

Each component of [an/this] OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified product has been laboratory tested and meets [strict] limit values for over 1,000 harmful substances.

Please obtain approval for any unofficial copy or translations.

OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD

Trademarked Certification Name & Capitalization:
"OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD"

(Previously: LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX®)

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

(One of several label layout options)

Official Supporting Messages:

Certification Promise: Leather you can trust
Key Statement: A better and safer choice: tested with your health in mind
Description: Whether a sofa, a shoe, or anything in between, an item bearing the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD label is a better and safer choice for your health. Leather that meets this standard has been expertly tested for the presence of harmful substances.

These modular statements can be adapted and combined.

[Easily Add or remove the bracketed phrases.]

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

B2C Trust

You can trust OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD certified products, which have been laboratory tested with strict scientific standards to protect your health.
OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD [certificate/label] validity can be verified using the oeko-tex.com Label Check.

B2B Lab Tested

Each component of [an/this] OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD certified product has been laboratory tested and conforms to strict limit values [for over 1,000 harmful substances].

Please obtain approval for any unofficial copy or translations.

OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON

Trademarked Certification Name & Capitalization:
"ORGANIC COTTON"

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

(One of several label layout options)

Official Supporting Messages:

Certification Promise: Verified from farm to product.
Key Statement: Organic by nature: certified by the experts
Description: Choose OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON for a caring approach to our environment and your health. Our ORGANIC COTTON certification offers verification from farm to product. Products bearing this label have been manufactured without the use of GMOs and tested for pesticides and other harmful substances.

These modular statements can be adapted and combined.

[Easily Add or remove the bracketed phrases.]

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

B2C Trust and Safety

Our [product] is OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certified and tested according to extensive, scientific standards [to protect your health and nature].
Our [product] is OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certified and tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances.

B2B Trust and Safety

[Our/This] OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certified product was rigorously tested for harmful substances.
Each component of [an/this] OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certified item has been tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances, including pesticides.

Please obtain approval for any unofficial copy or translations.

OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT

Trademarked Certification Name & Capitalization:
"OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT"

(Previously: ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®)

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

(One of several label layout options)

Official Supporting Messages:

Certification Promise: Developed with respect for nature
Key Statement: Greener chemistry: for a cleaner planet
Description: Chemicals that meet the OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT standard have passed strict environmental safety tests. By deploying greener chemistry, we support cleaner production processes and safer products.

These modular statements can be adapted and combined.

[Easily Add or remove the bracketed phrases.]

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

B2B Compliance

Our OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified [chemicals/dyes/auxiliaries] help you comply with global safety regulations and supply chain requirements.
OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified chemicals align with industry initiatives, such as ZDHC and contribute to safer products.

B2B OEKO-TEX® Modular System Benefits

Choosing our OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified [chemicals/dyes/auxiliaries] simplifies your OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and STeP certification processes.
Using OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified chemicals makes the process of obtaining downstream OEKO-TEX® certifications [, such as OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100/OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD/OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON/OEKO-TEX® STeP,] more efficient and affordable.

Please obtain approval for any unofficial copy or translations.

OEKO-TEX® STeP

Trademarked Certification Name & Capitalization:
"OEKO-TEX® STeP"

(Previously: STeP by OEKO-TEX®)

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

(One of several label layout options)

Official Supporting Messages:

Certification Promise: Responsible production for people and planet
Key Statement: Caring for producers: caring for our world
Description: OEKO-TEX® STeP certification sets the highest standards for both social and environmental aspects of textile and leather production. This label is a sign of responsibility towards people and planet: it requires a sustainable approach throughout the manufacturing process.

These modular statements can be adapted and combined.

[Easily Add or remove the bracketed phrases.]

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

B2B System

This facility has been independently audited and certified according to [strict/rigorous] OEKO-TEX® STeP criteria.
Our facility earned OEKO-TEX® STeP certification after comprehensive assessment of our production processes.
Our facility has been OEKO-TEX® STeP certified after comprehensive analysis and assessment of our chemical management, environmental performance, environmental management, worker health and safety, social responsibility and quality management.
Choosing our OEKO-TEX® STeP certified facility makes obtaining your [OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label/OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS certification] more efficient and affordable.

Please obtain approval for any unofficial copy or translations.

OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Trademarked Certification Name & Capitalization:
"OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS"

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

(One of several label layout options)

Official Supporting Messages:

Certification Promise: Ensuring due diligence
Key Statement: Thinking global: due diligence in the supply chain
Description: A certified OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS looks beyond its own operations. High standards and sustainable development are maintained throughout its global supply chain. A business awarded this label is dedicated to practicing due diligence, protecting both human rights and the environment.

These modular statements can be adapted and combined.

[Easily Add or remove the bracketed phrases.]

Please DO NOT use browser translation. Only official translations are allowed.

B2B Compliance

Our company’s due diligence efforts are OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS certified. We are actively monitoring risks to people and the planet in our own operations and throughout our global supply chain.
Our OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS certification [independently] proves that we are protecting human rights in our own operations and throughout our global chain.

Please obtain approval for any unofficial copy or translations.

Logos vs. Labels

Logo: NOT enough information for referencing a qualified product. Label: Includes required verification info not found on the logo.

Logo: NOT enough information for referencing a certified product. Label: Includes required verification info not found on the logo.

Logo: NOT enough information for referencing a certified chemical. Label: Includes required verification info not found on the logo.

Logo: NOT enough information for referencing a certified facility. Label: Includes required verification info not found on the logo.

Logo: NOT enough information for referencing a certified business. Label: Includes required verification info not found on the logo.

Appropriate uses:

Logos:

NOT enough information for referencing a qualified product or business.

Never on, nor in reference to, a specific product
Use for: general company statements about sustainability, responsible sourcing or stewardship practices in company marketing materials
Only by: OEKO-TEX® customers with valid certificate/label, distributers/retailers who carry at least one product with a valid certificate, OEKO-TEX® institutes, media, collaborating organizations
Only with approval: please send requests to usa@hohenstein.com
Highly recommended: include a suggestion to look for the label on qualified products

Labels:

Includes required verification info not found on the logo.

Always in clear reference to a specific, qualified product/company/facility
To promote certifications through marketing materials, webpages, social media, point of sale displays, catalogues, media, advertisements, etc.
In clear connection with the product/company/facility whose OEKO-TEX® certificate number or product ID it bears

Clear Reference

Required for any reference, including label/text positioning, webpages, copy, signage, PR, advertising, marketing, etc.

Correct ID

Correct ID (and Visible) for Traceability and Validation

All references must include the specific and valid label number plus the testing institute name.

Nothing should cover or obscure the legibility.

Specific Reference

Which product/facility/process is certified?

For all references, it must be absolutely clear to which product/facility/process the OEKO-TEX® label refers.

Certification Type

Product vs Company

Product Certifications:

OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD and OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON must reference the specific, certified product(s)
OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT must reference the specific, certified chemical(s)

Business Certifications (may NOT be used on, or in reference to, products):

OEKO-TEX® STeP must reference the specific, certified facility
OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS must reference the specific, certified management process

Online Reference

Mentioning a Certification Online

If an OEKO-TEX® claim is mentioned online, the corresponding label must be included on either the packaging or the product itself.

Online references must follow the labeling and design rules.

Text Reference

Referencing the Certification as Text

The easiest way to comply is using the full label image. If an image is not possible, you can reference the certification as text as long as minimum elements are included:

Certification name
Certificate number
Institute

Examples:

Certified safe from harmful chemicals to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 with [Institute Name], Certificate number [Certificate Number]
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified | [Certificate Number] | [Institute Name]

Advertisement Label

Advertisement Label For OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 & MADE IN GREEN

Helps promote certified products, but does NOT replace the product label.

The OEKO-TEX® advertisement label may be used to promote certified products—but only under strict conditions.

Unlike product labels, which are tied to certified products, the advertisement label can summarize multiple product labels under one label/number. This is especially useful for internal logistics or retail environments where listing every individual product ID isn’t possible.

It may be used on outer packaging or promotional materials if the product itself is correctly labeled with the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 or MADE IN GREEN product label
Important: The advertisement label must always correspond to a valid summary certificate
It cannot be used as a stand-alone claim or replace the specific OEKO-TEX® label affixed to the certified item

Who can use the advertising label?

OEKO-TEX® customers with at least one valid MADE IN GREEN or STANDARD 100 product label, and a corresponding summary certificate
Retailers who carry certified products may request their own advertisement label—if those products are correctly labeled

Where and how can it be used?

Only when direct product labeling is not possible
NEVER on the product, product hangtags or product-specific web pages
On outer product packaging (e.g. boxes or shipping cartons), catalogs, brochures or POS signage
In marketing campaigns referencing certified product groups
Only if it is obvious to the consumer which products are certified—to maintain transparency and avoid misleading claims

All OEKO-TEX® labeling rules apply.

Ingredient Labeling

Statements or labeling that reference certified components, when the product itself has not been certified, are strictly prohibited.

Red X crossing out "The fabric in this product is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified"

The full product and each of its components must be successfully tested to reference the certification or use the label.

Blog: Labeling and Greenwashing

Label Anatomy and Layout Options

The minimum requirement for a label is:
- Branding: logo
- Traceability information: number and test institute - or - QR code
Additional layouts combine the OEKO-TEX® website and traceability info
Label owners use the label editor on myOEKO-TEX® to choose and download the file in several layouts, colors and file formats (svg, eps, pdf, png)
Label layouts may NOT be manually rearranged after download

Layout Options - Minimum to Maximum

Versions of the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label identifying label elements — OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 - Labels require identification and traceability information. Optional elements can be added and combined in these formats.

Versions of the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD label identifying label elements — OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD - Labels require identification and traceability information. Optional elements can be added and combined in these formats.

Versions of the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON label identifying label elements — Labels require identification and traceability information. Optional elements can be added and combined in these formats.

Versions of the OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT label identifying label elements — OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT - Labels require identification and traceability information. Optional elements can be added and combined in these formats.

Versions of the OEKO-TEX® STeP sustainable factory label identifying label elements — OEKO-TEX® STeP - Labels require identification and traceability information. Optional elements can be added and combined in these formats.

Versions of the OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS label identifying label elements — OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS - Labels require identification and traceability information. Optional elements can be added and combined in these formats.

Versions of the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label identifying label elements — OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN - Labels require identification and traceability information. Optional elements can be added and combined in these formats.

Clear Separation of Claims

Unrelated and/or unofficial claims must be clearly separated from label contents.

Safe Zone Around Label

Ensure label meets the minimum total size and leave a safe zone around the edge of the label. The minimum safe zone is the size of the "x" in the OEKO-TEX® logo. (The safe zone is in addition to the label's built in white space).

Size Specifications for Legibility

Minimum sizes should be followed for all printed/digital and woven labels. Remember to resize proportionately (never skew)!

OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN

OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN - Product Label - Minimum Sizes

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 14.5 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 - Product Label - Minimum Sizes

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 14.5 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 17 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 PPE

Special Articles

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 17 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Special Articles

OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD

OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD - Product Label - Minimum Sizes

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 14.5 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD

Special Articles

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 17 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD Special Articles

OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON

OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON - Product Label - Minimum Sizes

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 14.5 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON

Blended

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 14.5 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON Blended

OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT

OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT - B2B Product Label - Minimum Sizes

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 14.5 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT

OEKO-TEX® STeP

OEKO-TEX® STeP - Factory Label - Minimum Sizes

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 14.5 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® STeP

OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS - Management Process Label - Minimum Sizes

Smallest layout: 15 mm (.6") x 14.5 mm

PDF: Minimum Sizes - OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Color Options:

Any deviations from the defined colors must be approved before use.

PDF: OEKO-TEX® Color Values

OEKO-TEX® labels shown in 3 different layouts for all 4 color variations — Color Options - OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN

Examples of edits/variations that are NOT allowed:

Label Files

Downloading customized label files:
Label owners should download the label with correct ID and institute from myOEKO-TEX®. (How to access? Use our Quickstart Guide.)
Translations and additional text:
- Unlike previous versions, the current labels do not include explanatory text inside the label. Therefore, the new labels come in one language only.
- Accurate explanations can be added outside of the official labels.
  Please obtain approval for any unofficial text or translations.
Using supplier labels:
- Only allowed if product from the supplier is resold without changes
- Ensure that product is included in the certificate scope - require valid certificates with purchase
- Label files should be obtained from the label owner