OEKO-TEX® is a global certification scheme for textile and leather sustainability with accredited certification bodies in Europe and Japan that are represented in more than 70 countries. The certification body conducts both laboratory tests and company audits in accordance with our global guidelines.
We believe good governance means input from every part of our community — customers, accredited certification bodies and independent experts alike.
Our governance structure is built on this principle, working together to keep OEKO-TEX® strategically as well as operationally sound, and above all, independent and impartial. This framework consistently separates standard setting and conformity assessment, anchors independence institutionally, and strengthens the global certification system in the long term.
The Board of Directors is the highest governance body. It oversees the management and determines the strategic direction of the company. This includes setting long-term goals and monitoring the operational implementation by the management.
The Independence Council is the oversight body. It is responsible for overseeing and safeguarding the independence and standard-setting activities of OEKO-TEX®. The Council consists of members drawn from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise relevant to OEKO-TEX®'s work.
The Council reviews and handles complaints and reports relating to possible breaches of independence, and reports regularly to the Board of Directors, with extraordinary incidents escalated immediately to the Chairman of the Board. It approves an annual independence and compliance report published by OEKO-TEX®. Additionally, the Council provides guidance to the CEO of OEKO-TEX AG on the organisation's strategic direction.
Accredited Certification Bodies are responsible for implementing the OEKO-TEX® quality assurance system, applying its standards, procedures, and tools on a daily basis. Their expertise is important for advising on the development of requirements for OEKO-TEX®'s certification schemes.
To draw on this expertise, OEKO-TEX® established the Certification Body Council, in which each accredited Certification Body is represented by a designated expert. The Council has a consulting role on all matters relating to the OEKO-TEX® quality assurance system and the organisation's broader vision. This council ensures a consistent interpretation of the standard's criteria and requirements across all Certification Bodies.
