On 16th May 2013 the formal revision process to develop GOTS Version 4.0 started with an initial stakeholder input period. Beside the members of the IWG and the approved certifiers, also nineteen stakeholder organisations which operate internationally with expertise in the field of organic production, textile processing, textile chemistry and social criteria and representing the industry, NGOs and consumer interests in our program are invited to participate.
Some of the topics that will be addressed in the revision are the development of more specific and applicable requirements for product groups of the non-garment sector (e.g. personal care products and mattresses), specifications of requirements for non-textile accessories and the approach towards sustainable fibre developments (recycled fibres, regenerated fibres from organic/sustainable renewable sources).
GOTS Version 4.0 is expected to be released in March 2014 followed by a one year transition period for users of GOTS to fully comply with the new version. Details on the revision procedure, timetable and a list of the invited stakeholder organisations are available here.