BCI, GOTS and OCS: the organic and better-cotton landscape

On this page

The quick map
Why the distinction matters
How to verify
Which to ask for

The quick map

Standard	What it certifies
BCI (Better Cotton)	Not organic. Better cotton farming practice, tracked by a mass-balance system, not by a physical chain to your roll.
OCS (Organic Content Standard)	Verified organic content from 5% upward, with chain of custody. Simpler than GOTS.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)	Organic processing standard: from 70% organic fibre for the label, 95% for “organic” wording, plus chemical and social rules.

Why the distinction matters

BCI is a practice claim — it does not certify that the cotton in your specific garment is organic.
OCS and GOTS do verify organic content and track it to the lot via transaction certificates.
GOTS also governs processing (approved chemicals, wastewater, social criteria), so it is stricter than OCS on the making, not just the fibre.

How to verify

OCS and GOTS scope certificates are checked at GOTS and Textile Exchange; BCI at Better Cotton. As always, confirm the number resolves to the exact legal entity — see the verification guide.

Which to ask for

If your brand needs a defensible “organic” claim, ask for GOTS or OCS with a transaction certificate. If you are supporting more sustainable cotton farming without an organic claim, BCI is the relevant programme — but do not let one stand in for the other in a spec.

We hold all three; the list and verification links are on the compliance page.

Common questions

Is BCI the same as organic?

No. BCI is a better-farming practice programme tracked by mass balance; it does not certify that the cotton in your specific garment is organic.

GOTS or OCS — which should I require?

Both verify organic content with chain of custody. GOTS also imposes processing, chemical and social rules, so it is stricter on how the cloth is made. Pick based on whether you need those processing rules.