GRS Global Recycled Standard

GRS Global Recycled Standard

Standard Introduction

The Global Recycled Standard (GRS), developed by Textile Exchange, is an international voluntary standard that verifies the recycled content in products and conducts a comprehensive assessment of social responsibility, environmental management, and chemical use throughout the supply chain. Applicable to any product containing at least 20% recycled material, GRS is one of the most authoritative certifications for recycled content in the textile, apparel, and related industries.

Review Content

• Recycled Content Verification:Verify the source, content ratio, and material balance of recycled materials.
• Supply Chain TraceabilityEnd-to-end traceability of the full supply chain from recycling to finished product
• Social Responsibility:Labor rights protection, health and safety conditions, prohibition of discrimination and forced labor
• Environment Management:Energy and water usage, wastewater discharge, waste management, carbon emissions
• Chemical Control:Restrict hazardous chemicals to meet ZDHC MRSL requirements
• Labels & Declarations:Ensure the recycled content claim on product labels is accurate and credible.

Audit Process

1. Enterprises submit applications to certification bodies recognized by Textile Exchange.
2. The certification body conducts document review and on-site audits.
3. Audit scope includes recycled material procurement records, production processes, warehousing management, and transaction certificates.
4. Issue GRS certification and Scope Certificate upon approval
5. A Transaction Certificate is required for each shipment.
6. Annual surveillance audits ensure ongoing compliance

Fee Details

GRS certification fees include initial audit and annual surveillance audit costs, which vary based on company size and supply chain complexity, typically ranging from RMB 25,000 to 60,000. Transaction certificates are charged separately.

Accredited Institutions

Certification must be conducted by a Textile Exchange-approved certification body, including Control Union, Intertek, SGS, TÜV Rheinland, and others.

Certificate validity period

GRS Scope Certificate (SC) is valid for one year and requires annual surveillance audits for renewal. Transaction Certificates (TC) are issued per batch.