What is OEKO-TEX certification in textiles? Do Indian buyers need to care about it?

OEKO-TEX is an independent international certification system for textiles. The most common standard is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — which certifies that a textile product has been tested for and is free from harmful substances (over 100 potentially harmful chemicals are tested).

What it covers: Dyes, heavy metals, pesticides, formaldehyde, pH levels, and other substances that could harm human health.

Why Indian wholesale buyers should know about it:

• Export: European and US buyers increasingly require OEKO-TEX certification — especially for children garments and baby wear
• Premium domestic market: Urban D2C brands and premium boutiques are starting to use OEKO-TEX as a marketing differentiator
• Baby products: OEKO-TEX is near-mandatory for export of baby garments

For mainstream domestic wholesale: Most Tier 2 and Tier 3 city retail buyers do not ask for OEKO-TEX. It becomes relevant as your business grows into exports or premium brand positioning.