What is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100?
Understanding what OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 tests for and what its certification tells you about a textile product.
Aug 20, 2025 · 5 min readOEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a certification for textiles that have been tested for harmful substances. It applies to finished textile products and their components, including fabrics, threads, buttons and other accessories, with requirements based on how closely each product comes into contact with the skin.
What does OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certify?
The standard tests textiles against a list of potentially harmful substances, including chemicals that are regulated or considered harmful to human health. The requirements become stricter for products that have more direct contact with the skin, such as underwear and baby clothing. Testing is carried out by independent OEKO-TEX® institutes.
What does OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 actually tell you?
An OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification tells you that the certified product has been tested for harmful substances and meets the standard's limits. It does not certify that the fibres are organic or natural, nor does it assess the overall environmental impact of the product. A polyester garment can therefore be OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified.
