OEKO-TEX® has addressed the EmpCo requirements through a number of concrete governance measures, including: the conversion of the limited liability company (GmbH) into a corporation (AG), together with a new Statute of Independence; the establishment of an Independence Council and an anonymous whistleblowing system; an accreditation agreement with annexes aligned with ISO/IEC 17065; and the Board of Directors as the highest decision-making body.

Yes. OEKO-TEX® meets the requirements EmpCo sets for a certification scheme. This entails: clear rules for open access and fair, non-discriminatory conditions; robust procedures for non-compliance and withdrawal; and an institutionally anchored, transparent and verifiable independence of conformity assessment.

EmpCo enters into force on 27 September 2026 and sets out more precisely the requirements for certification schemes underpinning sustainability labels. OEKO-TEX® is taking this as an opportunity to further strengthen its governance and ensure that its certification system meets these requirements in a transparent, demonstrable and forward-looking way.

The OEKO-TEX® governance implemented in August 2026 clearly separates standard-setting from conformity assessment and anchors independence institutionally. This includes, among other measures, an Independence Statute, an Independence Council, an anonymous whistleblowing system, and ISO-aligned requirements for conformity assessment.

There are no changes to day-to-day operations. Testing, auditing and certification processes continue as before. What is strengthened is the demonstrable independence of the system as the basis for legally sound and credible sustainability communication.