Why do they fail ethical certification?
As the ethical fashion market expands, an increasing number of brands are trying to obtain certifications such as GOTS, Fair Trade, and OEKO-TEX. However, in reality, there are many cases where they fail the inspection and are unable to obtain the certification. In this article, we will delve into the main reasons for this and provide practical measures to avoid failure.
Misunderstanding of requirements and lack of preparation
The most common cause is a lack of understanding of the certification standards. For example, GOTS requires that the organic ratio be at least 95% throughout the entire manufacturing process, but even if the relevant materials are used in some processes, if the entire process is not covered, the product will fail. In addition, Fair Trade certification requires direct contracts with producer associations and transparency in revenue distribution, but there are many cases where products fail due to insufficient contracts or traceability.
Incomplete submitted documents
Omissions and formal errors in required documents are surprisingly common. In particular, with GOTS, it is essential that the raw material certificate, processing history, and certification numbers for the entire supply chain match. It is natural that small businesses and first-time applicants have trouble preparing the documents, so professional supervision is recommended.
POINT If your application is rejected due to incomplete documents, it will not be reviewed, and resubmission will take time and cost money.
Lack of management at process outsourcing companies
Under the certification system, if manufacturing or dyeing is outsourced, the outsourced company must also meet the standards. This is often overlooked, especially since OEKO-TEX certification covers the final processing stage, so the equipment, chemicals, and wastewater treatment methods of third-party companies are also subject to review.
Human resources and management challenges
To obtain certification, cooperation between multiple departments, including management, manufacturing, quality control, and documentation, is essential. Small and medium-sized enterprises often do not have this system in place, and applications are submitted without a clear definition of "who will do what," which can lead to internal discrepancies. The presence or absence of an internal audit system and education system is also looked at during the review.
Companies that have successfully achieved POINT start by improving their internal structure.
Discrepancy between reality and records
Examiners will not only check documents, but also conduct on-site inspections and online interviews to confirm the actual situation. If the submitted documents do not match the actual situation, not only will you be rejected, but you may also be considered to have made intentional false statements. Particular attention should be paid to records of production volume, materials used, and working hours.
Misperception of cost-effectiveness
In some cases, the benefits of certification are not worth the cost, and companies give up on obtaining certification altogether. One reason for this is that the essence of certification is seen only as a "marketing strategy" or "differentiation tool." If the company does not design a strategy for using the certification after it has been obtained, it is only natural that the return on investment will seem low.
Points to prepare before obtaining
- Complete understanding of certification standards and inspection items
- Check the entire process, including the contractor
- Allocation of dedicated staff and organizational development
- Prior investigation of past acquisition cases and NG cases
- On-site inspection measures and ensuring record integrity
Obtaining POINT is just the start, and the branding strategy involves how to communicate the significance of the certification to customers.
summary
POINTAcquiring ethical certification is not just a procedure, but an important process that calls into question the brand's stance. By understanding the points where mistakes can easily be made in advance and planning the whole process, you can pass the review smoothly and build a truly trustworthy brand.