1. What is a Textile Exchange audit? A Textile Exchange audit is a verification process used to assess a company's compliance with one or more Textile Exchange standards, such as the Organic Content Standard (OCS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), or Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
2. Who performs Textile Exchange audits? Audits are conducted by approved third-party Certification Bodies (CBs) that are accredited to conduct audits against Textile Exchange standards. Contact your local IDFL office here for more information.
3. How often are Textile Exchange audits required? Typically, audits are conducted annually. However, the frequency may vary depending on the certification scope, product risk level, and past performance of the facility.
4. What is the scope of a Textile Exchange audit? The scope includes production processes, raw material sourcing, material tracking, mass balance, transaction documentation, and management systems that ensure compliance with the applicable standard.
5. What documentation is required for the audit? You need to provide records such as: 
   • Supplier invoices
   • Purchase orders
   • Production records
   • Inventory logs
   • Sales records
   • Certificates of origin or scope
   • Transaction Certificates (TCs)
6. What standards are included under Textile Exchange audits? Common standards include: 
   • Organic Content Standard (OCS)
   • Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
   • Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
   • Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
   • Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
   • Content Claim Standard (CCS)
7. What is the difference between a scope certificate and a transaction certificate? Scope Certificate (SC): Verifies that a facility is certified under a standard. A Transaction Certificate (TC): Verifies that a specific shipment of goods complies with the standard.
8. Can a virtual audit be conducted? Yes, remote or virtual audits may be permitted under specific circumstances, such as during travel restrictions or for low-risk activities, as defined by the certification body and Textile Exchange.

9. What happens during an on-site audit? An auditor will: 

   • Review your documentation
   • Observe production processes
   • Interview staff
   • Conduct a mass balance calculation
   • Trace input and output flows of certified material

10. How should we prepare for a Textile Exchange audit? 

    • Maintain organized records 
    • Train staff on standard requirements
    • Track certified and non-certified materials separately
    • Ensure suppliers have valid SCs
    • Review previous non-conformities and corrective actions

11. What is a non-conformity? A non-conformity (NC) is a failure to meet a requirement of the standard. These are classified as minor, major, or critical and must be corrected within a specific timeframe.

12. What are common non-conformities found during audits? 

    • Missing transaction certificates
    • Mixing of certified and non-certified materials
    • Incomplete documentation
    • Inaccurate mass balance calculations
    • Lack of traceability

13. What is the Chain of Custody requirement? It ensures that certified material is properly tracked through each stage of production. Certified materials must remain segregated or properly controlled via mass balance throughout the supply chain.

14. Is subcontracting allowed under Textile Exchange certification? Yes, but subcontractors must also be certified or covered under the scope of the main facility’s certification, depending on the standard and process.

15. What is mass balance, and how is it verified? Mass balance allows certified content to be mixed with non-certified content, provided the overall certified output does not exceed the certified input over a defined period. Auditors verify this via production and inventory records.

16. How long does a Textile Exchange audit take? Audit duration depends on facility size, number of processes, and complexity. It can range from one to several days.

17. What is the validity period of a Scope Certificate? A Scope Certificate is typically valid for one year from the date of issue, contingent on passing the annual audit and fulfilling corrective actions.

18. Can we continue using the Textile Exchange logo after certificate expiration? No, use of the logo is only permitted during the validity period of the certification and must follow Textile Exchange branding and labeling guidelines.

19. How long does it take to receive audit results and certification? Audit findings are typically shared within 5–10 working days. If no major NCs are found, the Scope Certificate may be issued shortly after the audit. For major NCs, corrective action is required before certification is granted.

20. What support is available for first-time auditees? Certification Bodies often provide pre-audit checklists, guidance documents, and training. Textile Exchange also offers public guidance documents on its website.

        Contact your local IDFL office here for more information regarding Textile Exchange Audits. 

To submit a sample for testing, follow the below steps:

1. Download the sample submittal form.
2. Fill out the submittal form.
3. Send the submittal form and your sample to IDFL. See the IDFL directory for office information.
   
   • We recommend sending a physical submittal form, to help prevent any delays in testing.
   • You can also send your submittal form via email. 
4. Contact IDFL if you have any questions or concerns.
   

Our Normal testing service is 8-10 business days for most tests. Expedited testing is available for the majority of services by selecting one of the following rush Services. The available rush services and additional cost are shown below on the following schedule:

• 5-Day Rush: 30%
• 3-Day Rush: 50%
• 2-Day Rush: 70%
• 1-Day Rush: 80%
• Same-day Rush: 100%

Same-day rush service may not be available for all tests, but in some cases preliminary results may be available. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details on same-day rush service.

For specific questions about turnaround time for testing, contact an IDFL. See our company directory for contact information.

The sample size required for testing varies depending on the sample type and tests that are requested. Exact requirements can be found on our sample submittal forms, but general guidelines for sample size are as follows:

• Bulk Fill Material: Send at least 200g in a cloth, plastic or paper bag.
• Finished Product: Send the entire product. IDFL will perform testing on a representative sample of the entire filling.
• Fabric: Send at least 2 square meters of fabric.
  
  

For instruction on sending samples to the USA, view our customs requirements page.