Responsible Down Standard (RDS)

Aims

The aim of the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is to ensure that the waterfowl in the down supply chain are treated humanely. This is accomplished by providing the industry with a tool to verify that down and feathers do not come from animals what have been subjected to any unnecessary harm and by instituting a chain of custody system to validate the source of the material.

Scope

The RDS is applicable for collector-based channels of both industrial and small farms. The standard may apply to both blended and 100% certified products, however final products may only be labeled as RDS certified if the down and feathers are 100% certified.

Applicants may choose the types of products they intend to have audited. Companies such as down processors and trade companies that deal with bulk materials often select the white and/or grey down and feathers from ducks and/or geese. A full list of raw materials can be found here. Companies, such as manufacturers and brand names, that deal with final products frequently select apparel and home textile products. A full list of products and product categories can be found here.


Requirements

IDFL is an approved certification body for all six modules composing the standard:

  • Farm module
  • Slaughter module
  • Transport module
  • Small Farmer Group module (SFG)
  • Textile Exchange Content Claim Standard
  • Parent farm certification (optional)


Additional Resources

  • The RDS application form is available here.
  • For questions about the application process, contact the office based on your location here.
  • Visit TextileExchange.org for more information about the Responsible Down Standard or click here for a directory of all RDS certified companies.


Audit & Certification Process

IDFL Team