When placing a wholesale maternity clothing order, checking certifications isn't a "nice if it's there" detail — it's a concrete tool for measuring supplier reliability. You can apply this checklist directly with your supplier before ordering.
1. OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- What is the certificate number?
- Which product class does it cover (Class I/II/III/IV)?
- When does the certificate's validity period expire?
- Can the PDF document be shared?
2. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
If you're sourcing a collection with organic cotton or organic fabric content, GOTS certification is the independent standard that verifies that claim.
- Does the certificate apply specifically to the product/fabric being sold as "organic"?
- Which stages of the supply chain does it cover (fiber, processing, manufacturing)?
- What is the certificate number, and which body issued it?
3. SEDEX / SMETA
SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) and SMETA audits inspect production conditions — worker rights, workplace safety, environmental management — rather than the product itself. These audit reports carry significant weight, especially if you're targeting European retailers.
- When was the most recent audit conducted?
- Can the audit report (even a summary) be shared?
- Were any findings identified and since closed out?
4. General verification principles
- Ask for the number, a logo isn't enough. Every serious certificate has a verifiable registration number.
- Check the validity date. Certificates are time-bound documents; an expired certificate is no longer valid.
- Ask about scope. Does the certificate cover the entire company, or just one product line?
- Request the PDF. Keeping a copy for your own records also serves as proof of trust for your own customers down the line.
How should you use this checklist?
Ask these four questions directly in your first email or WhatsApp message. A supplier who answers clearly, quickly and with documentation is a strong signal for a high-volume partnership. If answers are vague, delayed, or stay at the level of "just trust us," treat that as a warning sign.