Yudi Mfg
OEKO-TEX vs REACH vs GRS: Textile Certifications Explained for Promotional Merchandise
Sustainability 9 min read · 2026-06-01

OEKO-TEX vs REACH vs GRS: Textile Certifications Explained for Promotional Merchandise

Buyers in Germany, the EU, the UK, and Nordic countries increasingly ask for one or more textile certifications: OEKO-TEX, REACH, and GRS. Here's what each certification actually means and which one your promotional product buyers actually need.

Why Do Buyers Ask for Textile Certifications?

Retailers and event organizers in Europe and developed markets increasingly require suppliers to prove that your promotional products don't contain illegal levels of restricted chemicals. Third-party certifications show you're serious about compliance and give buyers peace of mind.

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 — What It Covers

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 tests every component of your finished product for over 100 harmful chemicals: formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates, AZO dyes. It's the most common certification for finished consumer-facing promotional products like lanyards and wristbands. Certification is annual, and it's included in our standard pricing with no extra charge for standard MOQ.

REACH — EU Chemical Regulation

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU law that requires registration of all chemicals used in products imported into the EU. It's mandatory for all imported textile products sold in the EU. We provide a REACH declaration of conformity on all orders for no extra fee.

GRS — Global Recycled Standard

GRS certification verifies the percentage of recycled material in your product, and also guarantees social and environmental compliance along the supply chain. It's required for brands marketing recycled content, and we offer it at a small extra cost based on product weight.

Which Certification Do I Need?

If you're selling into the EU market, you need REACH. If you're selling retail in Germany or Nordics, you need both REACH and OEKO-TEX. If you just need something for brand image and sustainability marketing, GRS is what you want. If you don't have special retail requirements, you don't need any certification and there's no extra cost.

Yudi Certification Coverage

All standard Yudi lanyards, wristbands, and pet collars are already OEKO-TEX Class II compliant, which covers what most buyers need. REACH declaration is included for all orders. If you need GRS recycled material, we can do that too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need multiple certifications on one product? +
It's rare to need more than one, but we can do it if your brand requires it.
Does certification add extra cost? +
OEKO-TEX and REACH don't add extra cost, they're already included in our standard pricing. GRS adds 8-15% depending on product weight and recycled percentage.
How long does certification add to lead time? +
It doesn't add any extra lead time beyond the standard production schedule — we do it in parallel with production cutting.

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