Control Union – Certification – CCS – Content Claim Standard

CCS – Content Claim Standard

The Content Claim Standard (CCS) provides the foundational chain of custody system for all Textile Exchange standards. It is not a standalone certification but a framework to ensure the integrity of raw material claims from source to final product. As an expert third-party certification body, Control Union performs assessments against the various standards built upon the CCS standard, supporting organisations in substantiating their product content.

Control Union – Certification – CCS – Content Claim Standard

    What is CCS?

    The Content Claim Standard provides a robust method for tracking raw materials through the entire supply chain. It addresses the product journey, documentation, volume reconciliations, and the segregation of materials to guarantee the accuracy of content claims. This commitment to supply chain transparency enables businesses to meet customer expectations for reliable information. For example, the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) uses CCS as its foundation, demonstrating its wide applicability. By using a standard based on CCS, an organisation can provide its customers with proven, substantiated claims.

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner

    Gateway to a global market

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Benefits of being CCS certified

    Control Union – Certification – CCS – Content Claim Standard
    1.

    Foundational chain of custody

    The essential framework for key material standards, ensuring a consistent approach to claim integrity across the industry.

    2.

    End-to-end supply chain traceability

    Provides robust tracking of materials from their origin to the final product, ensuring a transparent journey.

    3.

    Integrity of product claims

    Substantiates claims about raw material content, building trust with both business partners and consumers.

    4.

    Robust tracking system

    Utilises scope and transaction certificates to provide a clear and auditable record of material traceability and flow.

    5.

    Global supply chain applicability

    Designed for use by manufacturers, brands, and retailers worldwide to ensure consistent and reliable standards.

    The Future of Textiles is Circular

    Essential information for every professional in the textile chain. Read all about the new regulations, targets, and market opportunities for 2025-2030.

    Download the ‘Policy Programme for circular textile 2025-2030′
    Control Union – Certification – CCS – Content Claim Standard
    Control Union – Sustainable materials
    With our strong Dutch team and a worldwide network, we help brands and traders to move effectively and with impact in the sustainability of textiles — independent, expert, and ready for the EU regulations of tomorrow.”
    Lonneke de Kort – Control Union Certifications

    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    Offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues
    Control Union – Tourism & hospitality

    Request certification or discuss without obligation?

    We are here to assist anytime! You can apply for this certification directly using the application form below. For any other questions or if you want to freely discuss, contact us at +31 (0)38 42 60 103 or textilenl@controlunion.com.

    Independent tailor-made services

    What makes you unique, we make demonstrable

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.

    Read more about our customised solutions
    Control Union - supply chain