Which compliance documents should a garment buyer request?

Match the evidence to your order

Start with the legal name and address of the facility that will manufacture your garments. Ask for current documents for that facility and the requirements of your specific product. A logo or a program name on a website is not enough to establish the scope or current status of a factory.

For an East West order, ask our team for the relevant current reports and certificates during sourcing. This guide explains what to request; it does not assert that a particular certificate or audit status currently applies to East West or to every order.

Distinguish audits, safety programs and material standards

SMETA is Sedex’s social audit methodology. Request the audit scope, date and relevant findings and follow-up evidence; do not treat the word SMETA alone as a product certification.

RSC means the RMG Sustainability Council, which works on safety in Bangladesh’s garment industry. RCS means the Recycled Claim Standard. The similar initials refer to different subjects.

Textile Exchange’s RCS and GRS concern recycled materials and chain of custody. If your order includes a recycled-content claim, ask which standard and supporting documents apply to the material, supply chain and finished product. Confirm the applicable claim requirements before using wording or logos on labels.

Use a document review checklist

Keep a record of what was reviewed and what still needs clarification. Verify documents with the issuing organization or available official register where possible.

• Exact legal entity, site name and address.
• Document type, issuing body and reference number.
• Issue date, validity period or audit date, as applicable.
• Activities, materials, products and facilities covered by the scope.
• Relevant findings, corrective actions and follow-up status.
• Any subcontracted processes and how they are covered.
• Your brand’s testing, labelling, inspection and approval requirements.

Resolve gaps before production approval

Share your buyer requirements early and identify who on your team approves the evidence. Record open questions, the responsible person and the date by which they must be resolved. If a document expires or the production facility changes, request updated evidence.

The right document set depends on your destination market, product and buyer requirements. Agree that set with your compliance team and the factory instead of assuming that one audit or certificate covers every aspect of an order.