Understanding GRS Scope Certificates and Transaction Certificates

Textile Exchange describes the Global Recycled Standard as a voluntary standard that sets criteria for third-party certification of recycled materials and chain of custody and includes additional processing-related requirements. The standard should be read together with its assurance and certificate policies.^{Textile Exchange}

For a buyer, the key point is that the name of the standard is not enough. The organization, scope, product information, transaction evidence and document validity still need to be checked.

A Scope Certificate is issued by a certification body after the applicable audit and positive certification decision. It identifies the certified organization and the scope approved under the named standard. Depending on the template and policy version, it records information such as:

• certified organization and TE-ID;
• certification body and licensing information;
• standard and certificate number;
• validity dates and status;
• product categories and product details;
• material information as applicable;
• process categories;
• facilities and subcontractor information as applicable.

The approved scope matters. The existence of a Scope Certificate does not expand certification to products, materials, processes or facilities not listed within that scope.^{Textile ExchangeTextile Exchange}

A Transaction Certificate is issued by the seller's certification body following a complete and valid application under the applicable policy. Its template contains transaction-specific information such as seller, buyer, shipment, products, material composition and certified weight. It therefore connects a certified claim to the products and transaction details covered by that certificate.^{Textile Exchange}

A TC is not a permanent company-wide certificate. It has its own number, status and covered transaction information. Buyers should not use a TC from one transaction as evidence for unrelated goods.

An organization can have a valid certification scope while producing or selling products that are outside that scope or are not covered by transaction evidence. Zhengnan's current certificate states this boundary directly: the Scope Certificate provides no proof that goods delivered by its holder are GRS certified; a valid TC covering the delivered goods provides that proof.^{Zhuji Zhengnan Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd.; Bureau Veritas}

Zhengnan's current certificate details are:

Zhengnan maintains an active GRS Scope Certificate for the yarn categories and processes listed in the certificate. Product-level certification requires the applicable transaction evidence for the goods.

Scope Certificate review

1. Organization name and TE-ID match the supplier.
2. Certificate status and validity dates are current.
3. Certification body and certificate number are present.
4. The relevant product category, material and process appear in scope.
5. The relevant facility is listed where required.
6. The certificate can be authenticated through the official channel.

Transaction Certificate review

1. The TC is authentic and valid.
2. Seller and buyer information match the transaction.
3. Product and shipment information match the order documents.
4. Material composition and certified weight are consistent with the claim being made.
5. The standard and claim category are correct.
6. Any amendments or invalidation status have been checked.

Textile Exchange states that its Find a Certified Company list is the source of truth for Scope Certificate authentication and its Authenticate a Transaction page is the source of truth for valid TCs issued after October 1, 2022.^{Textile Exchange}

• Ask which exact order and product the claim applies to.
• Keep the SC and applicable TC linked to the procurement record.
• Check current status rather than relying on an old downloaded copy.
• Do not infer certification from a logo, supplier statement or recycled-material description alone.
• Confirm claim wording with the certification body when the transaction or scope is unclear.
• Recheck the source policy when certificate formats or Textile Exchange systems change.

Zhengnan maintains an active GRS Scope Certificate for the yarn categories and processes listed in the certificate. Buyers can review the current certificate and confirm the applicable Transaction Certificate for a specific certified delivery.