What do AQL 2.5 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 mean for garment exports from India?

Short answer

AQL 2.5 (Acceptable Quality Limit) is the international statistical sampling standard used by buyers to inspect finished garment shipments for major/minor defects before dispatch, while OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies that textiles are tested free from harmful levels of restricted chemicals and azo dyes.

When exporting readymade garments from Tiruppur, Jaipur (Sitapura), Mumbai (Andheri MIDC), or Surat (Sachin Apparel Park) to the EU, UK, USA, or Gulf:

  • AQL 1.5 / 2.5 / 4.0: Under standard ISO 2859-1 sampling, inspectors pull a random sample from packed cartons; if major defects (open seams, stains, broken zippers) exceed the 2.5% threshold, the entire shipment lot is rejected for 100% re-checking.
  • OEKO-TEX & GOTS: Key certifications requested by European and US brands for babywear, innerwear, and organic cotton lines.

Test your export compliance skills on our Garment Export & AQL Quiz.

Updated 5 November 2026 Share on WhatsApp

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