Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS)
The Responsible Mohair Standard is a voluntary standard that addresses the welfare of goats and the land they graze on. The RMS requires all sites to be certified, beginning with the mohair farmers and through to the seller in the final business to business transaction. 
Usually the last stage to be certified is the garment manufacturer or brand. Retailers (business-to-consumers) are not required to be certified. Farms are certified to the Animal Welfare and Land Management and Social Modules of the RMS. Subsequent stages of the supply chain are certified to the Content Claim Standard requirements.
The goals of the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) are to provide the industry with a tool to recognize the best practices of farmers; ensuring that mohair comes from farms that have a progressive approach to managing their land, practice holistic respect for animal welfare of the goats and respect the Five Freedoms of animal welfare.
The RMS Certification Process
Application and contract
You can apply online for the RMS Certification or complete the Application form and return it to GCL International Ltd. head office or one of our local office. We will use the application details to produce a quotation.
Once the quotation has been accepted, we will ask you to return a signed copy of the quotation and our Scheme Rules.
Preparation for the Initial RMS Certification Audit
The following documents are supplied prior to the initial certification:
- Briefing information about the RMS Standard;
- Standard and Implementation Manual;
- Document checklist;
- Inspection report which includes inspection checklists, list of suppliers and subcontractors.
Initial Certification Audit
- Opening meeting
- On-site Audit
- Preparation of Audit Report (including Findings)
- Closing meeting
Following the completion of the inspection, a report detailing the findings is provided. Subject to the closure of any non-conformances or findings (if any), a Scope Certificate is issued.
Labelling Release
Whenever the client wishes to have its artwork approved, the proposed artwork and Labelling Release form shall be submitted to GCL International for approval.
Transaction Certificate
- The certified client may request a Transaction Certificate by emailing us;
- Send a Transaction Certificate Request form and associated documents to us;
- If approved by us, the Transaction Certificate is issued to the client.
Re-Assessment Or Annual Audit
GCL International will communicate with the client to plan for the re-assessment and to determine if there have been any changes, such as: production units, subcontractors, recipes or new suppliers. An audit report must be completed by the client and returned to us;
GCL International will conduct the re-assessment;
Following the completion of the audit, a report detailing the findings is provided. Subject to the closure of any non-conformances or findings (if any), a certificate with TE labelling is issued.