Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) Certification Explained
International · Established 2016
Cruelty-Free Certification Wool from sheep
Audit Level: Third-Party Audit
An independent third party conducts an audit of the brand's facilities or documentation. More rigorous than self-declaration.
Supply-chain verified: Yes.
| Supply Chain | Verified |
| Cost for Brands | Annual audit fee. Full farm-to-product chain certification. |
| Recognized In | Global |
Editorial Analysis
Certifies that wool comes from farms with progressive land management where sheep are treated with respect. Specifically prohibits mulesing. RWS is an animal welfare standard, not a vegan one. RWS-certified wool is still wool — a product of animal exploitation. The standard's existence is sometimes used to market wool to ethical consumers, but it does not affect vegan status.
Summary
Type
Cruelty-Free
Established
2016
Origin
International
Scope
Wool from sheep