Buyer guide · Compliance
Rug certifications and compliance, explained honestly
We hold CEPC registration and nothing else, and we do not claim any other certificate. This page explains what the common marks mean and how to verify any supplier's certificates in public registers. Testing or certification support can be arranged on request for qualifying orders.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
Our position at a glance
- What we hold
- CEPC registration only
- Not held
- None of the marks explained on this page
- On request
- Third-party testing or certification support for qualifying orders, as stated on our standards page
- Always
- Confirmed on your quote for your market
Terms at a glance
- Minimum order
- 1 piece
- Sampling cost
- Credited against your order
- Sampling
- 5 to 20 days
- Bulk production
- 8 to 16 weeks
- NDA
- Signed as standard before designs are shared
- Label, barcode, packaging
- Your own, on request
- Payment terms
- 50% advance, 50% before dispatch
What each common mark means
This is neutral education. It describes the marks, not our status. We do not hold any of the marks below.
- GoodWeave
- A certification and label programme focused on preventing child labour in rug production and supply chains.
- GOTS
- Global Organic Textile Standard, covering organic fibre status and processing of textiles.
- OEKO-TEX
- A family of tests and labels on harmful substances in textiles, such as Standard 100.
- ISO 9001
- A quality management system standard for an organisation. It covers the company's system, not the quality of a specific rug.
- SMETA
- A social audit methodology used to assess labour and ethical conditions at a site.
- GRS
- Global Recycled Standard, covering recycled content and responsible processing.
- RWS
- Responsible Wool Standard, covering animal welfare and land management for wool.
Each scheme has its own scope. Some certify a product, some a site, some a process. A mark is only meaningful if its scope matches what you are buying.
What we hold, and what can be arranged
Raheem & Son is a CEPC-registered export house. CEPC registration is the only certification claim we make. We do not currently hold in-date third-party product certificates as standing documents.
For qualifying orders, testing, audits or certification support can be arranged on request, as our standards states. What is achievable depends on your order and market, and is confirmed on your quote. Day-to-day quality control, which is not a certification, is in rug quality control.
How to verify any supplier's certificate
- The name on the certificate matches the entity on your invoice.
- The scope names the product or site that makes your rug.
- Ask for the certificate number in writing.
- Check the expiry date.
- Confirm with the issuing body, using contact details or a public register you found yourself, not ones the supplier supplied.
Where to go next
If a supplier cannot answer all five checks, treat the claim as unproven and rely on an approved sample and inspection instead. See pre-shipment inspection, recycled and sustainable rugs and the rug manufacturer checklist.
Tell us your market's requirements
Send your design, size and estimated quantity. We reply within two business days, usually within one. Minimum order: 1 piece. Sampling cost is credited against your order. Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.
Buyer questions
Certifications: your questions
What certifications do you hold?
CEPC registration only. We make no other certification claim.
Do you hold GoodWeave, GOTS, OEKO-TEX or ISO 9001?
No. We do not claim any of them.
Can testing or certification be arranged?
On request for qualifying orders, as stated on our standards page. It is confirmed on your quote.
What does CEPC registration mean?
The Carpet Export Promotion Council is the apex body for Indian handmade carpet exports, and we are a registered export house.
Does ISO 9001 prove a rug is good?
No. It covers a company's quality management system, not the quality of a specific rug.
How do I check a supplier's certificate?
Match the entity, scope, number and expiry, then confirm with the issuer using contact details you found yourself.
What is the difference between GRS and RWS?
GRS covers recycled content. RWS covers wool welfare and land management.
What replaces a certificate for my quality worry?
An approved sample, written tolerances and inspection against them.