GenuTrace Cotton Isotope Testing – Frequently Asked Questions

If you claim it, can you prove it?™

1. What is isotope testing and how does it verify cotton origin?

Isotope testing measures naturally occurring ratios of stable isotopes (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, carbon) within the cotton fiber. These isotope “fingerprints” are shaped by environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, and soil composition unique to each region and/or subregion. By comparing a sample’s isotope profile to our global cotton reference database, GenuTrace can assess whether the cotton is consistent with a claimed country or region of origin.

2. What types of cotton samples can be tested?

GenuTrace can test:

  • Raw cotton fiber (lint), sliver

  • Greige yarns and greige fabrics

  • Dyed yarn and dyed fabrics

  • Finished fabrics (if no greige is available)

Cotton testing is most reliable when samples are as close to the raw fiber stage as possible.

3. How much sample is required?

Typically, GenuTrace requires:

  • Raw cotton lint: 20 grams (1oz)

  • Yarn: 20 grams (1 oz)

  • Fabric: 1 square metre (1 square yard)

4. How should samples be packaged and shipped?

Please ensure samples are clean, dry, and individually packaged in a ziplock bag (or equivalent sealable container). Each sample should be clearly labeled - on the outside of the bag it is required to indicate the Sample ID (a unique identifier). This ID should MATCH with the information on the Sample Submission Form.

A completed Sample Submission Form will be provided to document:

  • Sample name/ID

  • Material type

  • Claimed origin and supplier

  • Any related production information

Shipments should include the completed form and be sent via courier (e.g., FedEx/DHL) to the designated GenuTrace lab location.

6. What will I receive in the test report?

Each report includes:

  • A summary of test results with origin consistency assessment (e.g., “consistent with India reference group”)Photograph of the sample/s tested

  • Footnotes that further explain the testing method and/or testing results

Reports are issued in PDF format and accompanied by GenuTrace cover letter for additional detail for brand or regulatory submissions.

7. How accurate is isotope testing?

Isotope testing generates isotope values for the material tested, establishing a very accurate cotton isotope fingerprint of the sample.  The alignment of isotope profiles with the reference data provides a scientific verification layer—it can confirm or question claimed origin(s) but cannot determine origin exclusively. It is only one proof point that must be interpreted in conjunction with supply chain documentation (e.g., transaction records, certifications, or DPP data).  Please also refer to Isotope Testing Guidelines provided under UFLPA Resources on our website.

In sum, GenuTrace can help clients to integrate scientific and documentary evidence to deliver genuine traceability for cotton.

8. Can you test retail products or blended fibers?

Yes, but with the understanding that testing retail products without linked greige yarn/greige fabric samples may yield confounding results if the cotton origin, blend ratio, or processing steps are unknown. For blends, isotope data reflects a composite signal, so results are only valid when fiber composition and sourcing are documented. GenuTrace always recommend testing linked sample sets that combines the greige material and the processed material along the production line for more meaningful assessment. For more insight read our article: “Trace It Before You Make It: Greige Goods Under the Microscope”

9. Is the testing confidential?

Yes. All samples and data are handled under strict confidentiality. Results are shared only with the submitting client, unless otherwise authorized. GenuTrace can also execute a mutual NDA prior to sample submission.

10. What regions does your reference library cover?

GenuTrace has built and developed its proprietary cotton reference library over 10 years from primary sources. These includes all major cotton-growing regions worldwide, including high risk regions. New references are continuously added through GenuTrace’s field partners, research and cotton industry collaborations.

11. Can isotope data be used for compliance with UFLPA, EUDR, or other regulations?

Yes — isotope verification supports risk-based due diligence under frameworks such as the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and EU Deforestation (EUDR) and Forced Labour Regulations. When combined with documentation and digital traceability tools (e.g., Digital Product Passports), it provides credible evidence for origin and sourcing claims.

12. How do I start the process?

  1. Contact GenuTrace or you can email us at info@genutrace.com for a quotation and Sample Submission Form.

  2. Complete the form, upload it to the Airtable, and send your samples.

  3. GenuTrace will confirm receipt, initiate testing, and provide a report.

13. What if I need to test multiple supply chain stages?

Yes it is generally best practice to obtain and test linked samples (lint → yarn → greige fabric → finished product) which provides the most credible verification of origin. By sampling materials at successive stages, GenuTrace can confirm whether the cotton in your finished goods truly traces back to the claimed source.

This approach minimizes uncertainty and helps detect where substitution or commingling may occur in the production chain. For more insight, see our article:
“Trace It Before You Make It: Greige Goods Under the Microscope”

14. Can GenuTrace help design a sampling plan or verification program?

Absolutely. GenuTrace can assist you with building a risk-based sampling strategy, integrating isotope analysis with other tools to create a comprehensive cotton traceability framework tailored to your supply chain.