The GOLS standard addresses criteria for natural rubber from certified organic plantations (USDA NOP or EU) that are processed at manufacturing units. To achieve GOLS certification, a product must contain more than 95% of certified organic raw material. The GOLS standard features permissible limits for harmful substances, emission test requirements, and polymer and filler percentages. Rubber plantations and processing units up to the final retailer are certified according to the standard. Using transaction certificates at every product sale in the supply chain ensures traceability from the plantation to the final retailer.

GOLS establishes a clear path and procedure from the field or farmer level to the certified organic latex product manufacturer. Among other factors, manufacturers approved to produce organic products under the GOLS logo must follow mandatory social and environmental regulations. This places indirect responsibility for social and environmental issues on the final consumer.