RDS |

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is an internationally recognized, voluntary certification that ensures down and feathers used in consumer products come from ducks and geese treated with respect and care. Developed by Textile Exchange in partnership with industry stakeholders, the RDS promotes the humane treatment of animals and provides a reliable chain-of-custody system from farm to final product.

The RDS is widely used in the apparel, outdoor, home textile, and bedding industries as a benchmark for ethical sourcing of animal-based materials.

Objectives of the RDS

• Ensure humane treatment of ducks and geese in the down supply chain.
• Prohibit practices such as live-plucking and force-feeding.
• Enable transparency and traceability from the source farm to the final product.
• Provide brands and consumers with confidence in animal welfare claims.

Key Requirements of RDS Certification

1. Animal Welfare Standards

• Animals must be raised in conditions that respect the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare:
• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain, injury, or disease
• Freedom to express normal behavior
• Freedom from fear and distress
• Live-plucking and force-feeding are strictly prohibited.
• Birds must be raised in humane farming conditions, with access to clean water, adequate shelter, and appropriate nutrition.

1. Traceability and Chain of Custody

• Every stage in the supply chain, including farms, collectors, slaughterhouses, processors, and manufacturers, must be audited and certified.
• Products carrying the RDS label must be 100% certified, with no mixing of non-certified down.

1. Independent Auditing

• RDS certification is verified by third-party certification bodies approved by Textile Exchange.
• Farms and facilities undergo initial audits, annual surveillance audits, and unannounced visits to ensure compliance.

1. Labeling and Claims

• Products may carry the RDS logo only if they contain fully certified down and feathers.
• Use of the label is subject to strict guidelines to prevent greenwashing or misleading claims.

Benefits of RDS Certification

• Ethical Assurance: Confirms that down and feathers are sourced humanely.
• Consumer Confidence: Provides transparency and credibility for buyers concerned about animal welfare.
• Supply Chain Visibility: Enhances traceability and accountability from farm to retail.
• Market Access: Preferred or required by leading global brands, especially in the outdoor and luxury sectors.
• Supports Industry Standards: Encourages continuous improvement in animal welfare practices and supply chain transparency.



Who Should Use RDS?

RDS certification is ideal for:

• Brands and retailers using down and feathers in garments, outerwear, bedding, and accessories
• Suppliers and processors of raw down and feather materials
• Manufacturers aiming to meet global animal welfare expectations
• Companies seeking to enhance sustainability and ethical sourcing programs