The International Cotton Association said it is starting DNA testing of textiles at its research center in Bremen, Germany, to determine if products are made from genetically modified plants.

ICA Bremen agreed in May to partner with Impetus Bioscience to perform the DNA tests, which will also be used to reveal what species of cotton a textile is sourced from, according to a statement sent by e-mail today.

“The traceability of cotton varieties in finished textiles is becoming increasingly important, with many retailers and labeling organizations looking for suitable and reliable analytical tools,” Kai Hughes, managing director of ICA Bremen, said in the statement. “ICA Bremen can now test finished textile garments to identify whether they contain genetically modified cotton.”