SA 8000 & BSCI Audit

Nowadays, the subject of Corporate Social Responsibility is attracting increasing attention in the media and in society as a whole: within the framework of risk management and corporate ethics, and in particular against the background of worldwide outsourcing, companies must ensure that their suppliers behave responsibly towards both people and the environment.

This is where TÜV NORD helps by providing certification according to Social Accountability (SA) 8000 or an audit according to BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative). Based on international conventions, demonstrable observance of these standards creates confidence on the part of consumers and investors, strengthens customer and workforce loyalty, testifies to the ethics of the company and offers advantages when responding to invitations to tender.

The certifications are directed towards companies who wish to strengthen responsibility with regard to corporate behavior – both internally and in the supply chain. In this context, BSCI acts as a code of con- duct, laid down by leading companies and the FTA (Foreign Trade Association), in order to achieve a unified social standard. The 300 BSCI members must have two thirds of their suppliers audited according to the code. SA 8000 is an internationally recognized standard which offers certification regarding employee rights. It augments the criteria of BSCI with the requirement for a management system identical to that based on the well-known standard ISO 9001.

Certification demonstrates that the company in question is committed to offering fair working conditions. This demonstrates responsible corporate behavior, enhances corporate image, supports risk management and improves the prospects of market success. In the case of BSCI, the audit is a prerequisite for becoming a business partner of member companies. In addition, an audit according to BSCI also creates a good starting point for later certification according to SA 8000. SA 8000 can be combined with other management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or OHSAS 18001.

With the goal of improving working conditions worldwide, BSCI and SA 8000 require strict observance of the Conventions of the International Labour Organization, the Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Conventions on Elimination of Discrimination. They are therefore concerned with matters such as child and forced labour, occupational health and safety, freedom to establish employee representation in organizations, discrimination, living wages and work conditions. SA 8000 also specifies a unified social management system, with documentation and communication, as well as demanding that responsibility be taken for the entire value added chain, including subcontractors, suppliers, subsuppliers and homeworkers.

TÜV NORD is a well-established and reliable partner for inspection and certification services. Our experts and auditors have extensive know- ledge based on experience and are generally permanently employed by TÜV NORD. This guarantees independence and neutrality, and also means we can offer continuity in supporting our clients. The benefit to you is clear: our auditors accompany and support the development of your company and provide you with objective feedback.