amfori BSCI Verification

In these times of global markets, many companies outsource their production to other parts of the world. Particularly when working in less developed countries, such companies carry a high level of social responsibility.

With the special amfori BSCI supplier audit, you can ensure that your suppliers behave responsibly towards people and the planet.

amfori is the leading association for companies and associations who are committed to free and sustainable trade. It supports retailers, importers, brand manufacturers and national associations in achieving socially-acceptable production conditions and promoting global trading relationships, and in the responsible use of resources.

Inside your organisation

• Improvement of internal management processes
• Risk management optimisation
• Time and cost saving through avoidance of multiple audits
• Focus on improvements and problem solving

 Looking towards the outside

• Promotion of fairer and safer working conditions
• Strengthening the trust of customers and business partners
• Making new business contacts

• You apply for the audit via the amfori BSCI platform
• TUV Nord Cert draws up an offer based on your information
• You ask TUV Nord to perform the verification
• You prepare for the audit and complete an online self-assessment
• TUV Nord Cert performs the onsite audit
• TUV Nord Cert formulates the audit result and report and documents the results on the amfori BSCI platform
• Follow up audit – complete audit after 2 years otherwise follow up audit within 1 year.

The amfori BSCI audit can take different forms depending on the type and scale of the organization — including manufacturing, small producer assessments, multi-tier food production, or large agricultural operations. Audits may be conducted as semi-announced, unannounced or fully announced in some specific scenario. Unlike certification, a verification does not confirm full compliance with the standard, but rather evaluates the extent to which an organization meets the requirements of the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct.

What is the amfori BSCI code of conduct?

The amfori BSCI code of conduct defines values and basic principles for responsible business practices in the supply chain, and aims at continual optimisation of the most important parameters. It is based on standards of the ILO (International Labour Organization). As an independent and accredited organisation, TÜV NORD CERT audits your suppliers and assesses adherence to the amfori BSCI code of conduct.

What does the audit consist of?

Our service includes background research on the different production sites, on-site analysis (with interviews and document review), drafting of a report and uploading of documents onto the BSCI platform.

The audit is conducted on the basis of the amfori BSCI code of conduct and its implementation rules (amfori BSCI system manual).

The following criteria are assessed:

• The rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining
• Fair remuneration
• Occupational health and safety
• Special protection for young workers
• No bonded labour
• Ethical business behaviour
• No discrimination
• Decent working hours
• No child labour
• No precarious employment
• Protection of the environment

Who are the target groups for amfori BSCI verification?

Adherence to social standards is becoming ever more important, as brand manufacturers increasingly select their suppliers according to social criteria, and many large retailers also require their manufacturers and suppliers to undertake auditing according to amfori BSCI. Therefore target groups for amfori verification include brand manufacturers, production and farming operations, retailers and importers.

What are the prerequisites for verification?

Those requiring verification services are either themselves amfori BSCI members, or they are participating business partners within the member’s supply chain. All partners have to sign the amfori BSCI code of conduct and successful verification leads to listing on the BSCI platform.