SA 8000 is a cross sectoral standard for auditing and certifying social responsibility. The standard focuses on social performance of a company in particular of manufacturers and suppliers.
SA 8000 is continuously developed and revised in close cooperation with companies, consumer groups, NGO’s, trade unions, governmental agencies and certification bodies.
Certification
In order to become SA 8000 certified the suppliers needs to demonstrate to the auditor (with records etc.) conformance to the requirements. Also supplier needs to take reasonable efforts to ensure that the requirements of the standard are being met by its own suppliers and subcontractors.
Certification can be only obtained from a certification body accredited by SAAS (Social Accountability Accreditation Services). Certificate is valid for 3 years – with surveillance audits every 6 months.
SA 8000 principles are based on ILO conventions, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the most relevant Conventions of the UN and include:
- Child Labour
- Forced Labour
- Health and safety
- Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining
- Discrimination
- Working Hours
- Compensation
- Management Systems