SA8000

Social Accountability 8000 International Standard, the fourth edition of the voluntary standard managed by Social Accountability International (SAI), published in 2014. An auditable third-party standard for the verification of workers’ rights and workplace conditions, based on the ILO fundamental Conventions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Nine elements: (1) child labour, (2) forced labour, (3) health and safety, (4) freedom of association and collective bargaining, (5) no discrimination, (6) disciplinary practices, (7) working hours, (8) remuneration, (9) management system. Certification is by specific workplace (not at corporate level).

In accordance with the SA8000:2014 standard (4th edition, managed by Social Accountability International SAI): through an audit by a certification body accredited by SAAS (Social Accountability Accreditation Services). Process: (i) documentary audit + on-site visit to the specific site, (ii) random interviews with workers and management, (iii) verification of evidence against the 9 canonical elements, (iv) action plan for non-conformities, (v) re-audit. Certificate validity 3 years with mandatory annual surveillance.

SA8000 is an auditable third-party certification valid for 3 years — a certification model. BSCI is a social compliance programme with annual audits but no independent certificate — an amfori membership model. SA8000 is more rigorous and externally recognised; BSCI is more accessible and focused on retailers’ supply chains.

SA8000 is based on the 8 ILO fundamental Conventions (29+105 Forced Labour, 87+98 Freedom of Association, 100+111 Equal Remuneration & Discrimination, 138+182 Child Labour) but translates them into auditable business requirements. SA8000 = the ILO made operational at site level.