The SA8000 Standard is the world’s leading social certification program. The SA8000 Standard and Certification System provide a framework for organizations of all types, in any industry, and in any country to conduct business in a way that is fair and decent for workers and to demonstrate their adherence to the highest social standards. Created by SAI in 1997 as the first credible social certification, it has led the industry for over 20 years.

The SA8000 Standard:

The SA8000 Standard is based on internationally recognized standards of decent work, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO conventions, and national laws. SA8000 applies a management-systems approach to social performance and emphasizes continual improvement—not checklist-style auditing.

Elements of the Standard:

• Forced or Compulsory Labor

• Health and Safety

• Freedom of Association & Right to Collective Bargaining

• Discrimination

• Disciplinary Practices

• Working Hours

• Remuneration

• Management System