SA8000:2014 Social Accountability Certification

SA8000 (Social Accountability 8000) is a social accountability system standard issued by Social Accountability International (SAI), based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other conventions by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The SA8000:2014 standard provides a foundation for businesses to improve working conditions. The purpose of SA8000 is not to encourage or terminate contracts with suppliers but rather to provide technical support and raise awareness to enhance living and working conditions. To maintain credibility, companies must not only consider the social impact of their own activities but also comprehensively assess the social impact on working conditions for suppliers and business partners. This includes overseeing, respecting, and promoting human rights for all employees throughout the supply, production, and distribution chain. SA8000 establishes a global code of conduct for working conditions across production industries, allowing consumers in developed countries to be assured that the goods they purchase, especially clothing, toys, cosmetics, and electronics, are produced according to recognized standards.

The social accountability requirements in the SA8000:2014 standard include:
- Child Labor: No use of child labor under the legal age; ensuring children’s right to education and development.
- Forced or Compulsory Labor: No use of forced or compulsory labor; employees are free to leave their job if they wish.
- Health and Safety: Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment, protecting employees’ health.
- Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Rights: Workers have the right to join labor organizations and negotiate collectively without interference.
- Discrimination: Prohibits all forms of discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability in hiring and working conditions.
- Discipline: No use of disciplinary practices that are abusive, threatening, or degrading.
- Working Hours: Compliance with work hour regulations, ensuring adequate rest periods and fair overtime.
- Wages: Providing fair compensation, at least meeting the minimum wage required by law, to secure a basic standard of living for employees.
- Management System: Developing a management system to monitor and maintain social accountability standards as required by SA8000.

SA8000 certification helps companies demonstrate their commitment to human rights and a safe working environment, building trust and respect from customers, partners, and the community. This not only increases competitiveness and expands business opportunities in international markets but also attracts and retains talent due to transparent, safe, and fair working conditions, improving employee satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, SA8000 certification supports businesses in mitigating legal and financial risks by complying with international labor standards, while also enhancing internal management effectiveness through a well-organized system to monitor labor practices. Thus, SA8000 provides a solid foundation for sustainable development, promotes social responsibility, and ensures a fair working environment that respects human rights.

The purpose of issuing and requiring SA8000:2014 certification is to prevent child labor, forced labor, and discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or religion. This standard promotes employers' social responsibility, aiming to continually improve working conditions for employees within companies.
 
II. CERTIFICATION PROCESS

1. Certification registration: To obtain SA8000:2014 certification, organizations need to contact GIC Vietnam for registration guidance. Organizations then complete the application and submit it to GIC Vietnam with the required certification documents.

2. Audit program and auditor assignment: GIC Vietnam develops an assessment program, clearly defining the activities needed to confirm that the organization’s social accountability system meets certification requirements. Auditors are selected based on expertise relevant to the assessment field, with additional technical auditors added as necessary.

3. Assessment process: Conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: Review documentation, conditions, scope, and the organization's readiness for stage 2 assessment.
Stage 2: Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the management system, including the following steps: Opening Meeting → Department/Unit Evaluation → Assessment Report Preparation → Closing Meeting.

4. Assessment report and corrective actions: The organization must implement corrective actions for errors and deficiencies found during the assessment, ensuring all requirements are fully met.

5. Review and certification issuance: The Certification Council reviews the assessment records to decide on certification approval or denial. SA8000:2014 certification is issued once the organization fully meets the requirements and is valid for three years, with periodic monitoring required to maintain validity.
 
III. GIC CERTIFICATION BENEFITS

- International recognition: GIC is a globally recognized certification body, endorsed by prestigious organizations such as CPSC (USA), UKAS (UK), JAS-ANZ (Australia - New Zealand), SAAS (SAI), VICAS (Vietnam), SAC (Singapore), CNAS (China), and others. GIC certification offers national and international credibility, recognized by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and Asia-Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), helping businesses expand markets and increase global reputation.

- High-quality certification service with competitive cost: GIC Vietnam provides certification services to strict European and North American standards, ensuring that the business’s products and services meet international requirements. Alongside excellent service quality, GIC offers competitive, reasonable costs, helping businesses optimize expenses while achieving international recognition, facilitating participation in major markets and sustainable development.
 
For SA8000:2014 certification inquiries, please contact:
 
GIC VIETNAM
12F, 14 Lang Ha Building, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Tel: 024.6275 2268, Fax: 024.6275 2269, Email: tuandm@gicvn.vn
Ho Chi Minh City Office: R502, 160 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Tel: 028.39307936