amfori BSCI: Code of Conduct for Social Responsibility and Sustainability in the Supply Chain
In these times of global markets, many companies outsource their production to other parts of the world. Supply chains are becoming more complex. Particularly when working in less developed countries, such companies are required to have high commitment of social responsibility.
With the amfori BSCI audit, companies can ensure that their suppliers behave responsibly towards people and the planet, and amfori BSCI enabled companies to trade with purpose by improving social performance in the suppy chain.
amfori is the leading business association for sustainable trade, empowering companies across the globe to operate successful and responsible businesses. It supports retailers, importers, brand manufacturers and national associations in improving the Environmental, Social and Governance performance of their value chains.
Benefits of an Audit According to amfori BSCI Code of Conduct
For amfori BSCI members:
- Improve the social performance of their supply chain
- Reduce cost and increase efficiency
- Have a clear and consistent approach that highlights best practices
- Improve the resilience of their business to industry and market changes
- Improve their businesses' reputation by meeting the expectations of your customers and stakeholders
For Business Partners in the supply chain:
- Improvement of internal management processes
- Risk management optimisation
- Time and cost saving through avoidance of multiple audits
- Proof of fair working conditions
- Enhanced ethical image
- Creating and maintaining trusted relationships with customers, supply chain partners and stakeholders
Audit Procedure for amfori BSCI Audit (Verification)
Overview of the amfori BSCI Audit
amfori BSCI audit can be under different types: manufactoring, small producer assessment, multi-tier food or agriculture large farm food . Audits can be performed fully announced, semi announced or unannounced.
Good to know: amfori BSCI is not a certification, but a verification. In contrast to a (successful) certification, a verification does not guarantee that the audited organization fulfils the requirements completely. Verification to amfori BSCI only testifies to the degree to which the audited organization fulfils the requirements.
FAQs on amfori BSCI
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.
Our service includes background research on the different production sites, on-site analysis (with site observation, interviews and document review), formulation of a report and uploading of documents onto the amfori 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 set of principles of amfori BSCI Code of Conduct are addressed:
- Social management system and cascade effect
- Workers involvement and protection
- The rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining
- No discrimination, violence or harassment
- Fair remuneration
- Decent working hours
- Occupational health and safety
- No child labour
- Special protection for young workers
- No precarious employment
- No bonded, forced labour or human trafficking
- Protection of the environment
- Ethical business behaviour
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 BSCI audit include producers who supply to members of amfori including brand manufacturers, production and farming operations, retailers and importers.
- Companies that have endorsed the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct (CoC) have committed to conduct their business activities responsibly, and to identify, prevent, mitigate, account for and remediate adverse human rights, as well as environmental impacts in their supply chains.
- Business partners are invited by the amfori member in the amfori Sustainability Platform
- Audit is requested by the amfori BSCI member as responsibiltiy hoder (RSP) role.
