Why Should Organizations Implement SA 8000?

Companies that meet the established criteria may be registered by an authorized certification body. Once certified, the company is entitled to use the SA 8000 certification mark. To obtain certification in accordance with the SA 8000 standard, all organizations must undergo audits.

Public concern regarding human rights and working conditions in manufacturing has continued to increase. Many companies recognize the benefits of incorporating ethical standards into their operations and have established their own codes of conduct. However, there has been no universal consensus on a specific social responsibility policy. As a result, these individual regulations are often temporary and lack rigorous oversight.

The purpose of SA 8000 certification is to establish a global code of conduct for working conditions in the manufacturing industry, thereby helping consumers in developed countries trust that the products they purchase and use—particularly clothing, toys, cosmetics, and electronics—have been manufactured in accordance with a recognized set of standards.

CEPAA, the governing body now known as SAI (Social Accountability International), authorizes independent certification bodies to assess and monitor compliance with established standards. Certification remains valid for three years, subject to surveillance and audits every six months. These certification bodies are provided with guidance documents and specialized training programs.

How Does SA 8000 Enable Companies to Demonstrate Social Responsibility?

Method One – Membership

The membership approach is designed for distributors. Under this model, distributors commit to conducting business only with suppliers that demonstrate social responsibility.

SA 8000 members are provided with tools, guidelines, and techniques for self-assessment and receive support in implementing social responsibility policies. Members are required to inform suppliers of their commitment to the SA 8000 standard and allow them a reasonable period to comply before terminating relationships with suppliers that fail to meet the required standards.

Member companies are also required to submit annual reports detailing their SA 8000 objectives and summarizing the actions taken to achieve those objectives. These reports are reviewed by SAI.

Method Two – Certification

The certification approach is intended for manufacturers and suppliers. The process begins when a company contacts an authorized certification organization.

A company may be shortlisted as an SA 8000 certification candidate once it demonstrates that its operations have the potential to comply with SA 8000 requirements.

The company then begins implementing the SA 8000 program, which undergoes a thorough review by a pre-assessment team before the formal certification audit process. Recommendations issued by the assessment organization should be addressed before the official audit takes place.

During the formal assessment, the company still has the opportunity to correct and supplement deficiencies before the final evaluation. SA 8000 certification will be granted if the auditors determine that the company complies with the standard requirements. The certificate remains valid for three years.

How to Implement SA 8000

Like other management system standards, the implementation of SA 8000 generally follows the six steps below:

Step 1: Preparation

• Study and understand SA 8000 and its applicability within the organization.
• Commit to understanding the benefits of implementing SA 8000 and ensure adequate resources are available.
• Management should determine an appropriate implementation method, establish a project timeline, and engage consultants if necessary.
• Establish an implementation committee to develop the SA 8000 Social Accountability Management System, including management representatives and relevant departments.

Step 2: Assessment and Planning

• Assess the current status of social responsibility activities within the organization.
• Identify gaps between current practices and SA 8000 requirements.
• Develop a detailed implementation plan, clearly defining responsibilities and timelines for all relevant departments.

Step 3: Develop the Social Accountability Management System

• Provide awareness training on SA 8000 requirements and documentation methods for the implementation team.
• Employees elect their representatives to serve as workers' representatives.
• Develop system documentation, assign drafting responsibilities, gather feedback, and issue documents according to the implementation plan.

Step 4: Implement the Documented System

• Provide awareness training on the Social Accountability Management System to all employees.
• Guide departments in implementing the established documentation system.
• Revise documents based on practical application and address emerging issues.

Step 5: Evaluation and Improvement

• Provide internal auditor training for implementation committee members and relevant personnel.
• Conduct internal audits.
• Implement corrective actions and follow-up activities after internal audits.

Step 6: Certification, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement

• Contact and select a suitable certification body and complete the certification registration process.
• Undergo certification assessment or pre-assessment (if required).
• Address nonconformities and implement corrective actions following the audit.
• Obtain SA 8000 certification.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Social Accountability Management System after certification.

The above information is shared by the ISSQ Institute for Quality regarding SA 8000 Certification – Social Accountability Management System.

We hope this article provides useful information for you and your organization.

ISSQ Institute for Quality is always ready to accompany organizations and businesses during the process of integration and development.

For further assistance, please contact our hotline: (+84) 981 851 111 or email vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn. We are honored to serve our valued customers.

Publication Date: May 23, 2023