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amfori BSCI Audit

amfori BSCI audits help retailers, importers and brands check working conditions at their suppliers, and help factories show responsible business practice in the supply chain.

What is amfori BSCI?

amfori is a global business association for open and sustainable trade. It supports retailers, importers, brands and national associations in improving socially responsible production, responsible use of resources and global trade. BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) is amfori's social compliance programme.

The amfori BSCI Code of Conduct is based on ILO labour standards and sets out values and principles for responsible business. Companies that follow the Code commit to identifying, preventing, mitigating and remedying human rights violations and environmental harm in their supply chains.

Important: amfori BSCI is an audit, not a certification. There is no "BSCI certificate"; the result is an audit report and an overall rating from A to E, calculated automatically by amfori's system from the results of 13 Performance Areas and reflecting the degree to which requirements are met at the time of the audit.

Who is audited and audit formats

Many large retailers and brands choose suppliers on social compliance criteria and require producers to be audited under amfori BSCI. The main audiences are producers supplying amfori members, including brand manufacturers, production sites, agricultural farms, retailers and importers.

Audits can cover manufacturers, small-scale producers, multi-tier food suppliers or large agricultural farms, on an announced, semi-announced (the site is told only the time window, not the exact date) or unannounced basis. The audit is requested by an amfori member acting as the responsible party (RSP), through the amfori Sustainability Platform.

What the audit covers: 13 Performance Areas

The service includes background research on the production site, on-site assessment (observation, interviews, document review), reporting and uploading results to the amfori platform. The amfori BSCI Code of Conduct is translated into 13 Performance Areas:

  • Social management system and cascade effect
  • Workers' involvement and protection
  • 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

Benefits for your organisation

Avoid repeated audits

Results on the amfori platform can be used by several amfori members, saving cost and time.

Better internal management

The audit report shows where labour, safety and social management can be improved.

Optimised risk management

Identify social compliance risks early and become more resilient to market changes.

Stronger customer relationships

Demonstrate fair working conditions and an ethical image to customers and stakeholders.

How it works

  1. An amfori member requests the audit via the amfori platform; the site answers a TÜV NORD CERT questionnaire
  2. TÜV NORD CERT prepares a quotation
  3. TÜV NORD CERT is appointed to carry out the audit
  4. The site prepares for the audit
  5. On-site audit: interviews, observation and document review
  6. TÜV NORD CERT compiles results and uploads the report to the amfori platform
  7. Rating A or B: next full audit after 2 years; rating C, D or E: result valid 12 months, follow-up audit within 12 months

Frequently asked questions

Does BSCI issue a certificate?
No. amfori BSCI is an audit, not a certification, so there is no BSCI certificate. Results are expressed in an audit report and a rating from A to E on the amfori Sustainability Platform. The result only reflects the degree of compliance at the time of the audit and does not guarantee full compliance with every requirement.
What do the BSCI ratings A–E mean?
A is the highest rating (very good) and E the lowest (unacceptable). The overall rating is calculated automatically by amfori's system from the results of the 13 Performance Areas. With an A or B rating, the next full audit takes place after two years. With C, D or E, the result is valid for twelve months; the site prepares an improvement plan within 60 days and undergoes a follow-up audit within twelve months.
Who requests a BSCI audit?
A BSCI audit is initiated by an amfori member, usually a retailer, importer or brand, acting as the responsible party (RSP). The business partner is invited to the amfori Sustainability Platform; the audit request is made through the platform, and an audit company such as TÜV NORD CERT is appointed to carry out the audit.
How should a factory prepare for a BSCI audit?
The factory should prepare complete personnel files, employment contracts, payroll, time records, social insurance records, occupational safety documents and environmental permits. Workers will be interviewed, so day-to-day practice on the shop floor must match the policies and records that are kept.

Related services

SA 8000 CertificationSA 8000 social accountability certification to the SAI standard: child labour, health and safety, working hours, pay, management system. TÜV NORD Vietnam.SEDEX/SMETA AuditSMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) in 2-pillar or 4-pillar format for suppliers of Sedex members, with reports shared on Sedex. TÜV NORD Vietnam.

Talk to our experts

Contact TÜV NORD Vietnam in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Vung Tau for detailed information on BSCI and a quotation for your organisation.

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