SA 8000 Certification

SA 8000 is the international standard for social accountability in the workplace. SA 8000 certification can help companies show customers and partners that workers are treated fairly, safely and with respect.

What is SA 8000?

SA 8000 is published by Social Accountability International (SAI). Under the SA8000 system, only certificates issued by certification bodies accredited by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS) are recognised. TÜV NORD CERT certifies social accountability against this standard.

The standard is based on the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other international labour and human rights norms, and it requires compliance with national labour law. Where national law and SA 8000 address the same issue, the provision more protective of workers applies.

Standard version: SAI published SA8000:2026 (Standard for Decent Work) on 1 January 2026, replacing SA8000:2014. Under SAI's timeline, new certifications and recertifications must use SA8000:2026 from 1 January 2027, and all certified organisations must have transitioned by 31 May 2029. Please contact us to confirm which version applies to your audit.

Requirements of SA 8000

SA8000:2014 measures social performance in eight areas relating to working conditions:

Child labour: no child labour and protection for young workers.
Forced or compulsory labour: work is voluntary, with no retained documents or deposits.
Health and safety: a safe workplace that prevents accidents and occupational illness.
Freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Non-discrimination in hiring, pay, training and promotion.
Disciplinary practices: respect for dignity, no corporal punishment or verbal abuse.
Working hours in line with the law and limits on overtime.
Remuneration: respect for the right to a living wage, with full and transparent payment.

A ninth element is the management system: the requirements are integrated into the company's management system, monitored and continually improved with worker participation.

SA8000:2026 restructures the standard into foundational criteria, 10 management system criteria (M1–M10) and 7 decent work criteria (D1–D7), including a new criterion on privacy.

Benefits for your organisation

Proof of fair working conditions

Independent evidence that workers' rights and legitimate interests are respected.

Continual improvement

Social requirements are managed systematically and improved with every surveillance cycle.

Better risk management

Identify and control labour, safety and reputational risks in the supply chain.

Worker engagement

A fair workplace can contribute to stronger employee commitment and performance.

How it works

You send us an audit request
TÜV NORD CERT prepares a quotation based on your information
You appoint TÜV NORD CERT to carry out the audit
Online self-assessment of your management system
Stage 1 audit: readiness assessment
Stage 2 on-site audit: document review and interviews
Certificate issued if requirements are met (valid 3 years), with periodic surveillance audits

Frequently asked questions

Which companies can apply SA 8000?

SA 8000 can be applied by any company or organisation, regardless of size, location or sector. It is particularly useful for export manufacturers in labour-intensive industries such as textiles, footwear, furniture or electronics, where international customers pay close attention to working conditions.

How long is an SA 8000 certificate valid?

After a successful certification audit, the company receives an SA 8000 certificate valid for three years. During this cycle, the certification body carries out periodic surveillance audits in line with SAAS rules: the first no later than six months after the certification decision, then at intervals of no more than twelve months, usually on a semi-announced basis.

How does an SA 8000 audit work?

After an online self-assessment, the Stage 1 audit determines readiness. The Stage 2 audit takes place on site and includes reviewing documents such as payroll, time records and contracts, observing the workplace and interviewing workers to verify how the requirements are applied in practice.

How does SA 8000 differ from BSCI and SMETA?

SA 8000 is a certification: companies that meet the requirements receive a certificate valid for three years with surveillance audits. amfori BSCI and SMETA are audits that do not lead to a certificate; the result is a report reflecting the degree of compliance at the time of the audit, usually carried out at the request of customers.

Related services

amfori BSCI Auditamfori BSCI audits against the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct for producers supplying amfori members: process, A–E ratings, audit content. 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 SA 8000 and a quotation for your organisation.