Social responsibility

Internationally accepted certification and social compliance audit programmes can help manufacturers and suppliers demonstrate fair, safe and ethical working conditions to their customers.

Social responsibility in global supply chains

As production is outsourced and supply chains stretch across many countries, brands, retailers and importers must ensure that their suppliers treat workers and the environment responsibly. Consumers also increasingly care about the ethical origin of products, not just quality and price.

Social compliance audits have therefore become a common supplier selection criterion, especially in textiles and garments, footwear, furniture, electronics, food and consumer goods.

Programmes we deliver

SA 8000 certification: the international social accountability standard published by SAI (the new SA8000:2026 replaces SA8000:2014 under SAI's transition timeline); the certificate is valid for three years and is maintained through surveillance audits.
amfori BSCI audits: audits against the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct, requested by amfori members for their suppliers; the result is a report and a rating from A to E.
SEDEX/SMETA audits: Sedex's ethical trade audit methodology (current version SMETA 7.0) in a 2-pillar or 4-pillar format, with reports shared on the Sedex platform.

Note: amfori BSCI and SMETA are audits, not certifications, and no certificate is issued. Results reflect the degree to which requirements are met at the time of the audit.

Our 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.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.

Benefits for your organisation

Proof of fair working conditions

Independent evidence can help suppliers meet the requirements of international brands and retailers.

Supply chain risk management

Identify labour, safety and business ethics issues early so they can be corrected in time.

Greater competitiveness

Supports meeting the supplier selection criteria of global customers and strengthens your corporate image.

Frequently asked questions

Should we choose SA 8000, BSCI or SMETA?

The choice usually depends on what your customers require. SA 8000 is a certification of a social accountability management system. amfori BSCI is requested by amfori members, mainly European retailers and importers. SMETA suits suppliers of Sedex members and allows one audit report to be shared with several customers.

What is the difference between certification and an audit?

With a certification such as SA 8000, the certification body issues a time-limited certificate when the organisation meets the requirements of the standard, maintained through surveillance audits. amfori BSCI and SMETA are audits: the result is a report (for amfori BSCI with an A–E rating) reflecting the degree of compliance at the time of the audit; no certificate is issued and full compliance with every requirement is not guaranteed.

How do we register for a social responsibility audit?

Send details of your production site, number of workers and the audit programme your customer requires to TÜV NORD Vietnam at vietnam@tuv-nord.com, or contact our offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Vung Tau. We will get back to you with information and a quotation.

Talk to our experts

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