BSCI

1. Introduction to BSCI

BSCI audit refers to the Business Social Compliance Initiative, which is a social responsibility review conducted by the Initiative for Business Social Compliance on the global suppliers of BSCI members. It primarily includes compliance with laws, freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, prohibition of discrimination, compensation, working hours, workplace safety, prohibition of child labor, prohibition of forced labor, environmental and safety issues, among others. BSCI has over 1,300 members from 11 countries, most of whom are European retailers and purchasers. They actively promote their suppliers worldwide to undergo BSCI audits to improve their suppliers' conditions.

2. Advantages

(1) Fulfill customer requirements.

(2) One certification to meet the needs of different customers—reducing the frequency of audits by different buyers at different times.

(3) Enhance the factory's image and status.

(4) Guide and advise retail company management, improving management systems.

(5) Improve relationships with employees.

(6) Increase productivity, thereby boosting profits.

(7) Minimize potential business risks such as workplace injuries or fatalities, legal disputes, or loss of orders.

(8) Provide financial support to suppliers for implementing social standards, encourage government action, bilateral development assistance, and involve international organizations to lay a solid foundation for long-term development.

3. Requirements

1. Management Responsibility:

(1) Inform management and suppliers about the content of the BSCI Code of Conduct.

(2) Establish a responsibility mechanism within the company to address all issues related to the BSCI Code of Conduct.

(3) Appoint one or more managers to oversee the implementation of the BSCI Code of Conduct.

(4) Monitor the company's compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct and implement necessary changes within the company premises.

2. Employee Awareness:

(1) Declare support for the principles of the BSCI Code of Conduct to employees and explain and educate employees and subcontractor employees about its content. The company must fully translate the BSCI Code of Conduct into the appropriate local language and display it prominently in factories and other operational sites. Employees must be verbally informed about the BSCI Code of Conduct and provided with relevant materials in a language they understand.

(2) Regularly train employees on workplace safety and educate them about the impact of their activities on humans and the environment.

3. Record Keeping:

(1) Maintain records of all employees' names, ages, working hours, and wages, and make these records readily available upon request by BSCI auditors.

(2) Document the locations of all hazardous materials and potentially harmful substances.

(3) Monitor and maintain safety equipment and tools.

(4) Continuously update documentation of relevant legal requirements and regulations.

4. Complaints and Corrective Measures:

(1) Designate an employee to handle complaints related to BSCI issues.

(2) Record and investigate complaints from employees or third parties regarding BSCI issues and report these complaints and the necessary corrective actions taken.

(3) Prepare resources for implementing necessary corrective measures.

(4) Avoid terminating or disciplining employees who raise concerns about the BSCI Code of Conduct.

5. Suppliers and Subcontractors:

(1) Make the adoption of social responsibility standards and compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct a condition for all contracts with suppliers.

(2) Require suppliers to regularly report on their progress in implementing the BSCI Code of Conduct.

(3) Monitoring:

(4) Provide BSCI members with information about their activities and production sites.

(5) Allow organizations representing BSCI members to audit their and their subcontractors' operational sites at any time, with or without prior notice.

(6) Consequences of Non-Compliance: If a supplier fails to meet the requirements of the BSCI Code of Conduct and if no agreement on a solution is reached and implemented within a reasonable timeframe, BSCI members may choose to halt current production, cancel corresponding contracts, temporarily suspend future contracts, and/or terminate the business relationship with the supplier. If the audit results indicate that the supplier is not fully compliant with the BSCI Code of Conduct, the supplier must immediately take specified corrective actions. The supplier will agree with the auditor on a timeline for implementing corrective measures, which shall not exceed 12 months. If a previously excluded supplier due to non-compliance later demonstrates full compliance with the BSCI Code of Conduct, the prior business relationship may be reinstated in principle.

4. On-Site Inspection

1. Firefighting equipment, fire extinguishers, and their installation locations.

2. Emergency exits, escape routes, and their markings/signage.

3. Issues related to safety and hygiene: equipment, personnel, training, etc.

4. Machinery, electrical equipment, and generators.

5. Steam generators and steam discharge pipes.

6. Room temperature, ventilation, and lighting conditions.

7. Overall cleanliness and hygiene.

8. Sanitation facilities (toilets, washrooms, and drinking water facilities).

9. Necessary welfare and convenience facilities, such as sick bays, first aid kits, dining areas, coffee/tea areas, childcare facilities, etc.

10. Dormitory/housing conditions (if provided to employees).