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How much do you know about factory audits?
2020-10-17 04:16:00
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Factory audits generally fall into three categories: social responsibility audits, such as SA8000, BSCI, and SMETA; Code of Conduct (COC) audits required by major brands like Walmart, Disney, and Target; and quality and environmental management system audits, including ISO9001, ISO14001, and FSC.
”
SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange)
SEDEX is a prominent social responsibility audit framework. It features three membership tiers: A, AB, and B. Factories are required to register as B members. Hundreds of major global buyers are members of SEDEX and widely accept its audit reports. Furthermore, many non-member buyers, including Walmart and Disney, also recognise SEDEX reports. A SEDEX report is valid for one year.
SEDEX is a prominent social responsibility audit framework. It features three membership tiers: A, AB, and B. Factories are required to register as B members. Hundreds of major global buyers are members of SEDEX and widely accept its audit reports. Furthermore, many non-member buyers, including Walmart and Disney, also recognise SEDEX reports. A SEDEX report is valid for one year.
BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative)
BSCI and its participants foster constructive, open dialogue among business partners and stakeholders to consolidate the principles of socially responsible business. BSCI boasts over 2,000 members, all of whom accept its reports. Additionally, certain non-members, such as Walmart, also accept BSCI audits. Audit results are graded from A to E, with Grades A, B, and C being acceptable. Grades A and B are valid for two years, while Grade C is valid for one year.
BSCI and its participants foster constructive, open dialogue among business partners and stakeholders to consolidate the principles of socially responsible business. BSCI boasts over 2,000 members, all of whom accept its reports. Additionally, certain non-members, such as Walmart, also accept BSCI audits. Audit results are graded from A to E, with Grades A, B, and C being acceptable. Grades A and B are valid for two years, while Grade C is valid for one year.
WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)
WRAP is an independent, objective, non-profit team of global social compliance experts. It is dedicated to promoting safe, lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing globally through certification and education. As the world's largest independent facility certification programme, WRAP primarily focuses on the apparel, footwear, and sewn products sectors. In addition to social responsibility, it incorporates C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) requirements. WRAP issues three levels of certification, valid from six months to two years, depending on the facility's compliance with WRAP's 12 Principles.
SA8000 (Social Accountability 8000)
SA8000 is the world's first international ethical management standard. Serving as the oversight platform, Social Accountability International (SAI) empowers workers and managers across all levels of businesses and supply chains. An SA8000 certification is valid for three years, subject to surveillance audits every six months. Companies can freely choose accredited third-party audit organisations, such as TUV Rheinland, SGS, Intertek (ITS), or Bureau Veritas (BV), to obtain certification.
ISO (International Organisation for Standardization)
ISO is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to global standardisation. Derived from the Greek word 'isos' (meaning 'equal'), ISO was founded in 1947 and stands as the world's largest and most authoritative standardisation body. ISO certificates are valid for three years, requiring annual surveillance audits to maintain validity. Key certifications include ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environment), ISO13485 (Medical Devices), and ISO45001 (Occupational Health & Safety).
ISO is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to global standardisation. Derived from the Greek word 'isos' (meaning 'equal'), ISO was founded in 1947 and stands as the world's largest and most authoritative standardisation body. ISO certificates are valid for three years, requiring annual surveillance audits to maintain validity. Key certifications include ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environment), ISO13485 (Medical Devices), and ISO45001 (Occupational Health & Safety).
ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries)
ICTI is an association comprised of toy industry bodies from 20 countries and regions, including the UK, USA, mainland China, and Hong Kong. ICTI is committed to promoting safe and fair working conditions throughout the toy supply chain. An ICTI certification is valid for one year.
ICTI is an association comprised of toy industry bodies from 20 countries and regions, including the UK, USA, mainland China, and Hong Kong. ICTI is committed to promoting safe and fair working conditions throughout the toy supply chain. An ICTI certification is valid for one year.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
The GRS is designed for companies looking to verify the recycled content of their final products. Currently, it is widely adopted as the benchmark standard for recycled fibres. Built on a foundation of integrity, the GRS framework covers five core pillars: environmental protection, traceability, recycled content, social responsibility, and general principles. The certificate is valid for one year.
The GRS is designed for companies looking to verify the recycled content of their final products. Currently, it is widely adopted as the benchmark standard for recycled fibres. Built on a foundation of integrity, the GRS framework covers five core pillars: environmental protection, traceability, recycled content, social responsibility, and general principles. The certificate is valid for one year.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS is the leading global standard for organic textiles. Developed and published jointly by IVN, JOCA, OTA, and Soil Association (SA), its primary purpose is to ensure the organic status of textiles from harvesting and raw materials through to processing and final packaging. This guarantees a reliable, verifiably organic product for the end consumer.
GOTS is the leading global standard for organic textiles. Developed and published jointly by IVN, JOCA, OTA, and Soil Association (SA), its primary purpose is to ensure the organic status of textiles from harvesting and raw materials through to processing and final packaging. This guarantees a reliable, verifiably organic product for the end consumer.
RBA (Responsible Business Alliance)
Formerly known as the EICC (Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition), the RBA underwent a rebranding on 17 October 2017. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, this non-profit alliance of global supply chain leaders is dedicated to improving social, environmental, and ethical conditions worldwide.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
The FSC is an international non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting socially responsible forest management worldwide. Founded in 1993 by a coalition of international advocates aiming to prevent deforestation, the FSC has established globally unified principles and standards. It authorises accredited third-party certification bodies to conduct rigorous audits. Certified enterprises are granted the right to use the prestigious FSC trademark, which serves as a trusted hallmark of sustainable wood and paper packaging for global buyers.
ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification)
The ISCC is a globally recognised certification system providing sustainability solutions for fully traceable supply chains. It covers sustainable materials, biomass, circular plastics, bioplastics, and renewable energy. Designed to enforce non-deforestation and verify the responsible sourcing of waste, residues, and raw materials, ISCC certification applies to all global sectors. This includes food, feed, textiles, chemicals, and packaging industries looking to validate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.
The ISCC is a globally recognised certification system providing sustainability solutions for fully traceable supply chains. It covers sustainable materials, biomass, circular plastics, bioplastics, and renewable energy. Designed to enforce non-deforestation and verify the responsible sourcing of waste, residues, and raw materials, ISCC certification applies to all global sectors. This includes food, feed, textiles, chemicals, and packaging industries looking to validate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.
Disney Audit & FAMA
The Disney audit is a mandatory social responsibility evaluation required by The Walt Disney Company. To achieve compliance, a factory must attain a passing audit report, which is then submitted to Disney (often via an intermediary or licensee) to secure a FAMA (Facility and Merchandise Authorization). A valid FAMA is strictly required before any factory can legally manufacture Disney-branded products. Disney audits are conducted either directly by Disney's internal global product safety team or via authorized third-party auditing firms.
The Disney audit is a mandatory social responsibility evaluation required by The Walt Disney Company. To achieve compliance, a factory must attain a passing audit report, which is then submitted to Disney (often via an intermediary or licensee) to secure a FAMA (Facility and Merchandise Authorization). A valid FAMA is strictly required before any factory can legally manufacture Disney-branded products. Disney audits are conducted either directly by Disney's internal global product safety team or via authorized third-party auditing firms.
Walmart Audit (RS, FCCA, and SCS)
The Walmart audit framework encompasses social responsibility, quality assurance, and supply chain security. Walmart’s social responsibility audit is known as the RS (Responsible Sourcing) audit, focusing on factory compliance regarding wages, working hours, social security, fire safety, and environmental protection. Quality standards are evaluated through the FCCA (Factory Capability & Capacity Assessment), while security is assessed via the SCS (Supply Chain Security) audit. Crucially for packaging suppliers, Walmart now actively accepts equivalency reports from BSCI and SMETA to streamline the onboarding process.
The Walmart audit framework encompasses social responsibility, quality assurance, and supply chain security. Walmart’s social responsibility audit is known as the RS (Responsible Sourcing) audit, focusing on factory compliance regarding wages, working hours, social security, fire safety, and environmental protection. Quality standards are evaluated through the FCCA (Factory Capability & Capacity Assessment), while security is assessed via the SCS (Supply Chain Security) audit. Crucially for packaging suppliers, Walmart now actively accepts equivalency reports from BSCI and SMETA to streamline the onboarding process.
Carrefour Audit (ICS)
Required by the French retail giant, the Carrefour audit evaluates both social compliance and quality management systems. As a leading member of the ICS (Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability), Carrefour officially recognises ICS audit reports. Suppliers must rectify any non-conformances and secure passing grades in both social and quality assessments before they are authorised to commence mass production for Carrefour.
Required by the French retail giant, the Carrefour audit evaluates both social compliance and quality management systems. As a leading member of the ICS (Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability), Carrefour officially recognises ICS audit reports. Suppliers must rectify any non-conformances and secure passing grades in both social and quality assessments before they are authorised to commence mass production for Carrefour.
Partner with MMULIFE
At MMULIFE, we possess extensive experience in navigating diverse compliance frameworks to meet our clients' rigorous auditing requirements. For expert guidance or to discuss your specific packaging compliance needs, please contact us today.
At MMULIFE, we possess extensive experience in navigating diverse compliance frameworks to meet our clients' rigorous auditing requirements. For expert guidance or to discuss your specific packaging compliance needs, please contact us today.
Author：
Mmulife Limited
Prev : A Sustainable Alternative for Packaging
Next : What is the Manufacturing Process of Cosmetic Packaging Materials?
Article Recommendation
How much do you know about factory audits?
2020-10-17 04:16:00
Click：
“
Factory audits generally fall into three categories: social responsibility audits, such as SA8000, BSCI, and SMETA; Code of Conduct (COC) audits required by major brands like Walmart, Disney, and Target; and quality and environmental management system audits, including ISO9001, ISO14001, and FSC.
”
SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange)
SEDEX is a prominent social responsibility audit framework. It features three membership tiers: A, AB, and B. Factories are required to register as B members. Hundreds of major global buyers are members of SEDEX and widely accept its audit reports. Furthermore, many non-member buyers, including Walmart and Disney, also recognise SEDEX reports. A SEDEX report is valid for one year.
SEDEX is a prominent social responsibility audit framework. It features three membership tiers: A, AB, and B. Factories are required to register as B members. Hundreds of major global buyers are members of SEDEX and widely accept its audit reports. Furthermore, many non-member buyers, including Walmart and Disney, also recognise SEDEX reports. A SEDEX report is valid for one year.
BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative)
BSCI and its participants foster constructive, open dialogue among business partners and stakeholders to consolidate the principles of socially responsible business. BSCI boasts over 2,000 members, all of whom accept its reports. Additionally, certain non-members, such as Walmart, also accept BSCI audits. Audit results are graded from A to E, with Grades A, B, and C being acceptable. Grades A and B are valid for two years, while Grade C is valid for one year.
BSCI and its participants foster constructive, open dialogue among business partners and stakeholders to consolidate the principles of socially responsible business. BSCI boasts over 2,000 members, all of whom accept its reports. Additionally, certain non-members, such as Walmart, also accept BSCI audits. Audit results are graded from A to E, with Grades A, B, and C being acceptable. Grades A and B are valid for two years, while Grade C is valid for one year.
WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)
WRAP is an independent, objective, non-profit team of global social compliance experts. It is dedicated to promoting safe, lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing globally through certification and education. As the world's largest independent facility certification programme, WRAP primarily focuses on the apparel, footwear, and sewn products sectors. In addition to social responsibility, it incorporates C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) requirements. WRAP issues three levels of certification, valid from six months to two years, depending on the facility's compliance with WRAP's 12 Principles.
SA8000 (Social Accountability 8000)
SA8000 is the world's first international ethical management standard. Serving as the oversight platform, Social Accountability International (SAI) empowers workers and managers across all levels of businesses and supply chains. An SA8000 certification is valid for three years, subject to surveillance audits every six months. Companies can freely choose accredited third-party audit organisations, such as TUV Rheinland, SGS, Intertek (ITS), or Bureau Veritas (BV), to obtain certification.
ISO (International Organisation for Standardization)
ISO is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to global standardisation. Derived from the Greek word 'isos' (meaning 'equal'), ISO was founded in 1947 and stands as the world's largest and most authoritative standardisation body. ISO certificates are valid for three years, requiring annual surveillance audits to maintain validity. Key certifications include ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environment), ISO13485 (Medical Devices), and ISO45001 (Occupational Health & Safety).
ISO is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to global standardisation. Derived from the Greek word 'isos' (meaning 'equal'), ISO was founded in 1947 and stands as the world's largest and most authoritative standardisation body. ISO certificates are valid for three years, requiring annual surveillance audits to maintain validity. Key certifications include ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environment), ISO13485 (Medical Devices), and ISO45001 (Occupational Health & Safety).
ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries)
ICTI is an association comprised of toy industry bodies from 20 countries and regions, including the UK, USA, mainland China, and Hong Kong. ICTI is committed to promoting safe and fair working conditions throughout the toy supply chain. An ICTI certification is valid for one year.
ICTI is an association comprised of toy industry bodies from 20 countries and regions, including the UK, USA, mainland China, and Hong Kong. ICTI is committed to promoting safe and fair working conditions throughout the toy supply chain. An ICTI certification is valid for one year.
GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
The GRS is designed for companies looking to verify the recycled content of their final products. Currently, it is widely adopted as the benchmark standard for recycled fibres. Built on a foundation of integrity, the GRS framework covers five core pillars: environmental protection, traceability, recycled content, social responsibility, and general principles. The certificate is valid for one year.
The GRS is designed for companies looking to verify the recycled content of their final products. Currently, it is widely adopted as the benchmark standard for recycled fibres. Built on a foundation of integrity, the GRS framework covers five core pillars: environmental protection, traceability, recycled content, social responsibility, and general principles. The certificate is valid for one year.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
GOTS is the leading global standard for organic textiles. Developed and published jointly by IVN, JOCA, OTA, and Soil Association (SA), its primary purpose is to ensure the organic status of textiles from harvesting and raw materials through to processing and final packaging. This guarantees a reliable, verifiably organic product for the end consumer.
GOTS is the leading global standard for organic textiles. Developed and published jointly by IVN, JOCA, OTA, and Soil Association (SA), its primary purpose is to ensure the organic status of textiles from harvesting and raw materials through to processing and final packaging. This guarantees a reliable, verifiably organic product for the end consumer.
RBA (Responsible Business Alliance)
Formerly known as the EICC (Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition), the RBA underwent a rebranding on 17 October 2017. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, this non-profit alliance of global supply chain leaders is dedicated to improving social, environmental, and ethical conditions worldwide.
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
The FSC is an international non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting socially responsible forest management worldwide. Founded in 1993 by a coalition of international advocates aiming to prevent deforestation, the FSC has established globally unified principles and standards. It authorises accredited third-party certification bodies to conduct rigorous audits. Certified enterprises are granted the right to use the prestigious FSC trademark, which serves as a trusted hallmark of sustainable wood and paper packaging for global buyers.
ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification)
The ISCC is a globally recognised certification system providing sustainability solutions for fully traceable supply chains. It covers sustainable materials, biomass, circular plastics, bioplastics, and renewable energy. Designed to enforce non-deforestation and verify the responsible sourcing of waste, residues, and raw materials, ISCC certification applies to all global sectors. This includes food, feed, textiles, chemicals, and packaging industries looking to validate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.
The ISCC is a globally recognised certification system providing sustainability solutions for fully traceable supply chains. It covers sustainable materials, biomass, circular plastics, bioplastics, and renewable energy. Designed to enforce non-deforestation and verify the responsible sourcing of waste, residues, and raw materials, ISCC certification applies to all global sectors. This includes food, feed, textiles, chemicals, and packaging industries looking to validate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.
Disney Audit & FAMA
The Disney audit is a mandatory social responsibility evaluation required by The Walt Disney Company. To achieve compliance, a factory must attain a passing audit report, which is then submitted to Disney (often via an intermediary or licensee) to secure a FAMA (Facility and Merchandise Authorization). A valid FAMA is strictly required before any factory can legally manufacture Disney-branded products. Disney audits are conducted either directly by Disney's internal global product safety team or via authorized third-party auditing firms.
The Disney audit is a mandatory social responsibility evaluation required by The Walt Disney Company. To achieve compliance, a factory must attain a passing audit report, which is then submitted to Disney (often via an intermediary or licensee) to secure a FAMA (Facility and Merchandise Authorization). A valid FAMA is strictly required before any factory can legally manufacture Disney-branded products. Disney audits are conducted either directly by Disney's internal global product safety team or via authorized third-party auditing firms.
Walmart Audit (RS, FCCA, and SCS)
The Walmart audit framework encompasses social responsibility, quality assurance, and supply chain security. Walmart’s social responsibility audit is known as the RS (Responsible Sourcing) audit, focusing on factory compliance regarding wages, working hours, social security, fire safety, and environmental protection. Quality standards are evaluated through the FCCA (Factory Capability & Capacity Assessment), while security is assessed via the SCS (Supply Chain Security) audit. Crucially for packaging suppliers, Walmart now actively accepts equivalency reports from BSCI and SMETA to streamline the onboarding process.
The Walmart audit framework encompasses social responsibility, quality assurance, and supply chain security. Walmart’s social responsibility audit is known as the RS (Responsible Sourcing) audit, focusing on factory compliance regarding wages, working hours, social security, fire safety, and environmental protection. Quality standards are evaluated through the FCCA (Factory Capability & Capacity Assessment), while security is assessed via the SCS (Supply Chain Security) audit. Crucially for packaging suppliers, Walmart now actively accepts equivalency reports from BSCI and SMETA to streamline the onboarding process.
Carrefour Audit (ICS)
Required by the French retail giant, the Carrefour audit evaluates both social compliance and quality management systems. As a leading member of the ICS (Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability), Carrefour officially recognises ICS audit reports. Suppliers must rectify any non-conformances and secure passing grades in both social and quality assessments before they are authorised to commence mass production for Carrefour.
Required by the French retail giant, the Carrefour audit evaluates both social compliance and quality management systems. As a leading member of the ICS (Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability), Carrefour officially recognises ICS audit reports. Suppliers must rectify any non-conformances and secure passing grades in both social and quality assessments before they are authorised to commence mass production for Carrefour.
Partner with MMULIFE
At MMULIFE, we possess extensive experience in navigating diverse compliance frameworks to meet our clients' rigorous auditing requirements. For expert guidance or to discuss your specific packaging compliance needs, please contact us today.
At MMULIFE, we possess extensive experience in navigating diverse compliance frameworks to meet our clients' rigorous auditing requirements. For expert guidance or to discuss your specific packaging compliance needs, please contact us today.
Author：
Mmulife Limited
Prev : A Sustainable Alternative for Packaging
Next : What is the Manufacturing Process of Cosmetic Packaging Materials?
Article Recommendation
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Call us : +0852 35807372
Business email: info@mmulife.com
BUSINESS HOURS
Monday to Friday : 9 am to 6 pm
Support Hours is 24/7 Everyday
NEWSLETTER
Enter your email address for our mailing list to keep yourself our lastest updated.
Follow us
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分享给朋友吧
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