Global brands and buyers are checking their suppliers’ labour practices more closely every year. A clean audit on working conditions can decide whether you keep the order.
SA8000 is the best known standard for decent work. We help employers get their practices, records and grievance systems ready for certification.
SA8000 sets requirements for how a workplace treats its people, from child labour and forced labour to wages, working hours, discrimination and freedom of association. It’s based on international labour conventions, and it’s audited by certification bodies accredited by Social Accountability Accreditation Services.
The 2026 edition strengthens the focus on governance, risk and worker involvement, and on how an organization checks its own supply chain.
SA8000:2026 was published on 1 January 2026. From 1 January 2027, all new certifications and recertifications are to the 2026 edition, and all certified organizations must be on it by 31 May 2029. Companies certified to SA8000:2014 also have to complete a self-assessment and training by the end of 2026.
No. It’s a standard from Social Accountability International, audited by accredited certification bodies.
If your practices fall short of the standard, yes. We find that out in the gap analysis and plan the changes.
No. Smaller employers certify too, with the effort scaled to the size of the workforce.
Usually four to eight months, depending on how much needs fixing.
Ask for an SA8000 gap assessment and we’ll show you what to fix first.