In the current era where global supply chains place greater emphasis on compliance and ethics, BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) certification has evolved from an “extra point” to a “basic threshold” for enterprises to participate in international competition. As a global social responsibility auditing system led by the European Federation of Importers and Exporters (amfori), it integrates supply chain responsibility requirements through a unified standard, becoming a trust link connecting enterprises, brands, and consumers.
The core of BSCI certification is the “BSCI Code of Conduct”, which is based on international standards such as the ILO conventions and the UN Declaration of Human Rights. It covers ten key areas: child labor, forced labor, discrimination, compensation and benefits, working hours, health and safety, environmental responsibility, business ethics, supply chain traceability, and management systems. The audit is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach; instead, differentiated standards are formulated based on the enterprise’s size and industry characteristics. For example, manufacturing enterprises need to focus on verifying the safety protection in the workshop and the compliance of working hours, while trading enterprises should prioritize the completeness of the supplier traceability system.
Obtaining BSCI certification has immediate value for enterprises: On one hand, it can quickly open the door to the international market and become the “preferred choice” for brand procurement in regions such as the EU and Southeast Asia, avoiding being excluded from the supply chain due to non-compliance with social responsibility; on the other hand, it can reduce business risks through standardized management, minimize potential losses such as labor disputes and environmental penalties, and at the same time enhance the brand’s reputation in both domestic and international markets, and strengthen the trust of consumers and partners.
Enterprise certification should follow the entire process of “self-inspection and rectification – application and review – obtaining the certificate – continuous improvement”. In the early stage, nearly a hundred documents such as labor contracts, social security payment records, and fire inspection reports need to be sorted out. Issues such as excessive working hours and incomplete safety facilities need to be rectified. The review is conducted by a third-party institution recognized by amfori, through on-site inspections, employee interviews, and document reviews, with a comprehensive scoring system. The results are classified into six grades from A to F. The highest grade A can obtain a two-year validity period, while grade F requires rectification within a time limit before reapplication.
Nowadays, BSCI certification has become a “standard” for industries such as textile and clothing, electronics and electrical appliances, and household products. It not only reflects the compliance of enterprises with regulations, but also serves as an important path for them to fulfill their social responsibilities and achieve sustainable development. With the deepening of the global concept of responsible consumption, enterprises that have obtained BSCI certification will occupy a more advantageous position in global competition.