SA 8000 stands for "Social Accountability 8000". It is the first ethical standard which ensures the ethical sourcing for production of goods and services. SA8000 is an initiative of Social Accountability International (SAI), an affiliate of the Council on Economic Priorities.
SA 8000 can be applied to organizations of any size across all industries anywhere in the world. Like ISO 9000 and ISO 14000,the quality and environmental management system standards on which it is based. SA 8000 is designed for independent assessment and certification by a third party certification body.

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

The standard specifies requirements for social accountability to enable a company to :

• Develop, maintain and enforce policies and procedures in order to manage those issues which it can control or influence.
• Demonstration to interested parties that policies , procedures ,and practices are in conformity with the requirements of this standard.

The requirements of this standard shall apply universally with regard to geographic location , industry sector and company size.

THE BENEFITS OF SA8000 CERTIFICATION

• Enables companies to develop, maintain and enforce practices
• Minimizes second party audit of suppliers
• SA 8000 is voluntary in nature and has been designed with complex business supply chain relationships in mind
• SA 8000 has attracted strong interest and participation from "blue chip" companies, providing international credibility
• Take local laws and requirements into consideration
• Generates positive consumer sentiment