BSCI Code of Conduct

Cooperation: By working together and taking a common approach, BSCI

Participants will have a greater impact on, and better chance of improving working

conditions in their supply chains. The value of cooperation is equally important in the

relationship with the business partners in the supply chain, particularly those that

need support in order to improve.

Likewise, the spirit of cooperation is also critical in the relationship between business

and affected stakeholders at different levels.

Empowerment: A central aim for the BSCI is to empower BSCI Participants and

their business partners, particularly in the case of producers who will be monitored, to

develop their supply chains in a way that respects human and labour rights as well as

to provide business units in the supply chain with the tools needed to improve

working conditions in a sustainable manner. The development of internal

management systems plays a critical role in bringing BSCI principles to the heart of

business enterprises's culture.

IV. Implementation

The principles set out in the BSCI Code of Conduct represent the aspirational goals and

minimum expectations that BSCI Participants have with regard to their supply chains’ social

conduct.

Even though the aspirations will remain unchanged, the minimum expectations of the BSCI

Code of Conduct, which are translated into verifiable social standards, may change in line

with changes in society.

BSCI Participants commit to use reasonable endeavors to achieve the goals set out in

the BSCI Code of Conduct. While they cannot guarantee full observance of all their

business partners at all times, BSCI Participants commit to take reasonable measures to

abide by the principles of the BSCI Code of Conduct, particularly in those regions and or

sectors where higher risks of non-observance of the BSCI Code of Conduct exist. Needless

to say, full observance is a process that takes considerable time, resources and effort; and

gaps, shortcomings, failures and unpredictable occurrences will always remain a possibility.

Nonetheless, BSCI Participants commit strongly to the early detection, monitoring and

remediation of all such failures in their supply chains and remain open to constructive

engagement with stakeholders who are genuinely concerned with social compliance.

Code Observance  

Obeying domestic laws is the first obligation of business enterprises. In countries where

domestic laws and regulations are in conflict with, or set a different standard of protection

than the BSCI Code of Conduct, business enterprises should seek ways to abide by the

principles that provide the highest protection to the workers and environment.

Supply Chain Management and Cascade Effect

BSCI Participants acknowledge their capacity to influence social changes in their supply

chains through their purchasing activities. They manage their relationships with all business

partners in a responsible way and expect the same in return.

This requires a co-operative approach where every business enterprise, (a) involves its

respective business partners; (b) takes all reasonable and appropriate measures in its sphere

of influence, needed to implement the BSCI Code of Conduct and (c) exchanges information

to timely identify any challenge that requires mitigation.