BSCI is a business-driven platform for the improvement of social compliance in the supply chain of commerce. The BSCI system covers all supplier countries and all consumer goods in the whole production chain worldwide. It is composed of over 200 members, mainly retailers, industry and importing companies.
Member companies have to implement the BSCI Code of conduct focusing on the core of ILO conventions, human and labour rights and requesting the conduct of social audits in the supply chain of the members. Multiple audits are avoided through a common database. The BSCI currently recognises SA8000 as its best practice and promotes a progressive adhesion of the supply chain to the ILO conventions and a peer review approach.
The BSCI provides a comprehensive process – auditing, qualification, re-auditing and the involvement of stakeholders to accompany and advise the project. Monitoring tasks are fulfilled mainly by the Members and the Executive Office. The BSCI is not a certification system.
Audits within the BSCI can be conducted in any production facility worldwide. The type of products covered by the BSCI vary widely. Among BSCI members are quite a number of department stores, selling all sorts of soft goods, clothing, home textiles, small appliances, toys, accessories. Other member companies focus on one particular product group, for example clothing stores, shoe retailers, baby products, or sports goods. For the implementation of the BSCI in the food industry, the BSCI has developed a special module for the primary production (farms).
