1. Introduction to SA 8000

   SA 8000, an International Standard, was first developed in 1997 and in 2002 was the second release. This Standard indicates requirements for Social Accountability Management as to improve working condition worldwide.

  SA 8000 was formerly developed by Social Accountability International (SAI), formerly the Council on Economic Priorities   (CEP) and based on the principles of international human rights norms as described in International Labor Organization convention, the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1969, Council on Economic Priority Rights, a Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) has worked in the field of social accountability cooperation and headquartered in New York.

  This Standard can be applied to all types of large-scale or small-scale business in developing countries as well as developed countries.

  SA 8000 Standard is a foundation for many businesses to improve their working condition. It is not the purpose of SA 8000 to stimulate or end the contract signed with the supplier, but it provides technical support and increases awareness to enhance living and working condition.

2.Benefits from applying AS 8000

• Having chance to achieve competitive advantage; attracting more customers and penetrating new markets of high requirements.
• Improving the business image; creating reliability to all parties with “Social accountability secure”.
• Decreasing cost of managing different social requirements.
• Gaining better position in labor market and showing obvious commitment on social and ethical standards to attract well-qualified and experienced personnel. This is considered as “Key to success” in the new age.
• Improving employees’ loyalty and commitment to the business.
• Enhancing productivity, optimizing managing effectiveness.
• Creating good relationship with customers and obtaining customer’s loyalty.

3.Fundamental requirements of SA 8000

• Child labor
• Forced and Compulsory Labor
• Safety and Health
• Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining
• Discrimination
• Disciplinary Practices
• Working Hours
• Remuneration
• Management System