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.