BSCI Standard and Core Requirements
BSCI is an initiative that encourages businesses to follow social responsibility principles across the supply chain. The core requirements of BSCI cover the following:
Legal conformity: companies must follow the legal regulations of the countries they operate in. They must align with the applicable laws on workers' rights, working hours, wages, and safety measures.
Occupational health and safety: occupational health and safety measures must be taken at workplaces. Workers must have safe working conditions, and the measures needed to prevent accidents must be in place.
Child labour: child labour is not acceptable. BSCI requires businesses to take the measures needed to combat child labour and prevent the exploitation of child workers.
Forced labour and exploitation: a zero tolerance policy must apply to forced labour, slavery, human trafficking, and similar forms of exploitation. Businesses must verify that workers are working of their own free will.
Freedom of association and worker representation: workers' freedom to form unions and organise must be respected. Businesses must recognise workers' rights to choose representatives and engage in collective bargaining.
Discrimination: businesses must not discriminate against staff. Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, ethnic background, or sexual orientation is not acceptable.
Wages and working hours: workers must be paid fair wages, and working hours must align with legal regulations. Overtime pay and weekly working hour limits must be observed.
Health and social security: businesses must provide health services and social security for workers. Workers' health needs must be met, and their basic social rights must be protected.
Environmental sustainability: BSCI also supports environmental sustainability. Businesses are expected to adopt environmental management practices and work to keep environmental impacts to a minimum so that operations cause no harm to the environment. Water and energy use, waste management, pollution, and the protection of natural resources are key topics.
Supply chain management: BSCI requires businesses to apply social responsibility principles and requirements across every stage of the supply chain. Suppliers must also align with BSCI standards, so businesses can confirm social responsibility throughout the supply chain. Businesses should evaluate and audit their suppliers and request improvements where needed.
These core requirements aim to keep businesses aligned with social responsibility principles and to encourage ethical trade practices. Businesses aligned with BSCI take an approach that supports social responsibility and sustainability across the supply chain and earn a more trusted position with partners, customers, and the wider public.