Our Certifications

If you want your factory or facility to be transformed by the COC of BSCI plat form then BELIEVER Compliance & Sustainability is the place of trust for you. BELIEVER provides all the solutions regarding BSCI audit with its experienced professional audit and BSCI implementation services.

A BSCI audit, or amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative audit, is an assessment of a supplier's social compliance performance against the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct. Below are the 11 principles followed by the code:

1. Fair remuneration: Workers should be paid a living wage that meets their basic needs and allows them to provide for their families.
2. No forced labor: Workers should not be forced to work against their will, through threats, intimidation, or debt bondage.
3. No child labor: Children under the age of 15 should not be employed, and those between 15 and 18 should only be employed in work that is not harmful to their health or development.
4. Freedom of association and collective bargaining: Workers should have the right to join or form a trade union and to bargain collectively with their employer.
5. Non-discrimination: Workers should not be discriminated against on the basis of their race, gender, religion, age, or any other factor.
6. Decent working hours: Workers should not be expected to work excessive hours, and they should be given adequate rest periods.
7. Occupational health and safety: Employers should provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees.
8. Environmental protection: Employers should take steps to protect the environment from the harmful effects of their operations.
9. Management system: Employers should have a management system in place to ensure that they are complying with all of the requirements of the code.
10. Communication and training: Employers should communicate the code to their employees and provide them with training on how to comply with it.
11. Monitoring and verification: Employers should monitor their compliance with the code and take steps to verify that they are meeting all of the requirements.

BSCI Performance Areas or Scope of a BSCI Audit:

BSCI uses 13 audit performance areas as the scope of audit to ensure a good working environment for employees, and ethical retail and supply chain practices. here are the 13 performance areas in BSCI audits:

1. Social management systems and the cascade effect
2. Worker involvement and protection
3. The rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining
4. No discrimination
5. Fair remuneration
6. Decent working hours
7. Occupational health and safety
8. No child labor
9. Special protection for young workers
10. No precarious employment
11. No bonded labor
12. Protection of the environment
13. Ethical behavior

On-Site BSCI Audit Process:

1. Opening meeting and Management interview
2. Factory/Site tour
3. Employee/Worker interview
4. Document/Records review
5. Closing meeting

Post-Audit Process:

1. Draft Report: The auditor prepares a detailed report based on all gathered information.
2. Corrective Action Plan (CAP): The supplier develops a plan to address identified non-compliances.
3. Final Report: The auditor reviews the CAP and finalizes the report, assigning a rating (A, B, C, or D).

BSCI Audit Rating/Grade:

BSCI Rating standard includes 5 levels

• A - (outstanding)
• B - (good)
• C - (acceptable)
• D - (Insufficient)
• E - (Unacceptable)
• > amfori BSCI full audit with an overall rating of ‘A’(very good) or ‘B’(good) is valid for 2 years.
• > amfori BSCI full and follow-up audit with an overall rating of ‘C’, ‘D’, or ‘E’ are valid for a maximum of 12 months, provided the period between two full audits never exceeds 2 years.

Surveillance, Implementation and Verification:

1. Improvement: The supplier implements the CAP and demonstrates progress towards compliance.
2. Verification: The auditor may conduct a follow-up visit or document review to verify improvements.
3. Re-Audit: Depending on the initial rating and progress, a re-audit might be scheduled at a later date.

Improvement: The supplier implements the CAP and demonstrates progress towards compliance.

Verification: The auditor may conduct a follow-up visit or document review to verify improvements.

Re-Audit: Depending on the initial rating and progress, a re-audit might be scheduled at a later date.

Let’s Point Outs Some benefits of BSCI audits:

1. Improved social compliance: BSCI audits can help companies to identify and address potential social compliance risks in their supply chains.
2. Reduced risk of reputational damage: By working with suppliers that are committed to social compliance, companies can reduce the risk of negative publicity and reputational damage.
3. Improved worker morale and productivity: Workers who are treated fairly and have safe working conditions are more likely to be happy and productive.
4. Enhanced brand reputation: Consumers are increasingly interested in buying products from companies that are committed to social responsibility. BSCI audits can help companies to demonstrate their commitment to ethical sourcing.
5. Stronger supplier relationships: BSCI audits can help to build trust and positive relationships between companies and their suppliers.

BELIEVER provides full solution for the Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) audits in the SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) format for all 4 pillar audits. Sedex audit is an independent assessment of a company's ethical and sustainable practices. It is typically conducted by an accredited auditor who visits the company's site and interviews employees, reviews paperwork, and observes work practices. The audit covers a wide range of areas, including labor practices, health and safety, the environment, and business ethics.

Some benefits of having a Sedex audit:

• Improved reputation: A Sedex audit can help a company to improve its reputation by demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
• Reduced risk: A Sedex audit can help a company to identify and address potential risks in its supply chain, such as labor abuses or environmental damage.
• Increased sales: Some customers require their suppliers to have a Sedex audit, so having one can help a company to win new business.
• Improved efficiency: A Sedex audit can help a company to identify areas where it can improve its efficiency and reduce costs.

Focus:

• Labor Standards: This includes assessing compliance with legal working hours, fair wages, freedom of association, non-discrimination, and the absence of forced labor or child labor.
• Health and Safety: SMETA looks at the working environment to ensure it's safe and healthy for employees. This includes things like proper ventilation, adequate fire safety measures, access to personal protective equipment, and hazard prevention practices.
• Environment: The audit evaluates a company's environmental impact and management practices. This includes areas like energy and water use, waste management, air and water pollution control, and responsible sourcing of materials.
• Business Ethics: SMETA also assesses a company's anti-corruption practices, transparency, responsible sourcing of materials, and overall ethical conduct in business dealings.

WRAP certification stands for Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production. It's a globally recognized independent verification program that ensures factories comply with social and environmental standards. Its objective is to promote safe, lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing practices in the apparel, footwear, and sewn products industries that are intending to manufacture for the US Market.

Audits evaluate compliance with the 12 WRAP Principles, covering areas like:

• Labor standards (wages, working hours, child labor, etc.)
• Health and safety
• Environmental practices
• Ethics and management systems

The 12 WRAP Principles at a Glance:

1. Prohibition of Forced Labor
2. Prohibition of Child Labor
3. Prohibition of Harassment and Abuse
4. Compensation and Benefits
5. Hours of Work
6. Prohibition of Discrimination
7. Health and Safety
8. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
9. Environment
10. Customs Compliance
11. Security
12. Management Systems

Based on the audit findings, a facility may be certified at different levels:

• Platinum (highest)
• Gold
• Silver
• Bronze

Benefits of WRAP certification:

• Demonstrates commitment to ethical sourcing: Shows consumers and stakeholders your commitment to responsible manufacturing practices.
• Improved compliance: Helps identify and address areas needing improvement in your supply chain.
• Reduced risk of supply chain disruptions: Minimizes potential issues arising from non-compliance.
• Enhanced brand reputation: Strengthens your brand image as a socially responsible company.
• Potential business advantages: Some buyers may prefer sourcing from WRAP-certified facilities.

Eligibility to be certified:

• Individual production units, not brands or holding companies.
• Mainly focused on sewn products, apparel, and footwear, but applicable to other relevant industries.

BELIEVER facilitates factories with the means to prepare and certify them with the expertise of its compliance professionals.

GOTS, short for Global Organic Textile Standard, is a globally recognized certification for organic textiles that addresses both environmental and social responsibility throughout the entire production chain. It goes beyond the scope of OCS (Organic Content Standard) by not only verifying the organic content of materials but also ensuring ethical and sustainable practices across the entire supply chain, from raw material harvesting to finished product. Here at BELIEVER, we take note of the concerns of the businesses aspiring to become compliant with the GOTS standard and provide necessary solutions in implementing and acquiring the GOTS Certification.

Key aspects:

• Organic content: Products must contain at least 70% certified organic fibers to be certified.
• Social responsibility: GOTS upholds rigorous social standards including fair labor practices, no child labor, safe working conditions, and freedom of association.
• Environmental sustainability: The standard addresses responsible use of chemicals, water, energy, and land throughout the production process.
• Chemical restrictions: GOTS prohibits harmful chemicals and promotes the use of safer alternatives.
• Chain of custody: Every step in the supply chain is tracked and verified to ensure all requirements are met.
• Third-party verification: Independent certification bodies conduct audits and document reviews to verify compliance.

Benefits for businesses:

• Expands market access
• Improves brand image
• Potential cost savings
• Compliance with regulations
• Attracts investors and partners

Primary industries:

• Textiles and apparel
• Mattresses
• Personal care products
• Food contact textiles
• Chemical industry
• Footwear
• Furniture

Comparison with other standards:

• RCS (Recycled Claim Standard): Focuses on verifying recycled content without social and environmental requirements.
• OCS (Organic Content Standard): Verifies organic content but lacks the comprehensive social and environmental scope of GOTS.

OCS, which stands for Organic Content Standard, is an international, voluntary standard that verifies the organic content of final products and tracks it through the production chain. Unlike GRS and RCS, which focus on recycled materials, OCS specifically aims to guarantee the organic origin of materials like cotton, linen, wool, and silk. At BELIEVER, we offer solutions for businesses aiming to achieve OCS certification.

Key aspects:

• Minimum 5% organic content: Products must contain at least 5% certified organic material (OCS Blend level) or 95% (OCS 100 level) to be eligible for certification.
• Chain of custody: Every step in the supply chain, from farm to final product, is tracked and verified to ensure organic claims are accurate.
• Social and environmental practices: While not as comprehensive as GRS, the standard sets basic requirements for social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
• Third-party verification: Independent certification bodies assess and verify compliance through audits and document reviews.

Benefits for businesses:

• Expands market access
• Improves brand image
• Potential cost savings
• Compliance with regulations
• Attracts investors and partners

Primary industries:

• Textiles and apparel
• Cosmetics and personal care
• Furniture
• Home textiles
• Toys and sporting goods
• Agro-Tech

GRS stands for "Global Recycled Standard". GRS is an international, voluntary standard that verifies the recycled content of a final product and assesses the environmental and social practices used throughout its production chain. Here at BELIEVER, we provide all the means and solutions for businesses aspiring to be certified by GRS.

Some Key aspects of GRS Certification:

• Minimum 20% recycled content: Products must contain at least 20% certified recycled material to be eligible for certification.
• Chain of custody: Every step in the production chain, from raw material sourcing to final product, is tracked and verified to ensure the recycled content claims are accurate.
• Social and environmental practices: The standard sets requirements for social responsibility, including fair labor practices, no child labor, and safe working conditions. It also addresses environmental sustainability aspects like responsible chemical use and energy efficiency.
• Third-party verification: Independent certification bodies assess and verify compliance with the GRS standard through audits and document reviews.

Primary Industries to be Certified by GRS:

• Textiles and apparel
• Plastic, Packaging & Printing

Other Industries Applicable for GRS:

• Automotive
• Furniture
• Toy & Sporting
• Building & Construction
• Electronics

Some Potential Benefits:

• Expands market access
• Improves supply chain management
• Potential cost savings
• Strengthened brand image
• Compliance with regulations

RCS stands for 'Recycled Claim Standard'. RCS is an international, voluntary standard that verifies the recycled content of a final product. Unlike the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), RCS focuses solely on ensuring accurate recycled content claims without requiring additional social and environmental assessments. At BELIEVER, we offer solutions for businesses aiming to achieve RCS certification.

Here are some key aspects of RCS certification:

• Minimum 5% recycled content: Products must contain at least 5% certified recycled material to be eligible.
• Chain of custody: Similar to GRS, every step in the production chain is tracked to ensure accurate recycled content claims.
• Third-party verification: Independent bodies assess and verify compliance through audits and document review

Primary Industries to be Certified by GRS:

• Textiles and apparel
• Plastic, Packaging & Printing

Other Industries Applicable for GRS:

• Automotive
• Furniture
• Toy & Sporting
• Building & Construction
• Electronics

Some Potential Benefits:

• Expands market access
• Improves supply chain management
• Potential cost savings
• Strengthened brand image
• Compliance with regulations

The U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program that recognizes buildings, homes, and communities that have been designed, constructed, and operated with sustainability and environmental protection in mind. Within the LEED program, there are four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These levels indicate the level of sustainability achievement, with Platinum being the highest level.

Here's a brief overview of each level:

• LEED Certified: This is the entry-level of LEED certification, and it indicates that a building has achieved basic sustainability standards. To achieve this level, a building must meet certain prerequisites and earn a minimum number of credits across various categories, such as site selection, water efficiency, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
• LEED Silver: This level builds upon the Certified level and requires a higher number of credits to be earned. It represents a significant step towards sustainability and demonstrates a commitment to reducing the building's environmental impact.
• LEED Gold: This level requires even more credits than Silver and represents an advanced level of sustainability. It acknowledges buildings that have made significant strides in reducing their environmental footprint and improving their occupants' well-being.
• LEED Platinum: This is the highest level of LEED certification and requires the most stringent criteria to be met. It recognizes buildings that have achieved exceptional performance in sustainability and have implemented cutting-edge strategies to minimize their environmental impact.

The number of credits required for each level of certification varies depending on the project's size, location, and type. For example, a new construction project in the United States would need to earn a minimum of 40 credits to achieve LEED Certified status, while a project seeking LEED Platinum would need to earn a minimum of 80 credits.

Types:

• LEED BD+C (Building Design and Construction): This applies to new construction projects and major renovations.
• LEED O+M (Operations and Maintenance): This applies to existing buildings that are undergoing maintenance and operations improvements.
• LEED ID+C (Interior Design and Construction): This applies to interior fit-outs and renovations.
• LEED ND (Neighborhood Development): This applies to land development and neighborhood design.
• LEED Homes: This applies to residential buildings.

There are over 100 different credits that can be earned across several categories, including:

• Sustainable sites
• Water efficiency
• Energy and atmosphere
• Materials and resources
• Indoor environmental quality
• Innovation in design
• Regional priority
• Pilot credit

Key Aspects:

• Sustainable Site Selection: The location and design of the building are evaluated based on factors such as proximity to public transportation, pedestrian accessibility, and stormwater management.
• Water Efficiency: Buildings are designed to minimize water consumption through low-flow fixtures and greywater reuse systems.
• Energy Efficiency: Buildings are designed to reduce energy consumption through the use of energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources.
• Material Selection: Buildings are constructed using materials that are environmentally friendly, locally sourced, and have low embodied energy.
• Indoor Air Quality: Buildings are designed to provide healthy indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and non-toxic materials.
• Innovation in Design: Buildings can earn points for innovative designs that go beyond the standard requirements.

LEED certification offers numerous benefits:

• Reduced operating costs: Certified buildings consume less energy and water, resulting in lower operating costs.
• Improved indoor air quality: Buildings incorporate features that promote better indoor air quality, improving occupant health and well-being.
• Enhanced marketability: LEED certification increases property values and attracts tenants who value sustainability.
• Compliance with regulations: LEED helps buildings comply with local, state, and federal regulations related to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
• Competitive advantage: It gives builders and developers a competitive edge in the marketplace.

MESA stands for Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association. It's a global organization that develops and promotes standards for manufacturing operations management software, also known as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) systems.

There are two main types of MESA certification:

• MES/MOM Certificate of Awareness (CoA): This is an introductory-level certification designed to provide a basic understanding of MES/MOM concepts and best practices. It's ideal for people who are new to the field or who want to learn more about how MES/MOM can benefit their organization.
• MES/MOM Certificate of Competency (CoC): This is a more advanced certification that builds on the knowledge gained in the CoA and delves deeper into specific MES/MOM functionalities and applications. It's designed for people who have some experience with MES/MOM and who want to demonstrate their expertise to potential employers or clients.

Benefits to obtaining MESA certification:

• Increased knowledge and expertise: MESA certification will give you a deep understanding of MES/MOM concepts and best practices. This knowledge can be invaluable in your career, whether you're working as a consultant, system integrator, or end user.
• Enhanced career opportunities: MESA certification can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired for a job that requires MES/MOM expertise.
• Improved job performance: The knowledge and skills you gain through MESA certification can help you improve your job performance and make a more valuable contribution to your organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to the profession: Earning MESA certification shows that you are committed to your profession and that you are up-to-date on the latest industry standards.

MESA certification is a valuable credential for anyone who works in the field of manufacturing operations management. If you're looking to advance your career or improve your job performance, then MESA certification is a great option to consider.

Oeko-Tex certification is a labeling system that ensures the safety and sustainability of textiles. It was founded in 1992 by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile Technology (OETI) and is now widely recognized as a symbol of quality and environmental responsibility in the textile industry.

The certification process involves rigorous testing and assessment of textiles against strict criteria for harmful substances, such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other chemicals known to be harmful to human health or the environment. The tests are conducted by independent laboratories accredited by Oeko-Tex, and the results are reviewed and verified by experts before certification is granted.

• STANDARD 100: This is the most well-known and widely used OEKO-TEX certification. It verify that the textile product has been tested for certain harmful substances and meets the requirements of Annex XVII of the European Union's REACH regulation.
• STANDARD 100 PLUS: This certification goes beyond the requirements of STANDARD 100 and includes additional testing for substances that may be harmful to human health, such as phthalates, PFOS, and PFOA.
• BABY ARTICLE 67: This certification is specifically designed for baby articles, such as clothing, bedding, and toys. It includes all the requirements of STANDARD 100 PLUS and additional testing for substances that may be particularly hazardous to young children.
• ECO PASSPORT: This certification verifies that the textile product has been produced using sustainable processes and materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, or TENCEL.
• LEATHER STANDARD: This certification applies to leather products and assesses their compliance with limits for harmful substances, as well as their durability and quality.
• TEXTILE PRODUCTS WITH A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY: This certification evaluates the sustainability of textile products based on factors such as raw material selection, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and social responsibility.
• DETOX TO ZERO: This certification verifies that the textile product contains no detectable levels of certain harmful substances, such as PFCs, PBDEs, and phthalates.
• MADE IN GREEN BY OEKO-TEX: This certification verifies that the textile product has been produced in accordance with the OEKO-TEX guidelines for sustainable production, including the use of environmentally friendly materials, energy efficiency, and responsible water management.
• MySTeP: This certification evaluates the sustainability of textile products throughout their entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling.
• OEKO-TEX EXPERT: This certification is aimed at companies that want to demonstrate their expertise in sustainable textile production. It evaluates the company's knowledge and implementation of sustainable practices across various areas, such as material sourcing, production processes, and supply chain management

The benefits of Oeko-Tex certification include:

• Ensuring consumer safety: By testing for harmful substances, Oeko-Tex certification helps protect consumers from potential health risks associated with textile products.
• Promoting sustainability: The certification process encourages manufacturers to adopt more sustainable production methods and use eco-friendly materials.
• Enhancing brand reputation: Achieving Oeko-Tex certification can help companies demonstrate their commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability, which can enhance their reputation among customers and stakeholders.
• Complying with regulations: Oeko-Tex certification can help companies meet legal requirements and standards for textile products, such as those set by the European Union's REACH regulation.

Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability (ICS) is an international, multi-sector initiative aimed at improving working conditions and environmental performance in global supply chains. It currently has 70 active members, mainly multinational retailers and brands from various sectors like textile, retail, footwear, electronics, and furniture.

These members and brands collaborate through shared tools and strategies to:

• Reduce "audit fatigue" by sharing audit results and resources.
• Promote best practices for social and environmental compliance.
• Hold suppliers accountable through their code of conduct and audit proc

Since the members or the brands and retailers that are associated with ICS are expected to participate in audits of their own suppliers to ensure they're following the ICS code of conduct, their suppliers will likely be audited. Even if they're not directly involved, suppliers working with these brands will likely be audited as part of the member's commitment.

ICS Code of Conduct Areas

The ICS Code of Conduct outlines the social and environmental standards that members of the Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability (ICS) and their suppliers are expected to uphold. It serves as a foundation for improving working conditions and environmental practices within their global supply chains.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the code:

Focus areas:

• Labor standards: This includes aspects like freedom of association, fair wages, working hours, health and safety, and non-discrimination.
• Environmental practices: This covers responsible waste management, resource use, pollution control, and adherence to relevant environmental regulations.
• Management systems: Companies are expected to have systems in place to monitor and manage compliance with the code, including grievance mechanisms and corrective action plans.

BELIEVER offers quality ICS services:

BELIEVER offers extensive expertise in ICS requirements and boasts a vast network of auditors and ICS compliance professionals. Our proficiency extends to sustainability auditing, encompassing numerous international industry standards and criteria.

By virtue of our appointment as an authorized social compliance audit organization, we are capable of performing audits in accordance with the ICS code of ethics. Additionally, we furnish internal ICS training to guarantee efficacy in all aspects.

If you are producing products that has considerable amount of wood or wooden material in it and you want your product and production facility to be certified with the FSC label then you are at the right place where you will get all the solutions regarding FSC.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is an internationally recognized system that verifies that wood products come from responsibly managed forests. FSC-certified forests are managed according to strict environmental, social, and economic standards, which helps to ensure that they are being conserved for future generations.

There are two main types of FSC certification: forest management certification and chain of custody certification. Forest management certification ensures that the forest itself is being managed responsibly, while chain of custody certification tracks the wood from the forest to the final product to ensure that it has not been mixed with uncertified wood.

FSC certification is a valuable tool for consumers who want to be sure that the wood products they are buying are coming from sustainable sources. It is also important for businesses that want to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Here are some of the benefits of FSC certification:

• Environmental benefits: FSC-certified forests are managed in a way that helps to protect biodiversity, conserve water, and prevent soil erosion.
• Social benefits: FSC-certified forests provide jobs for local communities and ensure that workers are treated fairly.
• Economic benefits: FSC certification can help businesses to improve their market access and brand image.