The ultimate goal of BSCI is to improve the working conditions in the global supply chain worldwide. This goal can only be achieved through a strong commitment from participants to implement the system. BSCI operates on the following principles:

• Committed: Our participants commit to implement the BSCI Code of Conduct as part of their business relations with producers, showing a willingness to improve the working conditions in their supply chain.

• Consistent: We offer a unique and uniform system for producers worldwide consisting of one Code of Conduct and one implementation process, ensuring consistency and comparability of audits.

• Comprehensive: The BSCI social compliance system is applicable to both large and small companies and covers all products (industrialised and primary production) sourced from any country.

• Development oriented: BSCI is not a certification scheme. We offer a step by step development approach that helps producers implement the Code of Conduct gradually. Producers who meet all BSCI requirements are encouraged to go further and achieve our best practice, the SA8000 social management system and certification developed by Social Accountability International (SAI).

• Credible: We only use external, experienced and independent auditing companies to perform audits.

• Focused on risk countries: We focus on risk countries * where violations of workers’ rights occur frequently. The main sourcing countries, based on audits performed, are China, Bangladesh, India, Turkey and Vietnam.

• Efficient: Our common database of producers creates efficiencies and avoids duplicating audits at factories already in the system.

• Knowledge-based: Our system integrates learning at the producer level to develop their knowledge and skills on how to improve working conditions on the factory floor.

• Collaborative: BSCI cultivates involvement of relevant stakeholders in Europe and producer countries.

*The definition of risk countries is based on definitions in the Human Development Index of the United Nations and the Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International.