SA8000 Certification: Standard for Decent Work

• Obtain the standard:

Get a free licensed copy of the standard from the SAI website and familiarize yourself with the requirements to decide if certification/registration to this standard makes good sense for your organization.

• Review available literature and apply digital tools

Explore available literature, guidelines from the standard owners (e.g.  SAAS Procedure 200 & Related Documents; SA8000 Guidance Documents)   and digital sources and tools that can assist with implementation. Note that as a DNV customer you get access to tailored tools that can assist you.

• Assemble a team and define strategy:

To implement a management system should be a strategic decision for the entire organization. Senior management must be involved in the decision, committed and involved in shaping the system. They decide the business strategy the management system should support. In addition, you need a dedicated team to develop and implement your management system.

• Determine competence needs:

First, your team implementing and maintaining the management system needs a thorough understanding of the chosen standards. Later on, the wider organization needs awareness training. DNV offers a variety of public and in-house courses worldwide that meets your competence training needs at all levels within your organization.

• Review consultant options:

Independent consultants can advise on a workable, realistic, and cost-effective strategy plan for implementation if you do not have this competence or capacity already.

• Develop management system documentation: 

Decide on an appropriate platform for your documented information (e.g. software, process map- or SharePoint-based). The right platform is important to ensure effective management, communication and implementation.

• Determine, manage and document processes:

First identify key processes – what they are, how they work, and how they interact. Each process should have a clear purpose, defined responsibilities, and expected outputs. The level of documented information needed depends on the organization’s size, complexity, and the importance of each process, but must include relevant processes and other documented information needed to deliver on intended outcomes and comply with the chosen standard’s requirements.

• Implement management system:

Clear communication and necessary competence training are essential elements. During the implementation phase, you will work to ensure that your organization is working according to defined and documented processes. Once successful, you can prove system’s compliance and effectiveness.

• Select a certification body/registrar:

Selecting the right certification body/registrar can make a difference throughout your certification journey. DNV offers a trusted partnership approach, a risk-based approach and range of free digital tools that help you manage your certification journey before, during and after the audit.

• Consider a pre-audit gap analysis:

Consider a preliminary evaluation by your certification body/registrar to identify and correct nonconformities before starting the official certification process. The purpose is to identify areas of non-conformance or weaknesses, allowing you to correct these before you begin the official certification process.

SA8000 is an international, auditable standard for decent work and social accountability, developed by Social Accountability International (SAI).

SA8000 standard defines requirements to protect workers’ human rights and ensure fair, safe, and dignified working conditions, in line with ILO conventions, United Nations human rights instruments, and applicable labour laws. While maintaining SA8000’s nine core labour principles, the 2026 edition introduces a performance based and risk driven approach, requiring organizations to demonstrate the effective implementation of their systems rather than simple compliance. It strengthens human rights due diligence, extends responsibility—proportionate to risk—across the value chain, and emphasizes leadership accountability, worker participation, grievance mechanisms, and continuous improvement. It supports organizations in translating human rights commitments into measurable, credible, and sustained workplace outcomes.

SA8000 certification is an independent, third party verification that an organization has implemented and maintains a social accountability management system in line with the SA8000 standard. It demonstrates that the organization complies with internationally recognised requirements related to workers’ rights, labour conditions, and ethical workplace practices, such as health and safety, fair remuneration, working hours, and freedom of association. Applicable to organizations of any size and sector, SA8000 certification provides credible assurance to stakeholders that social responsibility is systematically managed and continually improved. Certification is generally permitted in all countries and is applicable in all industries except as designated in the exclusions list which can be found on SAI website. 

SA8000 helps organizations improve working conditions and protect workers’ rights through a structured and internationally recognised management system. By implementing the standard, organizations can foster safer, decent  and fairer workplaces, enhance employee well being and engagement, and promote a culture of ethical and responsible behaviour. SA8000 also strengthens credibility with customers, investors, and other stakeholders by providing independent assurance of social accountability, while supporting risk management, supply chain transparency, and continual improvement in social performance.