SA8000 is an auditable certification standard that encourages organizations to develop, maintain, and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. It was developed in 1989 by Social Accountability International, formerly the Council on Economic Priorities, by an advisory board consisting of trade unions, NGOs, civil society organizations and companies. The SA8000’s criteria were developed from various industry and corporate codes to create a common standard for social welfare compliance.

It requires compliance with eight performance criteria, as outlined on the Social Accountability International website.

• Child Labor
• Forced and Compulsory Labor
• Health and Safety
• Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining
• Discrimination
• Disciplinary Practices
• Working Hours
• Remuneration