Softlines - Auditing & Certification Services

Demonstrate your commitment to social and ethical compliance standards

The way you make your products says as much about your business as the products themselves. To this end, TÜV SÜD audits, evaluates and validates management systems, issuing certifications for quality, safety and environmental management. Our pool of auditors can give you objective recommendations for ongoing continuous improvement of your business operations. We can help you maintain the quality of your global operations and tap into new opportunities worldwide.

TÜV SÜD offers:

• Complete quality solutions comprising certification, inspection and testing services
• An international network of offices and labs to support your business at a global and local level
• A large pool experienced auditors to conduct social compliance audits
• Expert opinion that is professional, independent and impartial

 

1. SA 8000
2. BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative)
3. WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production)
4. ETI (Ethical Trade Initiative)
5. Code of conduct audits
6. Technical Audit & Factory Evaluation
7. C - TPAT (Customs - Trade Partnership against Terrorism

Your benefits

Improve operational efficiency  Tap into new opportunities Demonstrate your commitment to quality, safety and social compliance




ETI (Ethical Trade Initiative)
ETI is a UK-based alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families in global supply chains. It focuses on companies producing, supplying and selling goods for consumer markets. The organisation identifies and promotes responsible corporate practices that observe national and international labour laws. Recognised by almost all UK retailers, ETI has established an international reputation for combining a practical focus with a critical but balanced view of labour rights issues. ETI members must adhere to a code of labour practices based on key conventions of the International Labour Organisation and accompanied by a set of general principles.




Code of Conduct audits
In addition to operating with the highest standards of business ethics in accordance with applicable local laws, many businesses choose to go a step further. They expect their vendors to maintain these same high standards. By performing Code of Conduct audits, TÜV SÜD's professional auditors can help your vendors comply with your specific Code of Conduct.




Technical Audit and Factory Evaluation
To ensure your vendors and suppliers are able to undertake a specific order as per your requirements, we carry out technical audits at their business premise. This process establishes a manufacturer's ability to design and produce according to your legal or normative requirements. Audits are conducted to any checklist specified. Alternatively, our experienced auditors can compile a checklist to match your requirements.




Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
C-TPAT is a voluntary US government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that improve overall international supply chain and US border security. TÜV SÜD can perform an independent assessment through a verification audit to confirm that your business complies with C-TPAT requirements for:

• Business partner requirements (Security procedures)
• Container security (Seals, container inspection, etc)
• Physical access control
• Procedural security
• Security training and awareness
• Physical security
• Information technology