ETI

ETI – Ethical Trading Initiative

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is an alliance of companies, trade unions and voluntary organisations. ETI works globally to improve working conditions for people who grow raw materials or produce consumer goods. Audits focus on freedom of association, no child labour and secure healthy working conditions.

ETI – Ethical Trading Initiative
    Ethical Trading Initiative

    About the standard

    The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is an alliance of companies, trade unions, and voluntary organizations.

    ETI works globally and is aimed at organizations that grow raw materials or produce consumer goods. Audits focus on freedom of association, prohibition of child labor, and ensuring healthy working conditions.

    Requirements

    The ETI Base Code is founded on the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and is an internationally recognized code of good labour practice. It is viewed as a global reference standard and is widely used as a benchmark against which to conduct social audits and develop ethical trade action plans. Applying this code is expected to comply with national and other applicable laws for every organization.

    Employee’s working with their sewing machines in clothing factor

    Features

    Large buyers seek to partner with organizations committed to developing in a sustainable environment for both their business and workers.

    You can compare progress over time from the beginning to the present, allowing you to demonstrate your advancements.

    By implementing the ETI Base Code, the company demonstrates that its activities are carried out in facilities that do not endanger workers.

    Preparation, knowledge, and record-keeping are required, enabling you to stay in control of your management.

    The ETI Base Code serves as the foundation for all ethical programs.

    Trading initiative

    Basic code

    1.1 There shall be no involuntary, forced or bonded prison labor 1.2 Workers will not be required to leave “deposits” or identity documentation in the employer’s custody and will be free to leave upon reasonable notice.

    2.1 Workers, without any distinction, have the right to join or form unions of their own choosing, as well as to negotiate jointly. 2.2 The employer will adopt an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions, as well as their organizational activities. 2.3 The representatives of the workers will not be discriminated against and will have access to carry out their representative functions in the workplace. 2.4 Where the law restricts the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, the employer shall facilitate and not hinder the development of parallel means to freely and independently associate and bargain.

    3.1 A safe and hygienic work environment will be provided, taking into account the prevailing knowledge of the industry, as well as any specific hazards. The necessary measures will be taken to avoid accidents and damage to health that may arise, or are associated, or that occur in the course of work, by reducing, as far as is reasonable, the causes of the dangers inherent in the work environment. . 3.2 Workers will receive regular written health and hygiene training, which will be repeated for new or appointed workers. 3.3 Access to clean toilets and potable water, and, if necessary, to sanitary facilities for food storage will be provided 3.4 Accommodation, if necessary, will be clean, safe and meet the basic needs of workers. 3.5 The company charged with enforcing the code will vest responsibility for health and safety in a senior management representative.

    4.1 There will be no new hiring of child labor. 4.2 Companies will develop or participate in and contribute to policies that favor the necessary transition period for any child in child labor to go to school and remain in a quality education system until they are no longer, by age , a child. The terms “child” and “child labor” are defined in the appendices 4.3 Children and young people under the age of 18 shall not be employed for work at night or in dangerous conditions. 4.4 These policies and procedures will comply with the provisions of the relevant ILO regulations.

    5.1 The wages and benefits paid for a regular work week will at least comply with the national legal regulations or the reference industrial regulations, or whichever is higher. In any case, wages will always be high enough to meet basic needs and provide discretionary income. 5.2 All workers shall be provided with written and understandable information on their working conditions in relation to wages before accepting employment and on the details of their wages during the pay period in question each time they receive wages. 5.3 Deductions from salary as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted nor shall any deduction be provided by national law without the express consent of the worker concerned. All disciplinary actions must be recorded.

    6.1 Working hours will comply with national legislation and the regulations of the reference industry, or the one that offers greater protection. 6.2 In any case, workers will not regularly work more than 48 hours per week and will have at least one day off for an average of 7 days. Overtime will be voluntary, and will not exceed 12 hours per week, will not be required regularly and will always be compensated with a premium.

    7.1 There will be no discrimination in hiring, compensation, training, promotion, termination or retirement on the basis of race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, status, sexual orientation, union membership or politics.

    8.1 In all respects, work performed shall be based on recognized employment relationships established through national law and practice. 8.2 The obligations towards employees subject to labor or social security legislation and the regulations derived from regular employment relationships will not be avoided through the use of employment-only contracts, subcontracts or contracts to work at home, or through.

    9.1 Physical abuse or punishment, threats of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment, verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation are prohibited. The provisions of this code constitute minimum but not maximum standards, and this code shall not be used to prevent companies from exceeding these standards. Companies implementing this code are expected to comply with national or other applicable law, and where the provisions of the law and this base code address the same issue, to apply the provision that provides the greater protection. Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the translations of the ETI Base Code and Principles of Implementation are as complete and accurate as possible. However, please note that in both cases it is the English language documents which should be treated as the official versions.

    Documents

    Application Form ETI

    Learn more about ETI

    For 20 years, ETI and its members have been a driving force in ethical trade. We influence businesses to act responsibly and promote decent work. Together, we tackle the complex challenges of today’s global supply chains, improving the lives of workers worldwide.

    Mohamed Shebl contact

    How can we help you?

    Want to apply for a certification program? Our Certification team will be happy to help you.