On 09 July 2024, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and BRCGS signed an updated memorandum of understanding (MOU). The updated MOU finalizes the endorsement of the BRCGS Global Standard Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing as an IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) sub-scope, adding it to seven BRCGS standards already endorsed.

The BRCGS Global Standard Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing addresses the increasing consumer and regulatory demand for socially responsible goods. The standard provides a framework for the evaluation of an organization’s premises, operational systems, and procedures to determine whether they comply with relevant guidelines and criteria. Through accredited certification to this standard, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and contribute to the overall sustainability of the supply chain ecosystem.

The BRCGS standard was the first to be benchmarked and recognized by the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI), which aims to identify schemes in the consumer goods industry that cover key sustainability requirements.

Under the MOU, BRCGS Global Standard Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing is recognised by IAF as an IAF MLA sub-scope under the main scope of Product Certification – ISO/IEC 17065. This ensures mutual recognition of accredited certification for this scheme by IAF MLA signatories and allows acceptance in many markets based on one accreditation and one certification.

IAF Chair Emanuele Riva said, ‘IAF is pleased to be addressing the issues of ethical trade and responsible sourcing, and we remain committed to tackling future global challenges with our valued partners. Recognition of this scheme under the IAF MLA underscores the shared commitment of IAF and BRCGS to enhancing transparency and accountability in global supply chains.’

BRCGS Director Amanda McCarthy said, ‘BRCGS is thrilled that our ethical standard has been added as a sub-scope. In an ever-changing global marketplace, manufacturers play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards throughout their supply chain. This recognition adds further value to our social compliance standard and enhances the benefits certificated sites will see from adoption of the standard.’

About IAF:

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is a global association of accreditation bodies, conformity assessment body associations and other organizations involved in conformity assessment in fields including validation and verification and the certification of management systems, products, processes, services and persons.

IAF promotes the worldwide acceptance of certificates of conformity and validation/verification statements issued by conformity assessment bodies accredited by IAF MLA signatories, and seeks to add value for all stakeholders through its activities and programs.

About BRCGS:

BRCGS is a market-leading global brand that helps build confidence in the supply chain. Its Global Standards set the benchmark for good manufacturing practice, and help provide assurance that products are safe, legal and of high quality.