Consumers around the world are increasingly demanding that their products be sourced ethically. According to one survey, 88% of consumers in the United States would boycott a brand for irresponsible sourcing practices and 87% would purchase products that contain some sort of social or environmental benefit. But how can businesses ensure their suppliers always abide by the ethical standards demanded by their consumers?
Deadly consequences
Production outsourcing has become a norm across most industries, but the new centers of global production do not always have the same legal and ethical standards required in much of the developed world. Sub-standard and unsafe working conditions and the use of child labor can have deadly consequences and corruption in the form of bribery, fraud, wage theft, and extortion are commonplace in many production areas found throughout the developing world. In addition to the human cost, these conditions can be damaging to a company’s brand in the eyes of consumers and force immediate and costly action be taken by managers who are oftentimes unaware of how their goods are produced.
An oft-cited example of the deadly consequences of sub-standard production standards is the 2013 Dhaka garment factory collapse in Bangladesh due to substandard construction practices. As a result of the collapse, 1,134 people lost their lives and some 2,500 were injured. The collapse resulted in widespread global criticism and a murder charge for the owner of the facility while some of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands were among those implicated in buying from the collapsed facility.
The role of third party inspectors
Third party inspectors play a vital role by serving as buyers’ ‘eyes on the ground’, paying close attention to how manufacturers run their businesses. They are able to ensure that a manufacturer meets the legal and ethical standards set by their client by communicating directly and in the local language. In this way, a third party inspection company will ensure your quality, as well as ethical needs are met at every step of the way.
Why choose HQTS?
HQTS has over 25 years of experience in quality assurance. With more than 80 offices around the world, HQTS is ready to be your quality service provider at every step of the way. Our Social Compliance Audit is conducted in accordance with SA8000, ETI, ICTI, BSCI, and multiple other enterprise-specific codes of conduct to ensure suppliers comply with the social and legal requirements that apply to your goods’ country of origin.
We audit for compliance in the following areas:
Contact us today for more information about how HQTS can serve your ethical sourcing needs!
