Introducing FSSC 24000 and Its Benefits

Demonstrate safe and fair working conditions, business ethics and supply chain due diligence with an FSSC 24000 audit.

In a world where human rights and ethical practices are increasingly scrutinized, it is essential for manufacturing and processing sector organizations to demonstrate their commitment to social sustainability.

The FSSC 24000 social management systems scheme addresses these challenges by providing a structured approach to continuous improvement in social performance.

What is a social management system?

A social management system is a structured framework of policies, processes and procedures that an organization uses to ensure fair treatment of workers, safe working environments and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Its primary goal is to define clear roles and responsibilities for planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, learning and continuously progressing toward achieving social objectives.

Why choose FSSC 24000?

Our FSSC 24000 audit is a comprehensive solution, enabling your organization to not only comply with legislation and regulations, but also excel in workplace health and safety, business ethics and supply chain due diligence, and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Aligned with ISO’s management system approach and harmonized structure

FSSC 24000 aligns with ISO’s management system standards to help structure, focus and drive continuous improvement, creating high-impact business systems. ISO’s Harmonized Structure enables easy integration with other ISO management systems like ISO 9001 (quality management), applying the same approach to achieve social objectives.

FSSC 24000 incorporates the internationally recognized, independent PAS 24000 (specification for social management systems) standard, which includes social performance requirements. PAS 24000 and FSSC 24000 documents are free to download from the FSSC website.

What are the benefits of FSSC 24000 certification?

Certification follows successful completion of an audit and enables you to:

• Effectively address human rights and critical social issues
• Implement due diligence in your supply chain management
• Adopt a robust social management system for ongoing improvement
• Identify and manage social risks and opportunities
• Demonstrate compliance with the specified requirements
• Contribute meaningfully to the UN SDGs

What are FSSC 24000’s audit requirements?

FSSC 24000 audits encompass the social management system requirements of PAS 24000 and FSSC 24000’s additional criteria, which focus on achieving and maintaining social objectives.

What is FSSC 24000’s certification cycle?

The cycle spans three years, starting with an initial audit, followed by surveillance audits in the first and second years, and concluding with a recertification audit in the third year.

Which companies are excluded from FSSC 24000?

FSSC 24000 does not apply to companies involved in tobacco, fur, fuel, nuclear fuel products, and weapons and ammunition.

Does FSSC 24000 certification replace SMETA or Sedex audits?

Partially. FSSC 24000 and SMETA/Sedex cover different scopes, with FSSC 24000 focusing on a robust social management system based on an ISO management approach.

Your qualified FSSC 24000 auditing partner

As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, and a qualified FSSC 24000 auditing partner, we provide extensive expertise in the initiative’s requirements. With decades of experience in management systems and social audit services, including ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 (food safety), as well as active participation in PAS 24000’s consultation process, our expertise supports you every step of the way.

We are also a founding and full member of the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA). We have a global network of more than 800 experienced APSCA-enrolled auditors in over 80 countries, available to support your FSSC 24000 needs.

Contact us today to discuss your FSSC 24000 audit requirements.