Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability (ICS)

The Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability (ICS) is international and multi-sector, and aims to improve the working conditions and environmental performance of ICS members’ suppliers throughout their supply chains. The scheme, launched in 1998 by the French Fédération du Commerce et de la Distribution, is member-exclusive and includes the textile, clothing, leisure, furniture, fixtures, appliances and food sectors.

The ICS’s main objective is to encourage suppliers to comply with universal human rights principles, as well as with local labor regulations and good environmental practices in their production units. The ICS Social and Environmental codes were established as an improvement scheme that aims to promote social compliance and good environmental practices of manufacturers.

As an ICS-accredited Auditing Body, members can request an audit from us to assess the compliance with ICS’s code of conduct.

The ICS code of conduct areas

The social code of conduct covers eight key areas:

• Management system(s), transparency and traceability
• Minimum age, child labor and young workers
• Forced labor
• No discrimination
• Disciplinary practices, harassment and abuse
• Freedom of association and grievance mechanisms
• Working hours and overtime
• Remuneration and benefits
• Health and safety

The Environmental code of conduct covers eight key areas:

• Environmental management system(s)
• Energy use, transport and greenhouse gases
• Water use
• Wastewater and effluent
• Emissions to air
• Waste management
• Pollution prevention, hazardous and potentially hazardous substances
• Emergency response management

The ICS monitors audit quality through:

• Statistical indicators
• Comparative analysis
• Members’ collaborative feedback and review

Why choose ICS services from SGS?

Our ICS services enable you to:

• Demonstrate compliance with ICS requirements
• Understand and enhance your supply chain working conditions
• Show your commitment to universal human rights principles and local labor regulations
• Promote the adoption of best environmental practices in your supply chain
• Collaborate with other members to mutualize audits, reduce audit fatigue and share knowledge and best practices
• Access a common database that lists the general findings concerning audited suppliers

Trusted ICS services from a world-leading provider

As a world-leading certification, inspection, testing and verification company, we provide in-depth expertise in ICS requirements and a large global network of auditors. We also offer unrivaled experience in sustainability auditing against the requirements of various global industry codes and standards.

As an appointed internationally recognized social compliance audit firm, we can carry out audits against the ICS code of conduct. We also deliver ICS training internally to ensure our effectiveness across the board.

As an auditing partner, we can help you to audit your supply chain's working conditions and environmental performance, adhering to the ICS's stringent code of conduct, which includes integrity and confidentiality standards.