The ultimate goal of BSCI is to provide companies with the best system to improve working conditions in the global supply chain. This goal can only be achieved through a strong commitment from participants to implement the system.

BSCI bases its approach towards good working conditions on the following cornerstones:

-       Committed: Our participants commit to implement the BSCI Code of Conduct with their business partners, showing a willingness to improve working conditions in their supply chains.

-       Consistent: We offer a holistic framework for producers worldwide consisting of one Code of Conduct and one implementation process.

-       Comprehensive: The BSCI system is applicable to both large and small companies and covers all products (industrialised and primary production) sourced from any country.

-       Development-Oriented: BSCI is not a certification scheme. We offer a step-by-step development approach that helps BSCI participants put social responsibility at the core of their business and to cascade it throughout their supply chain. Producers that meet all BSCI requirements are encouraged to go further and achieve our best practice, the SA8000 social management certification developed by Social Accountability International (SAI).

-       Credible: We only use external, experienced and independent auditing companies to perform audits.

-       Focused on Risk Countries: We focus on risk countries* based on governance indicators set by the World Bank.

-       Efficient: Our database of producers creates efficiencies and avoids duplicating audits of factories already in the system.

-       Knowledge-Based: Our system integrates learning at the producer level to develop their knowledge and skills to improve working conditions in factories and agriculture.

-       Collaborative: BSCI cultivates the involvement of relevant stakeholders in Europe and sourcing countries.