WRAP consulting and training

From 1 March 2026, WRAP stopped issuing new two-year Platinum certificates and removed Gold/Platinum levels from new certificates. New compliance certificates are annual; existing Platinum certificates remain valid until their stated expiry.

WRAP — certification programme update

What is WRAP?

WRAP stands for Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production. The organization was established to provide independent, objective verification that apparel and footwear factories operate in accordance with applicable laws and recognized ethical workplace standards.

In the mid-1990s, reports highlighted exploitation in garment factories, including excessive hours, unsafe conditions and denial of legally required worker benefits. Recognizing the implications for the wider industry, the American Apparel Manufacturers Association, now the American Apparel & Footwear Association, coordinated a response.

A task force sought input from brands, suppliers, non-governmental organizations, academics and government representatives. It proposed an independent third-party organization to help identify and reduce exploitative factory conditions without control by individual companies or governments.

The initial governing board was appointed in 1999, and WRAP was formally established in 2000.

The original account emphasizes WRAP’s financial and governance independence from the apparel industry. Industry representatives could contribute expertise, while a majority of the board came from outside that industry. WRAP was not set up as a membership association; the article describes funding through facility registration and training fees rather than membership dues or government support.

The original article cites a 2010 UNIDO study describing WRAP as a frequently referenced social compliance standard in textiles. It also records more than 2,300 participating facilities in 50 countries in 2013, approximately 1,900 certified facilities and over 1.65 million workers. These figures are historical, not current programme totals. WRAP concerns apparel and related sewn products; the old Vietnamese reference to jewellery was a translation error.

Benefits of WRAP

1. Strengthen confidence among customers, partners and other stakeholders.
2. Demonstrate leadership commitment to management systems, safe working conditions, health and workers’ rights, with continual improvement supporting work quality.
3. Support compliance with mandatory legal requirements.
4. Enhance corporate image, culture and brand reputation.
5. Support competitiveness and customer supplier-qualification requirements.
6. Support access to European, US, UK and other markets where buyers require social compliance; certification does not automatically remove all export barriers.

WRAP’s 12 Principles

1. Facilities must comply with applicable laws and regulations wherever they operate.
2. Facilities must not use involuntary, forced, bonded or trafficked labour.
3. The original article stated a minimum age of 14. Current WRAP Principle 3 specifies at least 15, or 14 in less-developed countries, and the applicable legal minimum where higher; work must not interfere with compulsory schooling. This is not a blanket authorization to employ 14-year-olds in Vietnam.
4. The workplace must be free of harassment and abuse by supervisors or colleagues and of corporal punishment.
5. Workers must receive at least the legally required total compensation, including mandatory wages, allowances and benefits.
6. Daily and weekly working time must meet applicable legal limits. The WRAP description provides for at least one rest day in seven, with an urgent-business exception under the programme; this does not override applicable legal protections.
7. Employment, pay, promotion and termination should be based on ability to perform the job rather than personal characteristics or beliefs.
8. Provide a safe and healthy workplace and safe, healthy accommodation where supplied.
9. Recognize and respect workers’ lawful rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
10. Comply with environmental laws, regulations and standards applicable to operations at every location.
11. Comply with customs rules and maintain controls addressing unlawful transshipment of finished goods.
12. Maintain security procedures to prevent undeclared cargo, including illicit drugs, harmful substances, explosives and other contraband, entering export shipments.

WRAP — 12 Principles

WRAP consulting process

1. Initial review and report
2. Detailed project planning
3. WRAP requirements training
4. Prepare documentation
5. Workplace improvements
6. System operation training
7. Implement the system
8. Evaluate WRAP compliance
9. Prepare audit records
10. Certification audit
11. Post-audit corrective actions

ITVC supports preparation, consulting and training; WRAP makes certification decisions through its own process.

ITVC Global services for WRAP

Consulting

Consulting to establish and implement a social compliance management system aligned with WRAP

Training

• Awareness and interpretation of WRAP requirements
• Internal social compliance auditor skills

Related articles

WRAP’s 12 Principles

WRAP certification

WRAP-certified facilities

Frequently asked questions about WRAP

WRAP-accredited monitoring firms