Disney ILS Supplier Audit Consulting

Introduction to Disney’s ILS Programme 

Disney’s International Labor Standards (ILS) Programme supports responsible working conditions in the supply chain for Disney-branded products. Established in 1996, the programme provides labour-related requirements and oversight across a broad manufacturing supply chain. Disney works with licensees and vendors that arrange production at facilities they operate or use.

The ILS Programme uses assessment and improvement processes to support working conditions where Disney-branded products are manufactured.

The source article described an ILS team of about 120 specialists across 12 countries. This is historical background from the original article, not a current staffing figure.

Programme Framework 

Disney’s Code establishes standards for the production of Disney-branded products, with principles informed by international labour standards.

Licensees and vendors must meet the ILS audit and reporting requirements applicable to their facilities and sourcing countries, including pre-production and periodic audits where required. Use the applicable ILS Programme Manual and Disney notifications to determine the required scope and frequency.

These arrangements help Disney, its licensees and vendors understand working conditions and support continual improvement towards safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces.

Licensees and vendors are responsible for ensuring compliance with the ILS Programme. They should read the Programme Manual and relevant reference materials and maintain the knowledge and capability needed to meet their obligations. The applicable agreement with Disney takes precedence where it conflicts with the Manual.

Six Main Responsibilities

1. Select Suitable Facilities and Permitted Sourcing Countries

Do not manufacture Disney-branded products or source relevant components or materials from countries that are not permitted under the programme. Some permitted countries are subject to additional conditions or restrictions that must also be met. 

2. Disclose Facilities and Submit Required Documents on Time

Disclose each facility to Disney before production begins and submit the required Facility and Merchandise Authorization (FAMA) application in a timely manner. 

3. Obtain Disney Authorisation Before Production

Obtain Disney’s signed FAMA for the facility before starting production of Disney-branded products there.

4. Maintain Compliance and Meet Applicable ILS Audit Requirements

Explain Disney’s Code, Minimum Compliance Standard (MCS) and programme requirements to prospective and existing facilities. Licensees and vendors must ensure that their facilities understand the applicable obligations.

5. Address Non-Compliance and Stop Production When Required

Continued use of a facility depends on addressing MCS violations within the programme’s specified deadlines. Licensees and vendors should also support ongoing improvements towards full Code compliance. 

6. Notify Disney of Facility Changes

The original article identifies a notification requirement within 30 days when use of a facility stops and there is no reasonable intention to use it during the following 12 months. Confirm the applicable notification rules and other facility-change obligations in the current Manual and with your Disney ILS representative.

Benefits and Purpose of the Disney ILS Programme 

The programme promotes safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces. Its work includes policy development, education, monitoring, remediation and stakeholder engagement. The original article also referred to more than 100 staff in 12 countries; this is historical context rather than a current headcount.

Support more stable working conditions and continuous improvement at facilities producing Disney-branded products. 

Strengthen attention to worker welfare, fair treatment and ethical practices. 

Provide a common framework for managing labour-related expectations across the supply chain. 

ILS representatives communicate programme requirements to licensees, vendors and relevant business units; help explain audit findings and address programme questions; and support accurate facility information, reporting and follow-up.

Reference: Disney ILS Programme Manual