ETI Base Code
Also known as: Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code
Reference code of conduct of the British Ethical Trading Initiative (1998, London) on which many audit systems — including SMETA — are built.
Description
The ETI Base Code is the code of conduct of the Ethical Trading Initiative, founded in London in 1998 as an alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs. It is neither a label nor a certificate but one of the most influential reference frameworks for social standards in international trade — virtually every major audit scheme (SMETA, BSCI, WRAP, partially SA8000) refers to it.
The code covers nine clauses reflecting the ILO core conventions: (1) employment is freely chosen, (2) freedom of association and right to collective bargaining, (3) safe and hygienic working conditions, (4) no child labour, (5) living wages, (6) working hours are not excessive, (7) no discrimination, (8) regular employment, (9) no harsh or inhumane treatment. ETI itself assesses the implementation by its member companies (including ASOS, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury's) in annual performance reports. For textile buyers the code is the shortest and most-cited formula for a solid social baseline in specifications.
Properties
| Issued by | Ethical Trading Initiative (London), since 1998 |
|---|---|
| Scope | Reference code with 9 ILO-based clauses |
| Basis for | SMETA, BSCI, WRAP and other audit programmes |
| Members | ASOS, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury's, etc. |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- ETI Base Code offiziell ethicaltrade.org https://www.ethicaltrade.org/eti-base-code
