Obtain SA8000 certification and demonstrate your commitment to ethics, human rights, and sustainability
In a context where workers, investors, and supply chains demand greater transparency on working conditions and respect for human rights, SA8000 certification is an internationally recognized strategic tool for demonstrating an organization’s commitment to the responsible management of social aspects.
The new 2026 edition strengthens the approach based on the management system and Human Rights Due Diligence, requiring organizations to identify, prevent, mitigate, and report actual and potential adverse impacts on human rights related to decent work. This approach concerns not only the organization’s internal activities, but also direct and indirect business relationships throughout the value chain.
SA8000:2026 therefore requires organizations to assess the impacts they may cause, contribute to, or be directly linked to through their activities, products, services, or business relationships. In this way, certification supports a structured, preventive approach focused on the continuous improvement of social performance.
RINA delivers SA8000:2026 certification in compliance with the requirements of the SAAS accreditation body applicable to certification bodies.
The process includes:
RINA is a certification body accredited by SAAS for SA8000 certification and is a reliable partner for managing the certification and transition process. We combine specific expertise in social audits with solid experience in codes of conduct, social responsibility assessments, and management systems, ensuring a pragmatic, independent approach aligned with international best practices.
Any organization, regardless of sector or size, that intends to ensure and demonstrate compliance with the social requirements set by the standard.
Through a certification audit conducted by an accredited body, which verifies the management system’s compliance with the standard requirements.
From 1 January 2027, new certifications and renewals must be carried out according to SA8000:2026. Organizations already certified to SA8000:2014 must complete the transition by 31 May 2029 to remain in the system. From 1 June 2029, any remaining SA8000:2014 certificates will be withdrawn.
Organizations already certified must complete the SAI “Getting Started with SA8000:2026 and Due Diligence” course and the related SA8000:2026 Self-Assessment by 31 December 2026, ensuring correct association with their ORG# code in the SAI Database.
No. The transition may take place only during the recertification audit. If the natural renewal is scheduled after 31 May 2029, it will be necessary to plan an early renewal.
SA8000:2026 rafforza l’approccio basato sul sistema di gestione e sulla Human Rights Due Diligence, con maggiore attenzione a diritti umani, lavoro dignitoso, coinvolgimento di lavoratori e stakeholder, gestione degli impatti effettivi e potenziali e relazioni lungo la catena del valore. La nuova edizione punta a rendere la responsabilità sociale più integrata, preventiva e orientata al miglioramento continuo.
Information on the transition timeline and requirements is available on the RINA page dedicated to the transition to SA8000:2026. You can also consult the official timeline published by SAI on its website: SA8000® Certification Program Timeline.
