Factory human rights inspection (also known as social responsibility inspection, social responsibility assessment, factory social responsibility assessment, etc.) is officially referred to as social responsibility inspection, social responsibility assessment, or factory social responsibility assessment. It is divided into two types: corporate social responsibility standard certification and customer standard inspection. This “inspection” is mainly implemented through two methods.

Corporate Social Responsibility Standard Certification

Corporate social responsibility standard certification is an activity authorized by neutral third-party organizations to check whether registered enterprises meet the prescribed standards. This is a requirement for Chinese enterprises by international, regional, or industry social responsibility standards, aimed at obtaining qualification certificates as a basis for procurement or orders.

These standards mainly include:
– SA8000
– ICTI (toy industry)
– EICC (electronics industry)
– WRAP (USA, clothing and footwear industry)
– BSCI (continental Europe, all industries)
– ICS (France, retail industry)
– ETI (UK, all industries)

Characteristics of Factory Human Rights Inspection

1. Factory human rights inspections are mainly conducted by government agencies and Western customers to check the implementation of labor laws by enterprises, focusing on whether employees work overtime beyond the prescribed time, meet the local minimum wage, and enjoy insurance and benefits. The focus is on personnel, attendance, and welfare compensation.

2. The objects and characteristics of the inspection:

a) Government agencies (labor, taxation, customs) inspecting factories: In addition to adjusting attendance and wages, the number of employees, identification documents, and insurance are also key points. Maintaining a good relationship with the government is also crucial.

b) Direct inspections by Western customers: Since they are unfamiliar with the situation in China, it is easier to respond.

c) Third-party inspections entrusted by customers: These professional inspection bodies are familiar with national conditions, making them the most difficult to deal with. You need to both meet the standards and manage the relationships well.

The Role of Factory Human Rights Inspection

1. Establish a management system that meets international standards, recognized globally, and enhances competitiveness with well-known brands.
2. Create positive consumer feelings about the product.
3. Stabilize cooperation with buyers and expand new markets, laying a solid foundation for long-term development.
4. Improve the management system, enhance employee relations, thereby increasing productivity and profits.
5. Reduce potential business risks, such as work accidents, legal disputes, or losing orders.
6. Develop new markets and customers: Companies with social responsibility will stand out from competitors.

List of Documents Required for Factory Human Rights Inspection

1. Employee cards or attendance records (from the month when wages were paid in the last twelve months)
2. Payroll (from the month when wages were paid in the last twelve months)
3. Employee list and personal files
4. Employment contracts
5. Factory floor plan
6. Business license
7. Fire inspection report or certificate of compliance
8. Fire drill records, emergency evacuation plans, and work injury records
9. Environmental protection certificate
10. Factory regulations or employee handbook
11. Government-issued local minimum wage regulations
12. Equipment safety permits (e.g., elevator usage permits, kitchen hygiene permits, etc.)
13. Special worker work permits (e.g., elevator operators, electricians, chefs, hygiene permits, etc.)
14. Overtime permission documents from the local labor department
15. Medical examination records for underage workers and registration documents with the labor department
16. Social security payment receipts, employee lists, and certificates of compliance
17. Employee leave/termination records
18. Metal or needle replacement records