SAI

Advancing Human Rights at Work

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Transitioning to SA8000:2026

As of January 1, 2026, SAI has published the SA8000:2026 Standard for Decent Work, which replaces the previous SA8000:2014 Standard. This page includes resources and upcoming events related to the transition process. Learn more about how we revised the Standard.

SA8000:2026 Transition Resources

  • SA8000 Certification Program Timeline: This document for SA8000-certified organizations (and those interested in seeking certification) details the timeline for transitioning certification to the new Standard, including specific deadlines based on your last year of (re)certification.
    • SAI Notification 1: Transition Timeline for SA8000:2026 – Issue 2: This document sets out the timeline and requirements for SAAS-accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to transition to SA8000:2026, covering the steps CABs must take to update their management systems, train personnel, communicate with clients, and begin delivering accredited SA8000:2026 certification audits.
  • SA8000:2026 Upgrade Training Course: Required for anyone who completed SA8000 training on the 2014 version of the Standard to keep their training certificate valid.
  • SAI Notification 3: Hours and Wages Expectations: This document establishes how conformity with the SA8000 wage and working hours requirements is determined under both SA8000:2026 and SA8000:2014, including the hierarchy of living wage references, the treatment of negotiated wage rates, proportionality for smaller and lower-risk organizations, and how related nonconformities are classified and closed.
  • SAI Notification 4: SA8000:2026 Accreditation: This document from describes the accreditation transition process for SA8000:2026, covering the revised transition plan, provisional accreditation authorization, the SAAS witness audit, and the head office management system audit leading to full accreditation.
  • SAI Procedure 200 Supplement – SA8000:2026 Interim (Bridging) Requirements: This document for certification bodies and auditors sets out the audit and certification requirements that apply while SA8000:2026 is being implemented, covering certification scope, audit planning and preparation, the classification of audit findings, and certification decisions. It applies alongside SAI Procedure 200:2014 until the full 2026 revision is published.
  • SAAS Document Library: The central hub for technical information about accreditation and the various certification systems overseen by SAAS, including SA8000:2026.
  • SA8000:2026 Audit Tool v1.2

SA8000:2026 Transition — Feedback Survey

This survey invites feedback on the tools and documents supporting the SA8000:2026 transition, including the SA8000:2026 Audit Tool, the Procedure 200 Supplement, the Indicator Library, and Notifications 1–4. Responses are welcome from Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), certified organizations, and others working with the Standard, and questions may be skipped where you have not yet used the document in question. Feedback will inform SAI and SAAS’s ongoing review of the transition requirements and the support provided during the transition.

Go to survey

Upcoming Events

SA8000:2026 Q&A Webinars

These free online forums provide attendees with an opportunity to raise questions about the intent and interpretation of SA8000:2026 policies and procedures – including the formal transition process, auditing to the Standard, and implementation of SA8000:2026 requirements within certified organizations.

Wages and Hours Webinars

These dedicated sessions on SAI Notification 3 will provide system users with further context on the living wage benchmark hierarchy, nonconformity handling, and transitional provisions to support consistent understanding and implementation.

Wages and Hours In-Person Workshops

These in-person workshops support the implementation and assessment of SAI Notification 3 and SA8000:2026. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the purpose and context of these requirements through guidance on performing a current state analysis, developing and implementing improvement plans, and assessing the level of systems maturity and performance.

  • November 9, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM — Mexico City, Mexico
  • November 17, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM — Delhi, India
  • November 20, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM — Coimbatore, India
  • November 23, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM — Venice, Italy
  • November 25, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM — Rome, Italy
Register for an in-person workshop