With Immediate Effect – February 5, 2025
Due to the introduction of significant changes to SA8000 accreditation and certification requirements, SAI (Social Accountability International, the creator and owner of the SA8000 Standard), has requested SAAS (Social Accountability Accreditation Services, the scheme’s accreditation body) to stop accepting new SA8000 certification body applicants.
SAAS has, therefore, suspended the SA8000 Accreditation Application Process with immediate effect and until such time as the changes are complete and published.
This means that from today’s date:
- New SA8000 accreditation applicants are being informed that applications cannot be currently accepted.
- Currently-accredited certification bodies in good standing are unaffected by this moratorium. Accredited certification bodies will be advised of the changed requirements in due course, and given a timeline to amend their programs to address the revised requirements.
SAI and SAAS currently anticipate that this moratorium will remain in place until the second half of 2026. When the moratorium is lifted, a public announcement will be made. All SA8000 scheme participants will be notified of expectations at, or before, that time.
For further information, please contact SAAS directly.
