As the SA8000 scheme owner and accreditation body, respectively, neither SAI nor SAAS sets specific costs for the SA8000 certification process. Prices are determined individually by the accredited certification bodies (CBs) delivering the SA8000 audits. Their fees are based on market prices and the cost can vary based on the size, scope, location, and number of days and auditors needed to conduct the audit. The number of required audit days is determined at the system level (see SAAS Procedure 200).
There are four basic types of out-of-pocket costs associated with SA8000 certification:
Pre-audit work
| Activity | Cost (USD) | Paid to | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implementing corrective/ preventive actions to comply with the Standard | Varies | Internal or consultant/contractor | Depends on organizational readiness |
| Verifying SA8000 compliance through consultant or internal audit | Varies | Internal or consultant/contractor | Optional |
Cost of preparing for the audit
| Activity | Cost (USD) | Paid to | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Costs | Varies | Internal or consultant/contractor | Required |
| SA8000® Self-Assessment | $300 | SAI | Required |
Cost of certification cycle
Including initial certification audit and surveillance audits for 3-year cycle.
| Cost (USD) | Paid to | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Approximately $400–$1,500 per day (variable based on location and market prices) | Certification Body | Required |
Cost of taking corrective actions if nonconformities are identified
| Cost (USD) | Paid to | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Internal or consultant/ contractor | Depends on audit findings |
After completing an SA8000 Self-Assessment, the applicant organization may contact a SAAS-accredited certification body to receive a cost estimate for the certification cycle. This quote typically includes the initial certification of the organization’s site(s) and management system and required monitoring visits (surveillance audits) for the three-year cycle. Fees are typically paid in installments throughout the certification cycle.
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