The transition to SA8000:2026 is officially in motion. SAI has been building out tools and training to support accredited conformity assessment bodies (CABs), certified organizations, and stakeholders through the transition. Here’s what you need to know.
The Transition Timeline at a Glance
The shift from SA8000:2014 to SA8000:2026 will unfold over the next several years, with key milestones for different groups:
- June 1 – October 31, 2026: SA8000:2026 audits and certification become available on a rolling basis as CABs complete their approval process. During this period, certified organizations whose audits fall in 2026 may choose to (re)certify to either the 2014 or 2026 Standard, depending on their CAB’s readiness to deliver SA8000:2026 audits and certification.
- November 1, 2026: All accredited CABs are expected to offer SA8000:2026 audits. SA8000:2014 audits remain available through year-end.
- December 31, 2026: All SA8000-certified organizations must complete the Getting Started with SA8000:2026 and Due Diligence training course and self-assessment, regardless of when their next audit is scheduled.
- January 1, 2027: Certification and recertification to SA8000:2014 is no longer available. All new certifications must be to SA8000:2026.
- May 31, 2029: All organizations must be certified to SA8000:2026 to remain in the certification system.
Important: Organizations can only transition to SA8000:2026 during a recertification audit — not a surveillance audit. We encourage all organizations to discuss transition planning with their CAB early.
View the full timeline for certified organizations here and for CABs in SAI Notification 1 in the SAAS Document Library.
What Certified Organizations Need to Do
No matter when your next recertification is scheduled, all certified organizations have immediate obligations:
- Complete the Getting Started with SA8000:2026 and Due Diligence training and self-assessment by December 31, 2026. This on-demand course is available in the SAI Training Center. Organizations with 2026 audits must complete it before their audit. More information and the link to register are here.
- Prepare for your transition audit by conducting a gap analysis against SA8000:2026 requirements and updating relevant policies and procedures.
New Resources Now Available
To help CABs, certified organizations, and other stakeholders navigate the transition, SAI has released a suite of new tools and training resources. There will be opportunities later in 2026 to provide feedback on these resources. Scroll to the bottom for how to stay informed of these.
SAI Procedure 200 Supplement: SA8000:2026 Interim (Bridging) Requirements
This bridging document introduces preliminary SA8000:2026 Certification Scheme changes to support CABs in delivering audits. It addresses the most immediate and critical changes that CABs and their audit teams need to know to conduct SA8000:2026 certification and recertification audits and issue SA8000:2026 certificates. It is available in the SAAS Document Library.
SA8000:2026 Audit Tool, Forms, and Guidance
- SA8000:2026 Audit Tool
- Forms and Templates: Concern Form, Nonconformity Form, and Audit Report Template
- SA8000:2026 Audit Tool and SAI Database Instructions
These tools are required for all SA8000:2026 audits. They have been shared directly with CAB program managers and are available in the SAAS Document Library.
Training: Key Updates for SA8000:2026 Audits and Certification Decisions
This course is designed specifically for CAB auditors preparing to deliver SA8000:2026 certification and recertification audits. It covers the significant changes introduced in the Procedure 200 Supplement and supporting procedures, including how the revised scheme affects audit planning, audit scope, methodology, and auditor responsibilities. Participants will also learn how to apply the audit tool, forms, and reporting template in SA8000:2026 audits. Completion of this training is a mandatory prerequisite for audit teams before delivering SA8000:2026 audits.
This training is provided free to:
- Anyone enrolled in the SA8000:2026 Auditor Upgrade Training (required for updating SA8000 Introduction and Basic Auditor Training certificates)
- Anyone who has taken the SA8000 Introduction & Basic Auditor Training with SAI since September 2025
- Anyone who takes the SA8000 Introduction & Basic Auditor Training with SAI or an external course provider after June 1, 2026
The SA8000 Introduction and Basic Auditor Training is a pre-requisite for the Key Updates training, so you must enroll (or have enrolled) in one of the above three options to access this training. Learn more at the links above.
SAI Notifications 3 and 4
Notification 3 provides updated guidance for auditors on evaluating compliance with SA8000:2026 requirements related to wages and working hours — one of the key focus areas in the revised Standard.
Notification 4 provides additional information about the process for accredited CABs to be approved to deliver SA8000:2026 audits and certification.
Both documents are available in the SAAS Document Library.
Previously published resources
As a reminder, SAI has previously published the following documents supporting SA8000:2026 transition and implementation.
- SA8000:2026 Standard – Available in 10 languages
- SA8000:2026 Indicator Library
- More information about the SA8000:2026 Revision process
Stay Informed
The transition to SA8000:2026 represents a meaningful step forward for the certification program. SAI will continue to publish updates, guidance, and resources as they become available.
- Visit the SA8000 Certification Program Timeline for the latest information and cohort-specific transition guidance.
- Access available resources in the SA8000 Resource Center and SAAS Document Library.
- Subscribe to SA8000 Announcements for dedicated updates
Questions? Contact SAI at sa8000@sa-intl.org.
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