SA 8000 is an auditable certification standard that encourages organizations to develop, maintain, and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. It was established by Social Accountability International (SAI) in 1997 as a multi-stakeholder initiative. The SA 8000 standard is based on the principles of international human rights norms as described in International Labour Organization conventions, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Here are the key components of SA 8000:

Child Labor: No use of child labor; provisions for the transition of any child found to be working.

Forced or Compulsory Labor: No use of forced or compulsory labor, including prison or debt bondage labor; no withholding of wages or benefits as security measures.

Health and Safety: Provide a safe and healthy work environment; take adequate steps to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work.

Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining: Respect the right of all personnel to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively.

Discrimination: No discrimination based on race, caste, origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union or political affiliation, or age.

Disciplinary Practices: No corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion, or verbal abuse.

Working Hours: Comply with applicable laws and industry standards on working hours; normal working hours shall not exceed 48 hours per week with at least one day off for every seven-day period.

Compensation: Wages paid for a standard work week must meet the legal and industry standards and be sufficient to meet the basic need of workers and their families.

Management System: The existence of a policy for social accountability and labor conditions; management reviews and involvement in the implementation of the policy and improvements.

Organizations that adopt the SA 8000 standard can improve their global competitiveness by enhancing company and product reputation, promoting transparency, and ensuring ethical sourcing. The certification process requires companies to be audited by an independent certification body. This ensures that their processes align with the goals of the SA 8000 standard.