Initiative Clause Sociale (ICS)

Initiative Clause Sociale (ICS), this initiative was launched in 1998 under the aegis of the French Federation of Retailers (FCD). This code is used by retailer members and is based on the ILO recommendations. The code covers the same worker issues as SA8000, but has no requirement for a management system; rather it is an improvement scheme aiming to help promote social compliance of manufacturers. This approach is used by French retailers for direct imports only and does not cover the goods produced by large brand names. This second party audit is only undertaken by professional auditing companies. Members share a common database which lists the general findings about suppliers audited.

SGS is one of a few internationally recognized social audit firms being appointed by ICS.

ICS Code of Conduct Consists of Nine Chapters

(0) Documentation and management of labour law compliance
(1) Child labour
(2) Forced labour
(3) Discrimination
(4) Disciplinary practices, harassment and abuse
(5) Freedom of association
(6) Working hours and overtime
(7) Remuneration and benefits
(8) Health and safety

Each chapter is further divided into 4 parts

• Unscored informative questions (applicable local laws, industry conditions and factory-specific information)
• Critical questions (immediate disqualification for the chapter in question)
• Compliance questions (which in principle can be answered by Yes = acceptable or No = unacceptable)
• Best practices (exceptional procedures)

All audits are reported on a scored reporting format and are uploaded to a central database.