Transition to SA8000:2014®

On 25 August, 2015, SAAS issued notification 4A outlining the new revised timeline and process for organizations to transition to SA8000:2014^®.

The transition period will now start from 1 January, 2016 and run until 30 June, 2017.

The following deadlines are applicable for organizations that are currently certified to SA8000:2008® as well as organizations seeking initial certification to SA8000:2014^®.

From 1 April, 2016, all SA8000 initial certification audits of new clients shall be to SA8000:2014 and shall include a self-assessment of the organization using Social Fingerprint and independent evaluation of that assessment by the Certification Body.

Existing clients currently certified to SA8000:2008 will have to transition to SA8000:2014 by 30 June, 2017.

In order to transition to SA8000:2014, clients shall complete a transition audit to the requirements of SA8000:2014 (including a self-assessment of the organization using Social Fingerprint and independent evaluation of that assessment by the Certification Body).

After 30 June, 2017 all SA8000:2008 certificates shall be invalid.

Beginning 1 January, 2016, Certification Bodies may begin conducting SA8000:2014 audits provided they have received approval from SAAS.

For further information about new SA8000:2014 Standard requirements, SAAS Normative documents and related Guidance and Reference Documents please consult the SAI website at following link: www.sa-intl.org/