WRAP

Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production

The Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) program is the world’s largest facility certification program mainly focused on the apparel, footwear and sewn products sectors. Facilities receive a certification of six months to one year based on compliance with the 12 WRAP Principles.

The WRAP Principles are based on generally accepted international workplace standards, local laws and workplace regulations which encompass human resources management, health and safety, environmental practices, and legal compliance including import/export and customs compliance and security standards.

WRAP has adopted a management systems approach toward compliance which requires that senior management adopt the WRAP principles in writing, assign the necessary staff to ensure the required practices are implemented throughout the facility, and that an internal audit system is in place to ensure continuous compliance. Facilities must undergo a rigorous self-assessment and then be audited by an independent third-party monitoring company.

Benefits

WRAP enjoys wide support from the global apparel industry but is, at the same time, independent of the industry. Active support is provided by the International Apparel Federation and more than 20 additional trade and industry associations from around the world.

WRAP certifies facilities, not brands or businesses. WRAP is a non-profit, non-governmental organization and has a Board of Directors that is independent of any industry group. It is not a membership organization. Over the years, WRAP’s comprehensive factory-based model helped it grow into the world’s largest certification program for the apparel industry – 1,850 factories from around 60 countries participated in the program and over 1,400 certificates were issued in 2009 alone. Today, WRAP’s facility certification program is expanding even further, moving beyond just apparel to include all labor-intensive sectors, such as hotels, jewelry, furniture, construction, food, home furnishing, cutlery, glassware, carpet / rugs, lamps and more.

Steps of Certification

12 Principles of WRAP Certification:

Compliance with Laws and Workplace Regulations Facilities will comply with laws and regulations in all locations where they conduct business.

Prohibition of Forced Labor Facilities will not use involuntary or forced labor.

Prohibition of Child Labor Facilities will not hire any employee under the age of 14 or under the minimum age established by law for employment, whichever is greater, or any employee whose employment would interfere with compulsory schooling.

Prohibition of Harassment or Abuse Facilities will provide a work environment free of supervisory or co-worker harassment or abuse, and free of corporal punishment in any form.

Compensation and Benefits Facilities will pay at least the minimum total compensation required by local law, including all mandated wages, allowances & benefits.

Hours of Work Hours worked each day, and days worked each week, shall not exceed the limitations of the country’s law. Facilities will provide at least one day off in every seven-day period, except as required to meet urgent business needs.

Prohibition of Discrimination Facilities will employ, pay, promote, and terminate workers on the basis of their ability to do the job, rather than on the basis of personal characteristics or beliefs.

Health and Safety Facilities will provide a safe and healthy work environment. Where residential housing is provided for workers, facilities will provide safe and healthy housing.

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Facilities will recognize and respect the right of employees to exercise their lawful rights of free association and collective bargaining.

Environment Facilities will comply with environmental rules, regulations and standards applicable to their operations, and will observe environmentally conscious practices in all locations where they operate.

Customs Compliance Facilities will comply with applicable customs laws, and in particular, will establish and maintain programs to comply with customs laws regarding illegal transshipment of finished products.

Security Facilities will maintain facility security procedures to guard against the introduction of non-manifested cargo into outbound shipments (i.e. drugs, explosives biohazards and /or other contraband).

How can ASCENT World help?

Documentation, Records generation and updation, Internal audits, Guidance through Certification Process