FSSC 24000: Building confidence in social sustainability certification | New Programme
About the programme
UKAS is launching a project to develop accreditation for certification of Social Management Systems under the FSSC 24000 scheme, using ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 as the accreditation standard.
FSSC 24000 is a globally recognised certification scheme designed to help consumer goods organisations demonstrate stronger social performance, responsible business practices and credible progress against social sustainability expectations.
For organisations seeking to strengthen trust in their supply chains, FSSC 24000 certification offers a clear route to demonstrate better labour relationships, improved workplace health and safety, stronger business ethics and enhanced reputation. The scheme follows the ISO management system approach and harmonised structure, and supports contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Associated standards and scheme requirements
ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems — Part 1: Requirements
PAS 24000: Specification for Social Management Systems that includes requirements for social performance.
FSSC 24000 Scheme
Current status
UKAS is currently running a pilot accreditation programme for FSSC 24000 with selected certification bodies from its existing customer base. Working closely with the UKAS Development Team, these organisations are helping to shape a robust, practical and confidence-building accreditation approach for this emerging scheme.
The pilot is focused on identifying the most effective way to assess certification bodies against FSSC 24000 and its associated requirements. Through structured evaluation, collaboration and stakeholder engagement, UKAS is developing an assessment methodology that is credible, consistent and capable of supporting confidence in FSSC 24000 certification.
Once the pilot has concluded and the assessment approach has been finalised, UKAS will move towards granting initial accreditations, enabling certification bodies to offer accredited FSSC 24000 certification with greater assurance for the market.
