CCC Reference Guide on Code Implementation & Verification
Section 3. MSI's and other overseeing mechanisms

Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI)

The Business Social Compliance Initiative is an industry controlled auditing initiative which was launched in Brussels on 30 November 2004. Under the aegis of some of Europe's largest retailers, this initiative sets out to audit and monitor the social performance of their suppliers world-wide by utilising one common system.

Relevant resource:

• What is the BSCI and how does it measure up?
  From CCC newsletter 21, May 2006

• Nov 2005, Clean Clothes Campaign protest at BSCI “Ethical Sourcing” conference
  Participants of the first major conference organized by the Business Social Compliance Initiative in Brussels today had to cross a picket line organized by the International Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC).
  Read more >>

• Looking for a quick fix
  How weak social auditing is keeping workers in sweatshops
  Clean Clothes Campaign, Nov 2005

• In May 2005 the Clean Clothes Campaign released a 20 page paper providing a critical perspective of the so-called Business Social Compliance (BSCI) Initiative, see: The Business Social Compliance Initiative - A Critical Perspective

• May 2005, CCC letter to BSCI concerning the Spectrum factory disaster
  It is our understanding that the BSCI has postponed its investigative mission to Bangladesh until the first week of June. As indicated in several conversations between BSCI and CCC representatives we find this delay deeply distressing, since it will mean a full two months will have passed since the disaster before any of the BSCI member companies or the BSCI itself will have made first contact with the labour unions and NGOs concerned, or have taken any step at all to deal with the consequences of this disaster.
  More info >>

• April 2005, CCC letter to BSCI concerning the Spectrum factory disaster
  In response to your statement following your meeting of April 21, the CCC would first of all let you know we appreciate the fact that the brands sourcing from Spectrum have held this meeting, and have decided to collectively organize a mission to Bangladesh at short notice. Could you please give us some more information regarding the exact aims, the composition of the delegation, the schedule and who they intend meet with?
  More info >>