Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)

The Ethical Trading Initiative is an alliance of companies, NGOs and Trade Unions, working to improve ethics in trade. The alliance brings together a range of over 50 companies from Asda to WHSmith with a combined revenue of over 105bn, with highly regarded NGOs and also a range of influential Trade Unions.

The initiative has the avowed intention of defining best practice, helping workers help themselves, building strategic alliances, influencing key parties and driving member performance.Their central principles are outlined in their Base Code, which brings together essential elements of the ILO conventions and focuses on the following broad commitments:

1. Employment is freely chosen
2. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
3. Working conditions are safe and hygienic
4. Child labour shall not be used
5. Living wages are paid
6. Working hours are not excessive
7. No discrimination is practised
8. Regular employment is provided
9. No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

Members of the initiative commit their company to adopt and implement the ETI Base Code throughout their supply chain, and go beyond the requirements where possible. These must also be communicated, reported on and verified throughout the company. The Initiative is voluntary and self-regulated, however random validation visits take place to ensure honesty and compliance. The ETI Base Code also plays an instrumental part in Ethical Auditing practices, and is the preffered standard for SEDEX member audits.