Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production

Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) is a factory-based Certification Program for manufacturers of sewn products, including apparel, footwear and accessories.

WRAP is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the certification of lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing throughout the world. WRAP accredited certification is now a requirement by most garment retailers in the U.S.

The market place, the media, and the public increasingly demand that apparel be produced under conditions that respect the rights and comply with labor and environmental laws, and that meet other international standards. A WRAP certification is widely accepted by retailers, brand managers, licensers, as evidence that your facility is socially responsible.

The objective of the Apparel Certification Program is to independently monitor and certify compliance with the following standards, ensuring that a given factory produces sewn goods under lawful, humane, and ethical conditions. Note that it is not enough to subscribe to these principles; WRAP monitors the factory for compliance with detailed practices and procedures implied by adherence to these standards.

Compliance with Laws and Workplace Regulations - Manufacturers of Sewn Products will comply with laws and regulations in all locations where they conduct business.

Prohibition of Forced Labor - Manufacturers of Sewn Products will not use involuntary or forced labor -- indentured, bonded or otherwise.

Prohibition of Child Labor - Manufacturers of Sewn Products will not hire any employees under the age of 14, or under the age interfering with compulsory schooling, or under the minimum age established by law, whichever is greater.

Prohibition of Harassment or Abuse - Manufacturers of Sewn Products will provide a work environment free of harassment, abuse or corporal punishment in any form.

Compensation and Benefits - Manufacturers of Sewn Products will pay at least the minimum total compensation required by local law, including all mandated wages, allowances and benefits.

Hours of Work - Manufacturers of Sewn Products will comply with hours worked each day, and days worked each week, shall not exceed the legal limitations of the countries in which sewn product is produced. Manufacturers of sewn product will provide at least one day off in every seven-day period, except as required to meet urgent business needs.

Prohibition of Discrimination - Manufacturers of Sewn Products 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 - Manufacturers of Sewn Products will provide a safe and healthy work environment. Where residential housing is provided for workers, apparel manufacturers will provide safe and healthy housing.

Freedom of Association & Collective Bargaining - Manufacturers of Sewn Products will recognize and respect the right of employees to exercise their lawful rights of free association and collective bargaining.

Environment - Manufacturers of Sewn Products 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 - Manufacturers of Sewn Products will comply with applicable customs law and, in particular, will establish and maintain programs to comply with customs laws regarding illegal transshipment of apparel products.

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

Benefits of WRAP Certification

The WRAP Certification program is grounded in the belief that factory based certification is the most effective way to ensure that work place comply with the WRAP Production Principles. The WRAP program places primary responsibility for improving work place conditions on those who own and operate sewn product manufacturing facilities. WRAP Certification Offers Market Advantage. Acceptance of WRAP Certificate by multiple brands and Retailers eliminates duplication of monitoring efforts.

Who Controls WRAP?

U.S. apparel association initiated idea, but from the time of its incorporation (2000), WRAP has been independent.

WRAP Certification is applicable to

All sewn product manufacturing facilities anywhere in the world, including direct sewn product production facilities, independent sewn product manufacturing suppliers, licensees, and subcontractors. Gradually program is covering other industries also.