BSCI is neither an auditing company nor an accreditation system: BSCI provides companies with a social auditing methodology and report. It does not organise audits itself but provides a network of external accredited, experienced and independent auditing companies. Also, as part of the BSCI approach, social audits only represent one pillar of activity, complementary to capacity building and strong relations with all stakeholders of the supply chain.

BSCI is not a certification scheme: BSCI provides a system that helps companies to gradually improve working conditions in their supply chain. Producers that meet all BSCI requirements are encouraged to go further and achieve our best practice, the SA8000 social management certification developed by Social Accountability International (SAI).