FSSC 24000 is a global certification scheme that helps organizations strengthen labor practices, protect human rights, and manage social risks across their operations and supply chains. Developed by the Foundation FSSC, it applies to manufacturing and processing sectors in both food and non-food industries.

At the heart of the scheme is PAS 24000:2022, a publicly available specification that outlines the core requirements for a Social Management System (SMS). FSSC 24000 builds on PAS 24000 by adding audit and certification criteria aligned with the ISO management system model, enabling organizations to certify their social performance in a structured and verifiable way.

The scheme follows the same structure as ISO standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and FSSC 22000, making it easier for companies to integrate social sustainability into existing systems. It is also recognized by the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI), supporting its global acceptance.

The FSSC 24000 Scheme Version 1.0 is structured into four main sections:

• Scheme Overview: Describes the scope and definitions. The scheme applies to most manufacturing and processing sectors, with specific exclusions such as tobacco, weapons, explosives, fur, and nuclear fuel. Eligibility is based on economic activities classified by IAF codes.

• Organizational Requirements: Combines PAS 24000 with additional FSSC-specific criteria. Certified organizations must:

  • Prevent child labor, forced labor, and discrimination

  • Protect worker health and safety

  • Ensure access to effective grievance mechanisms

  • Identify and manage social risks

  • Promote ethical behavior across the supply chain

• Certification Body Requirements: Audits must follow ISO/IEC 17021-1. Each certified site must undergo an unannounced surveillance audit at least once every three years. The time between Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits cannot exceed six months.

• Auditor and Training Requirements: Auditors must be employed or contracted by a licensed FSSC 24000 certification body that is also an APSCA member. They must meet defined qualification and training requirements, including participation in the FSSC onboarding process.

FSSC 24000 does not use a rating or scoring system. Instead, nonconformities identified during audits must be resolved within defined timeframes, following ISO-based certification rules. Unlike inspection-based models such as Sedex's SMETA, FSSC 24000 is a certifiable system that emphasizes continuous improvement and due diligence.

Full details are available on the official FSSC 24000 page