Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production

What is World Wide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP) ? 

Wrap is an independent, non-profit corporation dedicated to the certification of lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing throughout the world. 

WRAP certification is a program of independent factory certification, which ensures that garments are produces under legal, humane and ethical conditions across the world. 

Today, WRAP is sponsored and endorsed by a growing list of brands and Export Associations. Acceptance of the WRAP Program eliminates the costly duplication of monitoring on behalf of different corporations. E.g. Russell’s Corporation, Sarah Lee, Jockey.

The Principles of WRAP 

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

2.     Prohibition of Forced Labor - not use involuntary or forced labor -- indentured, bonded or otherwise. 

3.     Prohibition of Child Labor - 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. 

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

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

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

7.     Prohibition of Discrimination - 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. 

8.     Health and Safety - apparel manufacturers will provide safe and healthy housing. 

9.     Freedom of Association - will recognize and respect the right of employees to exercise their lawful rights of free association and collective bargaining. 

10.  Environment - will comply with environmental rules, regulations and standards.

11.  Customs Compliance - 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.  

12.  Security - 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). 

Three Level Certification

On October 2006, WRAP further introduced a new, three-level factory certification program. The purpose of this program is to award participating factories with the appropriate level of recognition for their progress in achieving full compliance with the WRAP Production Principles over a period of time. The details are as follows:

“A” Level Certificate – awarded to a factory that has demonstrated full compliance with all WRAP principles for three consecutive years, and has successfully “passed” each audit with no corrective actions. Factories that meet these criteria will be issued a two-year certificate.

“B” Level Certificate – A one-year certificate is awarded to a factory that has demonstrated full compliance with all WRAP principles during the first audit, or in subsequent audits.

“C” Level Certificate – A six-month certificate will be issued to factories that demonstrate substantial compliance with the WRAP principles, but have minor non-compliances in policies, procedures or training that need to be addressed.  

For details and to download WRAP Certification Handbooks and Self Assessment Forms, please visit www.wrapapparel.org 

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