ETI CONSULTANCY – Ethical Trade Initiative Compliance Support
The Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) is a leading alliance of companies, trade unions, and NGOs committed to improving the lives of workers around the world by promoting respect for their rights. The ETI framework focuses on fostering ethical practices across global supply chains by ensuring fair treatment, decent working conditions, and human dignity for all workers involved in the production of goods and services.
What Is Ethical Trade?
Ethical trade means that companies take responsibility for improving the working conditions of the people who make their products. This applies across wholesale and retail sectors, both for brands and their suppliers. It is rooted in treating workers fairly, respectfully, and with dignity.
The vision of ETI is to ensure all workers—regardless of their location—can work in an environment free from exploitation and discrimination, with freedom, security, and equality at its core.
Why ETI Matters
In many developing countries, where most global production takes place, labor laws are weak or poorly enforced. Major brands often rely on suppliers in these regions, exposing workers to unfair treatment. ETI responds to this challenge by building partnerships between brands, suppliers, unions, governments, and NGOs, to develop effective and sustainable solutions that benefit both workers and companies.
ETI Base Code – Core Ethical Standards
Member companies are expected to uphold and implement the following principles:
- No Forced Labor – All employment is freely chosen.
- Freedom of Association – Workers have the right to join trade unions and bargain collectively.
- Safe and Hygienic Working Conditions
- No Child Labor
- Fair Wages – Wages should meet basic living needs.
- Reasonable Working Hours
- No Discrimination – Regardless of religion, race, language, age, gender, or other factors.
- Regular Employment – Job security must be promoted.
- Humane Treatment – Physical or verbal abuse, threats, and disciplinary penalties are unacceptable.
Ethics & Reputation in Business
Ethical trade is not only a human rights issue—it’s a strategic business asset. Modern supply chains are vast and complex, and customers, investors, and regulators increasingly expect brands to demonstrate responsibility and transparency. Ethical trade helps safeguard brand reputation, attract conscious consumers, and ensure long-term sustainability.
ETI in Turkey
Turkey plays an active role in the ETI network. A notable example is the ETI Turkey Platform Meeting held in Istanbul on March 27, 2018, which gathered stakeholders from:
- ETI headquarters and international offices
- Textile and apparel brands and suppliers
- ILO and IOM Turkey
- ISKUR (Turkish Employment Agency)
- NGOs and trade union representatives
These annual gatherings promote dialogue between employers, workers, and organizations, with a shared goal of improving working conditions across the region.
ETI Platform Functions
- Empowers workers to negotiate better conditions through organized representation
- Supports awareness initiatives for labor rights worldwide
- Monitors ethical performance of member companies through mandatory biennial reporting
- Implements accountability measures for companies not meeting progress requirements
Joining ETI signals a brand’s commitment to address labor-related challenges and continuously improve its ethical trade practices.
QIS ETI Consultancy Services
At QIS, we specialize in providing end-to-end support to companies aiming for compliance with ETI requirements.
Our ETI consultancy services include:
- Gap assessments to evaluate current practices
- Policy and documentation development aligned with the ETI Base Code
- Staff training on ethical labor standards
- Mock audits and readiness reviews
- Support for biennial reporting obligations
- Ongoing improvement planning and implementation
📞 Contact QIS Today
Let us help you strengthen your ethical trade practices and meet global standards. Our experienced consultants are ready to guide you every step of the way.