ICS Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability audit consultancy

ICS is an international sectoral initiative with the aim to enhance working conditions along global supply chains of its member retailers and brands. ICS is composed of multinational retailers and brands in the sectors of textile, retail, footwear, electronics and furniture. ICS members collaborate with common tools, to mutualize audits, contributing to the reduction of the ‘audit fatigue’ and share knowledge and best practices.

ICS actions are based on a common methodology applied by all ICS members and securing a complete control of the audit process by brands.

• ICS audits are mandated and managed by member companies. Audit launch is a member prerogative, which ensures a total control of the use of ICS tools.
• Audits are only performed by third party ICS-accredited audit companies.
• ICS audits are neither certificates nor labels.
• ICS members share common monitoring rules when critical non-conformities are identified in the factories.
• The vast majority of ICS audits are semi announced or unannounced.
• The ICS members promote the ICS scheme and follow the established rules. Basic information is shared in order to jointly monitor the audit conclusions and to initiate the continual improvement of working conditions in the source countries.