Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) is an international certification program that ensures workers have safe, humane, lawful, and ethical working conditions in manufacturing facilities. Based in Arlington, Virginia with offices in Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and representatives worldwide.
WRAP's 12 Principles
The certification is based on 12 core principles covering:
1. Compliance with Laws and Workplace Regulations
2. Prohibition of Forced Labor - No involuntary, forced, or trafficked labor
3. Prohibition of Child Labor - Minimum age 15 (14 in less-developed countries)
4. [Skipped in original]
5. Compensation and Benefits - At least minimum wage plus all mandated benefits
6. Hours of Work - Comply with legal limits, provide one day off per seven-day period
7. Prohibition of Discrimination - Employment decisions based on ability, not personal characteristics
8. Health and Safety - Safe, clean, healthy workplace with proper training
9. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining - Respect workers' rights to
associate
10. Environment - Comply with environmental regulations and demonstrate conscious practices
11. Customs Compliance - Accurate labeling and detailed production records
12. Security - Proper corporate, transportation, and physical security procedures
Registration Process
Facility Status Categories
New: First-time certification or facilities that moved locations
Lapsed: Previously certified but no audit activity for 12+ months after certificate expiry
Renew: Previously certified or audited within last 12 months
Registration Fees
Based on number of workers (specific amounts not detailed in summary but structured by workforce size)
Payment Methods
Wire transfer
Check (payable to WRAP)
Credit card (fastest processing)
Audit Process
Preparation Requirements
Pre-Audit Self-Assessment (PASA): Optional but recommended preparatory tool
Internal Management System: Must adopt, implement, and monitor WRAP principles
Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records and policies
Audit Timeline
Payment Validation: 6-month period to complete entire audit process
Audit Window: 4-week unannounced window issued by monitoring firms
Minimum Audit Days: Based on facility size/worker count
Audit Scope Includes
Opening and closing meetings
Facility health and safety tours
Document reviews
Worker and management interviews
Records examination (wages, hours, licenses, etc.)
Finding Classifications
Major Non-compliances: Systematic violations, health/safety risks
Minor Non-compliances: Occasional violations not seriously compromising worker
rights
Observations: Issues of concern that could become noncompliances
Follow-up Procedures
Desktop Review: For minor non compliances (within 30 days)
On-site Follow-up: For major non compliances (minimum 45 days after initial audit)
Certification Levels
Gold Certificate
Valid for 1 year
Standard certification for compliant facilities
Platinum Certificate
Valid for 2 years
Requires 3 consecutive certification audits with full compliance
No corrective actions and no gaps in certification
Post-Certification Monitoring
Post Certification Assessments (PCAs): Unannounced audits during certification period
Alternative to Decertification (ATD): Process for facilities found non-compliant during
PCAs
Key Policies
Working Hours Policy
Facilities with excessive overtime may still qualify if they:
Are fully transparent about working hours
Ensure voluntary work in safe conditions
Provide full legal compensation
Show progressive improvement toward legal compliance
Submit Working Hours Action Plan (WHAP)
Zero Tolerance Policy
Immediate serious consequences for:
Child labor
Forced labor
Inhumane treatment
Unethical conduct toward auditors
Physical threats
Document falsification
Production process misrepresentation
Transparency and Integrity
Audit confidentiality maintained
Complaints mechanism available
Anti-bribery policies enforced
Logo usage restricted to certified facilities
Special Requirements
Country-Specific Provisions
Bangladesh: Building approval requirements, boiler regulations, security guard
employment
China: 100% work-injury insurance coverage, expansion permits
Jordan: Equal minimum wages for foreign migrant workers
Technical Requirements
CCTV: 30 consecutive days of records for exporting facilities
Emergency Procedures: Outward-opening exit doors, evacuation drills twice yearly
Licenses/Permits: All required documentation must be current
Grievance Mechanisms: Formal systems beyond suggestion boxes required
Contact and Support
Multiple departments handle different aspects:
Compliance Administration
Program Integrity and Investigations
Payment and Registration
Platform and Website support
Duration and Renewal
Facilities encouraged to start renewal 90 days before certificate expiration
Registration valid for 6 months from payment date
Extensions available on case-by-case basis (one per certification cycle)