Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code is an internationally recognised code of labour practice founded on ILO core conventions. The ETI is a UK-based alliance of companies, trade unions, and NGOs promoting respect for workers' rights globally. The Base Code comprises nine clauses covering employment conditions. ETI members commit to implementing the Base Code in their supply chains. Over 100 corporate members including major UK and international retailers and brands. The Base Code is widely used as the benchmark for labour standards in global supply chain auditing.
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Framework Domains (15)
Child Labour
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-4.1 | No Child Labour |
| ETI-4.2 | Child Labour Remediation |
Dignity and Employment Terms
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-8 | Regular Employment Is Provided |
| ETI-9 | No Harsh or Inhumane Treatment |
Discrimination
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-7.1 | No Discrimination |
| ETI-7.2 | Pregnancy and Maternity Protection |
Due Diligence
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-DD | Supply Chain Due Diligence |
Employment and Labour Rights
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-1 | Employment Is Freely Chosen |
| ETI-2 | Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining |
| ETI-3 | Working Conditions Are Safe and Hygienic |
FoA
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-2.1 | Freedom of Association |
| ETI-2.2 | Parallel Means in Restricted Jurisdictions |
Forced Labour
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-1.1 | Employment is Freely Chosen |
| ETI-1.2 | Recruitment Fee Reimbursement |
Grievance
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-GR | Worker Grievance Mechanism |
OHS
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-3.1 | Safe and Hygienic Working Conditions |
| ETI-3.2 | Worker OHS Training |
| ETI-3.3 | Worker Accommodation |
Regular Employment
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-8.1 | Regular Employment is Provided |
| ETI-8.2 | Obligations Not Avoided Through Sub-contracting |
Treatment
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-9.1 | No Harsh or Inhumane Treatment |
| ETI-9.2 | Gender-Based Violence and Harassment |
Vulnerable Workers Protection
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-4 | Child Labour Shall Not Be Used |
| ETI-5 | Living Wages Are Paid |
Wages
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-5.1 | Living Wages are Paid |
| ETI-5.2 | Wage Transparency |
| ETI-5.3 | No Unlawful Wage Deductions |
Working Conditions
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-6 | Working Hours Are Not Excessive |
| ETI-7 | No Discrimination Is Practised |
Working Hours
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ETI-6.1 | Working Hours are Not Excessive |
| ETI-6.2 | Overtime is Voluntary |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, you already cover:
UK Modern Slavery Act 2015
6%
2 controls mapped
Compare →SASB Standards (ISSB Integrated)
6%
2 controls mapped
Compare →SASB Standards
6%
2 controls mapped
Compare →+ 44 more: ISO 26000:2010 (6%), ICMM Mining Principles (2024 Update) (6%)
See all 47 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 47 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code?
Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code is a compliance framework from International (ETI — UK-based alliance) with 15 domains and 31 controls. The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code is an internationally recognised code of labour practice founded on ILO core conventions. The ETI is a UK-based alliance of companies, trade unions, and NGOs promoting respect for workers' rights globally. The Base Code comprises nine clauses covering employment conditions. ETI members commit to implementing the Base Code in their supply chains. Over 100 corporate members including major UK and international retailers and brands. The Base Code is widely used as the benchmark for labour standards in global supply chain auditing. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code have?
Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code has 31 controls organised across 15 domains. The largest domains are Employment and Labour Rights (3 controls), OHS (3 controls), Wages (3 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code map to?
Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code maps to 47 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 (6% coverage), SASB Standards (ISSB Integrated) (6% coverage), SASB Standards (6% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code compliance?
Start your Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 31 controls and track your progress.
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