Most people are familiar with social and environmental standards, from seals on organic milk to the RUGMARK label under the carpet.

Standards lead to more efficient, environmentally safer and more socially equitable production conditions around the globe. By purchasing certified products that have been produced to social and ecological standards, buyers promote the sustainable production of consumer goods.

With globalised competition, minimum norms that protect workers’ and environmental interests are by no means firmly in place everywhere in the world. In many cases, national legislators are not capable of consistently implementing existing labour or environmental laws and regulations. The private sector is thus increasingly called on to act by pushing for the enforcement of standards in their global supply chains.

The introduction of standards is already well underway. This generally begins with a negotiation process involving all stakeholders to find a compromise that is ecologically responsible, socially just and economically viable. Standards are therefore a successful development-policy instrument, because they translate the principle of sustainable development into practical steps that can be measured.

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the GIZ Programme Social and Environmental Standards advises and supports different actors in the development and implementation of sustainability standards.