Social standards are human rights, yet they are still often violated around the world - a fact increasingly brought to light in recent years by campaigns run by non-governmental organisations. Today, ever more consumers are paying attention to socially just and environmentally friendly production methods and in turn, selecting products that meet these criteria, for instance fairly traded coffee or fairly produced cut flowers.

These products carry a label that guarantees compliance with social standards: no discrimination in the workplace, working time regulations, living wages and the right to healthy and safe working conditions. The standards are also part of the codes of conduct that many enterprises have already enforced in their production sites in developing countries. The voluntary codes of conduct stipulate how these companies treat their employees, deal with environmental issues, and implement labour and social policy regulations.

Voluntary social standards promote the introduction of detailed national rules and regulations.