Social & Compliance Audit – Just another Audit Certificate for the Textile Industry?

The Entertainment Industry is undoubtedly considered a lucrative & money-making Industry in a Global context. Unlike language barriers, Entertainment has no such restriction and can have a standard presence all over the globe. Major Entertainment Companies have over the years created characters and brands that are popular all across the globe and need no Introduction as such. No more is this most evident than for a major Entertainment focused company like Walt Disney.

Walt Disney has created iconic characters such a Mickey Mouse, Donald duck, Star Wars, and the very recent acquisition of the Marvel Universe. With such a strong brand presence and the availability of such iconic characters under their kitty, it becomes all the more necessary to have a strong market presence in terms of Merchandising to capitalize on the presence of such iconic characters.

Is FAMA Certification or is it a Compliance Audit?

Multinational Entertainment Companies such as Walt Disney have realized the need to capitalize on the growing popularity of characters and brands by merchandizing. Characters and brands are not only limited to the source content such as shows or movies. Companies these days create additional brand presence by having apparel, toys, theme parks, etc.

This presence which is created by Walt Disney enhances it business portfolio into multiple business sectors, the brand image development & Sustenance is the main focal point of Walt Disney, which they want to showcase in their products & services as well.

The Walt Disney products which are manufactured carry the Walt Disney Characters & logo on them, so this product has a direct impact on the brand’s image & brand’s value. Walt Disney doesn’t want any of it, manufacturers, to have such activities which will hamper its brand image & its brand value.

For this Walt Disney has developed a standard ILS (International Labor Standards Programs), this standard is based on the conventions mentioned in the ILO (International Labor Organization). The main purpose of the Disney ILS is to ensure a safe, friendly, and respectful working culture at any location where the Disney-branded products are manufactured.

The Disney ILS plays an important role in building the Walt Disney Company’s Responsible Citizenship & Supply Chain.

So back to the question, whether FAMA is a Certification or Social Compliance Audit. The answer to the question is that FAMA is neither a Certification nor Compliance Audit. It’s a declaration of the Facilities which is to be used by the manufacturer to manufacture the Disney- Products.

About PQSmitra. Who are we and How can we help?

PQSmitra has been providing Social Compliance Consultation for the Textile & Apparel Industry for the past 20 years. “Mitra” in Marathi means a friend, and likewise we work more on a partnership than just being mere consultants.
You can expect the following things from us
1. Handholding throughout the Implementation, Audit, and even after the audit.
2. Support for Documentation & Training
3. Full responsibility for the completion and genuineness of the Certification

Our team at PQSmitra is ready to help your business build meaningful Ethical Business and achieve your goals. Looking forward to forming relations and simultaneously work for your smooth Operations.