GoodWeave

The GoodWeave Standard

GoodWeave International (GWI) establishes the standard behind the GoodWeave certification label. The first Generic GoodWeave Standard, in force since 1994, and most recently updated August 2012, requires producers and exporters to ensure no child labor is used in the production of rugs and to allow unannounced random inspections by local inspectors. All licensed producers continue uphold this standard while the Expanded GoodWeave Standard (see below) is implemented.

The Expanded GoodWeave Standard

The Expanded GoodWeave Standard developed between 2007 and 2011 by the GoodWeave International Standards Committee is in the process of being phased in between fall 2012–fall 2013. The environmental, labor and transparency criteria in the expanded standard aim to raise the standard of living in weaving communities and alleviate poverty—a root cause of child labor.

The standard is organized into seven principles, each of which includes both entry-level and progressive requirements:

1. No child labor is allowed.
2. No forced or bonded labor is allowed.
3. Freedom of association and collective bargaining are recognized.
4. No discrimination is practiced.
5. Decent working conditions for adult workers (including health and safety, wages, hours).
6. Negative environmental impacts of production are identified and minimized.
7. Business processes are transparent and lawful.

Beginning in November 2012, existing licensees have one year to implement core entry-level requirements and put a plan into place for working towards long-term progress requirements. GoodWeave is working closely with industry members and monitoring progress as implementation gets underway to meet the new standard, including hosting a series of webinars to help facilitate implementation.

Synopsis | Full text of the new standard final draft

GoodWeave remains focused on its core mission of eradicating child labor and its core no-child-labor requirement; however, the expanded certification standard adds mandates to protect adults from abusive labor conditions, such as forced, bonded and exploitative labor. It also includes environmental criteria, such as identifying and managing run-off from dyeing and washing. The new standard is in response to consumers, industry and weavers, who wish to see more benefits associated with the GoodWeave label.

The broader scope of labor-related criteria helps to improve GoodWeave’s efficacy in addressing the root causes of child labor. The lack of secure incomes for adults and the exploitation of children are interrelated, while fair work for adults translates into families having their own children in school.

Download this PDF of a presentation on the expanded standard.

The standard covers: Rug making processes in factory, cottage industry and homework situations from receipt of raw material until the finished product, including all sub-contracted processes, such as weaving, washing and dyeing.

Timeline for compliance: The new standard is comprised of both entry-level and progressive requirements. Once the standard comes into force in 2012, existing licensees will have one year to implement its core entry-level requirements and put a plan in place for working towards long-term progress requirements, which will be reviewed annually.