WCA (Workplace Conditions Assessment) is a social responsibility audit standard developed by the internationally renowned inspection, testing, and certification organization Intertek (天祥集团). Its primary purpose is to evaluate the working conditions in factories, helping brands and retailers ensure their supply chains comply with social responsibility standards, while also assisting factories in identifying deficiencies and making continuous improvements.

I. Core Features of WCA Audit

1. Non-Certification: WCA itself is not a certification system and does not issue certificates (unless a high score is achieved). It is a detailed assessment report that shows the factory's performance level in social responsibility.

2. Scoring System: The audit results use a quantitative score (0-100 points) and color grades (Green/Yellow/Orange/Red) to visually reflect the factory's overall performance.

3. Cost-Effective: Compared to some stricter standards (such as BSCI or SMETA), WCA fees are generally lower, making it the "first stepping stone" for many small and medium-sized enterprises to enter the international supply chain.

4. Improvement Tool: The audit report provides detailed findings and recommendations, offering clear directions for factory improvements.

II. Assessment Content of WCA Audit

WCA primarily assesses the following five modules:

III. WCA Scoring Grades and Results

WCA audit results are divided into four grades: Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red. Generally, clients require a Yellow grade or above (i.e., 71 points or higher). However, some clients may require a Green grade (85 points or higher) for approval.

• Green (85--100 points): No zero-tolerance or major violations. The factory can obtain a WCA certificate issued by ITS, valid for 12 months.

• Yellow (71--84 points): Accepted by about 80% of clients. A corrective action plan is required, and the validity period is 12 months.

• Orange (51--70 points): Not accepted. A follow-up audit must be conducted within 6 months.

• Red (0--50 points): Not accepted. A follow-up audit must be conducted within 3 months.

IV. WCA Audit Process

1. Application: Typically submitted by the client (brand) or factory to Intertek.

2. Preparation: The factory conducts a self-assessment based on WCA standards and prepares relevant documents and records.

3. On-site Audit: Intertek auditors conduct a 1-2 day on-site evaluation, including document review, site inspection, and employee interviews.

4. Report: Intertek issues a detailed audit report within 10-15 working days after the audit.

5. Corrective Actions: The factory develops a Corrective Action Plan (CAPA) to address non-conformities.

6. Follow-up Audit: Depending on the score grade, a follow-up audit may be required to verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.