Apparel and Footwear Facility Social Compliance Programme

What is this programme?

WRAP assesses apparel, footwear and sewn-products facilities against 12 principles (headquartered in Arlington, VA, US). It publishes coverage of more than 4,000 facilities and 3.9 million-plus workers.

Who is it for?

Facilities manufacturing apparel, footwear and sewn products.

Who issues the certificate?

WRAP both approves the facility audit and makes the certification decision. Unlike GOTS or GLOBALG.A.P., there is no independent/external body that accredits WRAP — a structural point that sets it apart from a sibling social programme such as SA8000, and one the reader has to grasp separately.

What to verify before you accept it

Confirm the currency and scope of the facility's WRAP certificate. Do not look for an external body that accredits WRAP itself — none exists; WRAP self-accredits.

What triggers an assessment?

• A buyer or brand requires WRAP certification.
• Apparel, footwear or sewn-product manufacturing is carried out.
• Social compliance assurance is required in the supply chain.

What does it not replace?

• It does not carry the same accreditation model as accredited third-party certifications like GOTS or SA8000; WRAP self-accredits and has no independent external accreditation body.
• It is not an audit methodology like SMETA; WRAP issues a certification decision, not only an audit report.