The SA 8000: 2008 standard is based on a number of international human rights standards including United Nations standards, in full compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

SA 8000: 2008 confers transparency, sets measurable, verifiable targets, and measures company performance in nine key areas:

• Child labour. Prevents child labor (under 16 in most cases). Companies need to allocate funds for the education of chips that could lose their jobs due to compliance with and application of this standard.
• Forced labor. Workers can not be required to pay “deposits” as a condition of employment.
• Health and safety. Companies must meet basic standards for a safe and healthy work environment, including drinking water, toilet, installations and security equipment applicable to the requirements of SR OHSAS 18001: 2008.
• Freedom of association. Protects the rights of workers to form and join trade unions, as well as to initiate and participate in collective bargaining without fear of retaliation.
• Discrimination. No discrimination based on race, caste, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, trade union membership or political affiliation.
• Disciplinary practices. It forbids corporal punishment, mental, physical and verbal coercion, and abuse of workers.
• Work program. Provides a maximum of 48 hours a week, with a minimum of one day per week and a ceiling of 12 hours per week additional paid at a premium rate.
• Compensation. Minimum paid wages must meet all legal standards and provide sufficient income to meet basic needs.
• Management. Defines effective implementation and review management procedures for the SA 8000 standard; establishes compliance with the requirements of the standards, from the designation of the personnel responsible for keeping the records up to the corrective measures.