We have seen a growing level of interest in and commitment to sustainability standards in emerging economies since 2012 when we began to focus more in these regions. The number of certified companies and products across China, India and Brazil has grown significantly - and shows no sign of slowing.
China
In June 2016, ISEAL and the China Certification and Accreditation Institute (CCAI), along with the South North Institute for Sustainable Development, launched the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Setting Social and Environmental Standards to audiences in China.
The Standard Setting Code, as it's commonly known, is of great value in the region as China sets out to create its own national standards for ethical or green products and services. China's new thirteenth five-year plan emphasises green development and shared benefits, and the Chinese belt and road initiative also sets an important tone for the development of responsible practices. The Code was shared in Beijing with more than 100 experts in a high level sustainability standards and certification development forum co-hosted by ISEAL and CCAI. Published by the China Standards Press, this is the first time that the Standards Setting Code has been officially available in Chinese.