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ISES 2020

ISES 2020, developed by IGEP in 1996, is a comprehensive standard covering various social and environmental issues such as child labor, forced labor, occupational health, freedom of association, and environmental protection. The standard is dynamic and evolves to meet new challenges. 

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IGEP’s comprehensive International Social and Environmental Standard (ISES 2020) was developed in 1996.  ISES 2020 has its own copyright and comprises apart from child labour and forced labour, also occupational health and safety, freedom from association, right to collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, compensation, upstream suppliers, and environmental protection. The standard is dynamic. It can always be adjusted to new challenges, for example, to new protective measures in the field of environment and safety.  IGEP also controls the whole value chain and in different countries (India / China). 

IGEP plays a crucial role in certifying the Indian stone industry, particularly the granite sector. As one of the largest producers and exporters of granite, India’s stone industry is a significant generator of rural employment. However, allegations of child labor have threatened exports and related jobs.

 

For further details about ISES 2020, you may write to info@igep.org

Social and Environmental Audits
We perform rigorous social and environmental audits to ensure that companies comply with ISES 2020 standards. Our certification process is designed to validate a company's commitment to ethical labor practices and environmental stewardship.
 

Economic and Legal Advisory

Our experts provide in-depth information and advice on economic and legal issues related to foreign trade, technology transfer, and investment. We help businesses navigate the complexities of international markets and legal frameworks, ensuring compliance and fostering growth.
 

Testing and Certification of Natural Stones

We offer comprehensive testing and certification services across the entire value chain of natural stones. Our services ensure that all aspects, from extraction to processing, meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
 

Systematic Control and Monitoring

We provide regular, systematic control and monitoring services for the entire value chain in the natural stone sector. Our continuous oversight ensures that all processes comply with ISES 2020 standards, promoting transparency and accountability.

Areas Covered in ISES 2020 

Our Services

Phases of ISES 2020 Audit Process

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Assistance By
IGEP

Approval by the German Government

In 2021, the ISES 2020 was included as an approved seal by Siegelklarheit (https://www.siegelklarheit.de/ )

This German portal, an initiative of the German Federal Government and managed by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), guides German buyers with answers to the following questions:

  • Does the seal guarantee environmentally and socially friendly solutions?

  • Does the seal keep what it promises?

  • Who guarantees that?

  • Does the seal help to improve social conditions in the manufacturing of products?


The portal emerged from a project that was initiated and financed by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, BMZ). The project aims to give guidance to buyers and consumers. It also helps to promote the market penetration of reliable labels and the international implementation of high environmental and social standards.

​QCI (Quality Council of India) Recognition

In 2021, the Quality Council of India has empanelled IGEP as an approved certifying agency. IGEP has been entrusted to conduct independent fact-finding exercises and studies pertaining to sectors, industries, and premises that are prone to child labor in order to establish facts and mitigate any non-compliance found during the studies.

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