Higg FSLM Certification – Facility Social & Labor Module

What is Higg FSLM?

Higg FSLM (Facility Social & Labor Module) is a standardized assessment tool developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) to measure and improve social and labor conditions in manufacturing facilities.

FSLM is part of the Higg Index, a suite of tools that helps brands and factories manage sustainability performance across the supply chain. Unlike traditional compliance audits, FSLM provides a holistic, score-based evaluation focused on continuous improvement, not just pass/fail results.

Why Higg FSLM Certification Matters

Today’s consumers and global brands demand ethical manufacturing and transparent labor practices. With Higg FSLM, factories can:

  •  Demonstrate commitment to fair labor and safe working conditions

  • Improve workforce well-being and operational standards

  • Benchmark social performance with other global facilities

  • Reduce audit fatigue through standardized assessment

  • Build trust and long-term relationships with responsible buyers

Key Focus Areas of FSLM

Higg FSLM evaluates facilities across critical social responsibility domains:

  1. Recruitment and Hiring

  2. Working Hours and Wages

  3. Employee Treatment and Wellbeing

  4. Worker Involvement and Communication

  5. Health and Safety

  6. Termination Practices

  7. Management Systems

Each area is scored and analyzed to help facilities identify risks, address gaps, and create action plans for improvement.

FSLM vs. Traditional Social Audits

Traditional AuditsHigg FSLM
Compliance-basedPerformance-based
Pass/Fail resultsContinuous improvement
Redundant across buyersShared via Higg platform
Limited insightsIn-depth scoring and analytics

Who Should Use FSLM?

FSLM is designed for:

  • Apparel & textile manufacturers

  • Footwear & accessories factories

  • Leather goods and bag producers

  • Exporters working with global ethical brands

  • Suppliers aiming for social compliance certification and recognition

FSLM Assessment Process

  1. Self-Assessment

    • Facilities complete a standardized social and labor evaluation via the Higg platform

  2. Third-Party Verification (Optional)

    • Verifiers conduct on-site evaluations to validate the accuracy of the self-assessment

  3. Score Sharing

    • Factories can share FSLM scores with multiple buyers and brands through the Higg portal

  4. Continuous Improvement

    • Use results to create action plans, enhance performance, and reduce risk over time

Benefits of FSLM Certification

  • Boosts social responsibility reputation

  • Builds stronger relationships with ethical buyers

  • Reduces the need for multiple social audits

  • Supports data-driven improvements

  • Helps align with global standards like ILO, UN Guiding Principles, and OECD Guidelines

Our FSLM Certification Support Services

We offer end-to-end support to help your facility succeed with Higg FSLM:

  • Self-assessment guidance and platform onboarding

  • Documentation review and gap analysis

  • Worker rights training and awareness programs

  • Third-party verification support

  • Continuous improvement planning

Show Your Commitment to Fair and Ethical Manufacturing

Gain recognition as a responsible manufacturer and join the movement toward transparent, people-first supply chains with Higg FSLM.

Contact us today to get started with FSLM certification and enhance your facility’s social performance.