SOCAM

SOCAM is a Limited Liability company registered in Germany. The name reflects the concept "Service Organisation for Compliance Audit Management" and its purpose is to oversee and monitor responsible business standards in merchandise buying on behalf of C&A, the main retail arm of the COFRA group.

SOCAM is concerned with the detection and prevention of exploitation and all forms of illegal labour practices. It also has specific interest in questions of environmental standards, health and safety.

SOCAM is structured so as to be fully independent of the buying functions. It has full and independent authority to monitor the standards defined by the C&A Code of Conduct for the Supply of Merchandise and the legally binding requirements contained in every merchandise order. The code sets out the general obligations which apply to suppliers.

The audit is not however a mechanical exercise and is not aimed at imposing unrealistic standards. SOCAM's auditors have years of experience in the sourcing and production of merchandise, both in Europe and the Far East, and are well equipped to report and give advice based on a balanced judgement of the circumstances they see before them.