LRQA Hosts FSSC 24000 Forum to Share the Latest Trends in Human Rights Due Diligence and Social Responsibility Standards

LRQA Limited (Head office: Yokohama, Kanagawa; Japan General Manager: Yasushi Horikawa) held a special forum on January 29, 2026 at Otemachi Mitsui Conference in Tokyo, focusing on the social responsibility management system standard FSSC 24000.

The event welcomed many participants, particularly those responsible for sustainability, ESG, and supply chain management. Attendees gained insights into the latest international developments and practical approaches to human rights due diligence, improvements in working conditions, and enhanced supply chain transparency.

Commemorative photo of speakers taken after the FSSC 24000 Forum on January 29, 2026

Mr. Hiroshi Izuta, Regional Representative for Japan and Korea at the Foundation FSSC, provided an overview of the structure of FSSC 24000 and its role within global sustainability trends. He explained that FSSC 24000 is a social management system based on the ISO Harmonized Structure (HS) and serves as a framework to ensure safe and fair working conditions and responsible business practices. He also highlighted its practical relevance as an internationally recognized standard, including its alignment with the SDGs, consistency with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), benchmarking by the SSCI, and adoption by EcoVadis.

Next, Mr. Goichiro Yukawa, member of the ISO/TC34/SC17 National Committee, explained the management system (MS) component of PAS 24000. He emphasized that engagement of workers and their representatives is essential for an effective social responsibility management system. He noted that operating the PDCA cycle—including the identification of risks and opportunities and preparedness for emergency situations—strengthens human rights due diligence efforts. Mr. Yukawa also explained that PAS 24000 separates “WHAT needs to be fulfilled” from “HOW decisions are made,” making it easier to integrate with other ISO management systems in corporate practice.

In addition, Ms. Shinobu Awaya, attorney-at-law, discussed the social performance requirements outlined in PAS 24000 Annex A. She noted that the standards in Annex A may be stricter than national laws in areas such as forced labor, child labor, freedom of association, fair treatment, occupational health and safety, living wages, working hours management, grievance mechanisms, and business ethics. She also emphasized the importance of adopting the “highest standards for workers,” referencing requirements such as the prohibition of passport confiscation, prevention of unjust recruitment fee burdens, and the establishment of effective remedy and grievance mechanisms.

Through this forum, participants deepened their understanding of the practical value of FSSC 24000 and PAS 24000 as international standards and gained clarity on the systems and practices needed to build a sustainable and socially responsible supply chain.

LRQA will continue to support organizations in meeting international norms and regulatory expectations and in building transparent, accountable social management systems through FSSC 24000 certification, gap analysis, training, and supply chain verification services.

Company Profile

Company Name: LRQA Limited

Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

Business: Certification, verification, inspection, advisory, and  training

Service Areas: Sustainability, cybersecurity, supply chain, and more

URL: https://www.lrqa.com/ja-jp/

More Information on FSSC 24000

https://www.lrqa.com/ja-jp/fssc-24000/