RDS Pre-audit - Responsible Down Standard (RDS)

Although the textile and apparel industry has currently developed, it still encounters many challenges related to the supply, specifically, with the use of animal products such as feathers, wool, goat wool, and cashmere. With the development of Responsible Down Standard (RDS), A leading standard of animal care in feather products was created.

RDS - Responsible Down Standard is a set of global standards that is voluntary, independent, and protect the rights of animals when taking and using their feathers. Also, it helps the traceability in the supply chain and the identification of feather’s origin.

What is the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)?

RDS is a global standard that is voluntary, independent. That is to say, it is optional for companies to certify their products with RDS when the law does not require it. RDS was developed and mended in 3 years with the input information taken from animal welfare groups, industry experts, brands and retailers.

With RDS, the organizations implementing the best animal welfare will be recognized and praised. RDS not only protects the rights of geese and ducks in the process of obtaining feathers but also helps traceability in the supply chain and confirms the origin of feathers.

RDS Objectives

RDS set of standards that aims to ensure that furry animals are not threatened is not required. The issuer expected the RDS to have a positive impact on the livestock industry and the feather industry to encourage the humane treatment of ducks and geese. It also gives companies and consumers a tool to know what is in the product and to make accurate statements.

The main contents of RDS:

1. From incubation to slaughtering, animal welfare should be fully respected: appropriate feeding and medical treatment and be in a safe environment.
2. Each stage in the feather supply chain is inspected by a third-party certification body - regardless of whether the organization is in the supply chain or not, it is necessary to provide appropriate purchasing records from the supplier who is certified by RDS
3. RDS feathers are determined in order not to be confused with feathers that are not certified by RDS
4. Only 100% of certified feather products can bear the RDS logo.
5. Taking Feather from living animals is prohibited.
6. Forcing animals to eat is strictly forbidden

What does the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) mean?

The purpose and spirit of the standard are best reflected by one of the Oxford Dictionary definitions of responsibility: "to be ethically responsible for its behavior." Not just farmers, but brands and other Supply chain members need to meet compulsory requirements, adhere to the Five Freedoms of Feathers, and meet consumers' confidence in choosing RDS products.

How does RDS work?

When a brand chooses to use RDS, it corresponds to several things:

• Brands will require the suppliers to demonstrate their feather supply chain.

At the end of every step of the supply chain, from farm to factory, it will be certified by an approved third party (called the certification body).

The evaluation process consists of 2 steps:

1: On-site audit: An audit team visits a factory or company, the objective evaluator checks documents and procedures, interviews with employees and workers. The result of this visit is called the evaluation report.

2: Certification decision: Evaluation report is sent to the certifying party. The certifying party will review all results and decide whether or not the company will be certified. For each certification performed by the certification body involves two people: One inspector and one certifier. This is called the 4-eye rule - the principle of 2 supervisors.

3: In farms and slaughterhouses (wherever there are animals). The certification body checks animal health looks for any evidence of live-plucking or feeding and makes sure everything is done according to the standards.

4: At factories and manufacturers. The certification body checks RDS materials (feathers, down, coats, blankets, etc.) entering and leaving the factory to ensure they are correctly identified. RDS products are monitored as they move through production and are separate from non-certified products.