A “Disney audit” is a factory assessment under Disney’s International Labor Standards (ILS) Program. It checks whether a facility that makes Disney-branded product complies with the Disney Supply Chain Code of Conduct. Passing the audit supports the Facility & Merchandise Authorization (FAMA) that a factory must hold before Disney-branded production begins. This guide explains what the audit covers and the brand compliance requirements behind it.
What Is a Disney Audit?
The Disney ILS Program uses third-party auditors approved by Disney to assess supplier facilities against the Disney Supply Chain Code of Conduct. The audit covers a factory’s own operations and any subcontracted facilities used for Disney product. The goal is to confirm that labor, safety, environmental, ethical, and quality standards are met before and during production.
The Disney Supply Chain Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct is the backbone of Disney brand compliance. Its key requirements include:
- Human Rights: Respect for internationally recognized human rights across the supply chain.
- Child Labor: No child labor. Suppliers must not use anyone younger than 15, younger than the age for completing compulsory education, or younger than the minimum age permitted by law — whichever is the highest age.
- Forced Labor: No forced, bonded, indentured, or involuntary labor, and no human trafficking.
- Discrimination: No discrimination in hiring, pay, promotion, or treatment.
- Freedom of Association: Workers may associate and bargain collectively without penalty, harassment, discrimination, or interference.
- Harassment and Abuse: No physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal harassment or abuse, including corporal punishment.
- Health and Safety: A safe workplace with protective equipment, sanitation, ventilation, and restroom access.
- Wages and Benefits: Wages that meet or exceed legal and industry standards, paid regularly.
- Working Hours: Regular working hours must not exceed 48 hours per week, and overtime must not exceed 12 hours per week.
- Environment: Compliance with environmental law and responsible resource use.
- Animal Welfare: Compliance with local animal welfare standards; where no local law applies, follow relevant ISO standards.
- Supply Chain Management, Ethics, and Quality & Safety: Responsible sourcing, anti-bribery conduct, and product quality and safety.
The ILS Audit
ILS audits are carried out by third-party monitors approved under the ILS Program, not by Disney staff directly. The audit reviews documents, tours the facility, and interviews workers to verify compliance with the Code of Conduct. Both the factory’s own site and any subcontracted facility producing Disney product are in scope.
FAMA: The Approval You Need
FAMA stands for Facility & Merchandise Authorization. Before any Disney-branded production begins in a facility or subcontracted facility, the factory must obtain a FAMA from Disney. Disney issues a FAMA after reviewing the FAMA Application and any required ILS Audit Reports. A FAMA is valid only for the Licensee or Vendor it was issued to, so each supply-chain relationship needs its own authorization.
Who Needs a Disney Audit?
Any Licensee, Vendor, or factory that makes, decorates, or subcontracts Disney-branded product needs to meet ILS requirements and hold the appropriate FAMA. This includes apparel, toy, and hardline manufacturers, as well as their subcontractors. Production without a valid FAMA is not permitted.
FAQ: Disney Audit Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are optimized to capture “People Also Ask” results in search engines.
Q: What is a Disney audit?
A: A Disney audit is part of the ILS Program: a third-party assessment of a factory’s compliance with the Disney Supply Chain Code of Conduct. A passing result supports the FAMA approval needed for Disney-branded production.
Q: What is FAMA?
A: FAMA is the Facility & Merchandise Authorization, Disney’s approval that must be obtained before Disney-branded production begins. Disney issues it after reviewing the FAMA Application and any required ILS Audit Reports.
Q: What does the Disney Code of Conduct cover?
A: It covers human rights, child and forced labor, discrimination, freedom of association, harassment and abuse, health and safety, wages, working hours (regular not over 48 hours and overtime not over 12 hours per week), environment, animal welfare, supply chain management, ethics, and quality and safety.
Q: Who conducts Disney audits?
A: Third-party auditors approved by Disney under the ILS Program conduct the audits. Disney does not usually perform the on-site audit directly.
Q: When do you need a FAMA?
A: Before starting any Disney-branded production in a facility or subcontracted facility. A valid FAMA must be in place for the specific Licensee or Vendor relationship.
Conclusion
A Disney audit is the gate to brand compliance, and FAMA is the key that opens it. Meet the Supply Chain Code of Conduct, pass the ILS audit, and secure the FAMA before production starts. Factories that build these standards into daily operations avoid costly delays and protect their Disney business.
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References
- The Walt Disney Company. Disney Supply Chain Code of Conduct (child labor, forced labor, working hours, animal welfare, and other requirements).
- The Walt Disney Company. International Labor Standards (ILS) Program Manual (FAMA requirement and ILS audit process).
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