There is no legal requirement to undertake this expensive and difficult task. Retailers do it because it is in their economic interest, and because it is the right thing to do. The truth is, the U.S. retail industry has taken, and continues to take, energetic steps to identify and end violations of labor standards by suppliers. Labor violations can disrupt their supply of merchandise, bring them adverse publicity, and end up costing retailers a lot of money. Although labor standards are expensive to enforce, they end up saving retailers money.
External monitors are trained professionals with high standards of professional responsibility.
Retailers often use external monitors, such as the major accounting firms, to check supplier compliance with labor standards. These monitors have enormous expertise in this area. As importantly, they are professionals who can incur legal liability for failing to report their findings accurately. The truth is, retailers have the greatest interest in ensuring that their suppliers comply with both the local laws and their own codes of conduct. By moving their sourcing around the world, retailers exploit labor and force down prices.