AVE

Overview
AVE stands for Außenhandelsvereinigung des Deutschen Einzelhandels e.V. (AVE). AVE is an association of German retailers for foreign trade. Created in 1952, AVE advocates a liberal trade policy for the European Union and promotes the strengthening of the World Trade Organisaton (WTO).

The AVE notifies its members on trade policy and foreign trade issues. Member firms can seek support for problems concerning customs and procedures, anti-dumping procedures and other restrictions of trade.

AVE certification
The objective of this certification is to implement a uniform procedure for the improvement of social performance of companies manufacturing products for export to other AVE companies in Germany. The AVE certification is based on a model that looks at unified social requirements in the production facilities. The AVE sector model is linked to SA 8000 standard and checked with Social Accountability International (SAI), New York.

Certification process
The certification process is a multiple-step process. The certification cycle is described briefly:

	Application for certification from client
	Offer from TUV India
	Offer acceptance from client and order confirmation by TUV India
	Preaudit (optional)
	Certification audit
	Issue of certificate on successful completion of certification audit
	Surveillance audits at defined interval
	Recertification audit