Product traceability is done at the different stages of the life cycle by levels of scope. These levels range from the extraction of the raw material to manufacturing (cradle-to-gate), also including the transport and packaging used:
- Scope/Tier 4: Extraction. Raw material suppliers such as farms, ranches, cotton plantations, or any other supplier of raw materials.
- Scope/Tier 3: Processing. Processing facilities: spinners and fiber processors where raw materials are transformed into fibers.
- Scope/Tier 2: Article and material finishings. Processing Facilities: Fabric and finishing production where processed materials are transformed into final fabrics that can be used for assembly. Printing, dyeing, washing, and embroidery are all part of this level of the supply chain.
- Scope/Tier 1: Manufacturing and distribution. Includes cutting, sewing, assembling, and packing-for-shipping factories where finished products are manufactured and shipped. Due to pressure on prices and lead times, manufacturers may subcontract to other assembly factories to meet tight deadlines and complete the order. Because the outsourced facility is not a formal part of the supply chain, it may avoid social compliance audits or government inspections, resulting in little oversight and a high risk of human rights violations at the outsourced facility.
Visual information: A practical guide to address transparency and traceability in fashion