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Disney approval depends on meeting the Supply Chain Code of Conduct and holding a FAMA before production. Because the ILS audit is performed by a third-party monitor and the FAMA gate is hard, preparation must start early. This plan helps your factory align to the Code, fix gaps, and submit the FAMA Application in time for launch.
Start with the Code of Conduct
Every preparation step traces back to the Disney Supply Chain Code of Conduct. The non-negotiable items include no child labor (under 15, under compulsory-education age, or under the legal minimum — whichever is highest), no forced labor, no discrimination, freedom of association, no harassment or abuse, a safe workplace, legal wages, regular hours not over 48 per week and overtime not over 12 per week, environmental compliance, animal welfare where relevant, ethics, and quality and safety.
Run a Gap Assessment
Map current practice to each Code area and score yourself. Pay special attention to the highest-risk points: child and forced labor, working hours, wages, and undisclosed subcontracting. Assign owners and deadlines to every gap so nothing is left for the week before the audit.
Fix the Documentation
The ILS audit is evidence-heavy. Organize Code-aligned policies, age-verification and payroll records, timesheets, employment contracts, health-and-safety records, training records, and a complete subcontractor list. Records must agree with each other and with what workers say in interviews.
Manage Working Hours and Wages
Keep regular working hours at or below 48 per week and overtime at or below 12 per week. Pay at least the legal or industry minimum wage, on time and in full. Timesheets, payroll, and production records should reconcile so the auditor sees a consistent picture.
Prepare Subcontractors
Any subcontracted facility that makes or decorates Disney product must also meet the Code and be covered by the compliance process. Build a full subcontractor list, confirm each one's status, and make sure none is producing Disney goods without coverage. Undisclosed subcontracting is a major audit risk.
Plan the FAMA Application Early
The Licensee or Vendor submits the FAMA Application, and Disney issues FAMA only after reviewing it with any required ILS Audit Reports. Because production cannot start without FAMA, submit the application as early as possible — well before the planned production date — to absorb audit scheduling and review time.
Train Supervisors and Workers
Auditors interview workers to confirm what records show. Train supervisors and workers on the Code, working hours, wages, and their rights, so interviews are consistent and confident. Inconsistent answers are a common trigger for findings.
FAQ: Disney Preparation Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are optimized to capture "People Also Ask" results in search engines.
Q: How do I prepare for a Disney audit?
A: Map current practice to the Code of Conduct, run a gap assessment, fix documentation and working-hours and wage issues, prepare subcontractors, and submit the FAMA Application early. Treat preparation as continuous, not last-minute.
Q: How early should I apply for FAMA?
A: As early as possible, and always before any Disney-branded production. Disney issues FAMA only after reviewing the application and any required ILS Audit Reports.
Q: Do subcontractors need to comply?
A: Yes. Any subcontracted facility producing Disney product must meet the Code of Conduct and be covered by the compliance process, including its own FAMA where required.
Q: What are the biggest Disney audit risks?
A: Child or forced labor, excessive working hours (over 48 regular or 12 overtime per week), missing age or payroll records, and undisclosed subcontracting are the most serious risks.
Q: Can a consultant help with Disney preparation?
A: Yes. Experienced auditors can run a pre-audit gap assessment and coach your team. The actual ILS audit, however, is performed by Disney-approved third parties, so the consultant supports readiness rather than the outcome.
Conclusion
Disney preparation succeeds when the Code of Conduct becomes daily practice and the FAMA Application goes in early. Close the highest-risk gaps first, keep records consistent, and cover every subcontractor. Factories that prepare this way pass the ILS audit and start production on schedule.
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