SEDEX/SMETA Audit

Sedex is a not-for-profit membership organisation that runs a platform for sharing data on responsible business practices in supply chains. SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is the audit methodology developed by Sedex to help buyers and suppliers improve responsible and ethical business practices in global supply chains. The current version of the methodology is SMETA 7.0, which replaced SMETA 6.1.

SMETA is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code and local law. Consumers now expect people and the environment in producing countries to be protected, so many brands and traders select suppliers on the basis of social compliance audit results.

Note: SMETA is an audit methodology, not a certification: no certificate is issued and there is no pass/fail result. The report reflects the degree to which requirements are met at the time of the audit and does not guarantee full compliance with every requirement.

Companies can choose between two audit formats:

• SMETA 2-pillar: labour standards and health and safety.
• SMETA 4-pillar: additionally covers environment and business ethics.

SMETA 7.0 adds a Management Systems Assessment and a "Collaborative Action Required" finding category for issues that need joint action by several parties. The appropriate format is usually specified by the customer who is a Sedex member. SMETA is especially suitable for suppliers serving several customers, since one report on the Sedex platform can be viewed by many of them.

• Management systems and code implementation
• Freely chosen employment; freedom of association and collective bargaining
• Safe and hygienic working conditions
• No child labour; living wages; no excessive working hours
• No discrimination; regular employment; no harsh or inhumane treatment
• Sub-contracting and homeworking; right to work and immigration
• Universal rights covering the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
• Environment and business ethics (4-pillar audits)