SMETA verification assesses social responsibility and labor standards in the supply chain – TÜV NORD CERT independently audits these in accordance with SEDEX requirements.
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Brands, retailers and global customers increasingly expect their suppliers to provide transparent proof of fair working conditions, health and safety standards as well as ethical business practices.
SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) enables companies to demonstrate social responsibility across their supply chain through an internationally recognized, independent verification.
SMETA verification is particularly suitable for companies or organizations in the manufacturing sector that are suppliers to a Sedex member or global customers who require social‑compliance evidence as part of their sourcing or supplier approval processes. These include:
SMETA is particularly frequently requested during supplier onboarding or annual compliance checks when customers require proof of social compliance.
A major advantage: The audit results are made available to all relevant business partners via the Sedex database, eliminating the need for time-consuming and costly multiple audits.
SMETA verification by TÜV NORD offers you the following benefits:
There are two types of SMETA audits to choose from
The 2-pillar format covers
The 4-pillar format additionally covers
GOOD TO KNOW: Certification or verification?
Sedex SMETA is not a certification as such, but a verification. In contrast to a (successful) certification, a verification does not guarantee that the audited organization fulfils the requirements completely.
Verification to SMETA only testifies to the degree to which the audited organization fulfils the requirements.
Social Compliance Audits can be carried out based on the criteria of the SMETA Standard (SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit ). This standard was developed by SEDEX, a not-for-profit membership organization run on behalf of its members.
With this standard, buyers and suppliers can optimize responsible and ethical business practices in global supply chains.
SMETA is based on the criteria of the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code and applicable local legislation.
Following registration with SEDEX Advance, suppliers have to complete the SEDEX self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ).
Through comparison of supplier and customer information, problem areas can be identified which can be eliminated before the audit is carried out. This means that audits can be carried out more efficiently and cost-effectively and in a targeted way.
The following criteria are audited:
Enabling accurate assessment
Employment is freely chosen
Responsible recruitment and entitlement to work
Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining are respected
Working conditions are safe and hygienic
Child labor shall not be used
Legal wages are paid
Living wages are paid
Working hours are not excessive
No discrimination is practiced
Regular employment is provided
Sub-contracting and homeworkers
Harsh or Inhumane Treatment
Environmental standards are upheld
Business ethics must be in place