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SMETA – Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (Verification)

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SMETA: Documenting social responsibility and ethical behaviour

In the past, quality and price were the vital factors when selling raw materials, finished products and food. But this attitude has changed dramatically.

Today’s consumers expect that people and the environment in countries of origin are considered and protected. Most brand manufacturers and trading companies now explicitly select suppliers based on verification of social compliance.

Social responsibility is growing in importance and is a decisive factor in the future success of your business

Request a non-binding quote for SMETA (SEDEX) verification here

Our target group of SMETA certification (verification)

SMETA certification (verification) is suitable for manufacturers who supply members of SEDEX. The size of the organization, the geographic location or the manufacturing sector do not play a part.

SMETA is extremely useful for suppliers who wish to conduct an audit for a wider customer base, as the audits are linked via the SEDEX database so they can be viewed by different customers. This means time and money are not wasted with duplication is avoided.

Your Benefits of SEDEX Auditing to SMETA Ethical Trade Requirements

  • Proof of fair working conditions
  • Continual improvement of your management system
  • Enhanced ethical image
  • More effective risk management through transparency in the supply chain
  • Improved competitiveness in the global market

The audit process for SMETA certification (verification)

1

01

Offer preparation by TÜV NORD CERT

2

02

Commissioning of TÜV NORD CERT

3

03

Online self-assessment using the SEDEX questionnaire

4

04

On-site audit by TÜV NORD CERT using the following methods: Document audit, location assessment and employee surveys

5

05

SMETA Corrective Action Plan Report (CAPR) preparation

6

06

If necessary, coordination of corrective measures

7

07

Audit report competition and submission on the SEDEX platform

8

08

Verification of corrective actions by desktop review or follow-up audit

Overview of the SMETA Audit

There are two types of SMETA audits to choose from

The 2-pillar format covers

  • working practices and standards
  • health and safety

The 4-pillar format additionally covers  

  • environmental audit
  • business ethics

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.

Downloads

Documents for download

Product data sheet SMETA (SEDEX)
PDF
590 . 93 KB
Download

Frequently asked questions

FAQs on Sedex SMETA

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

Contact

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