TÜV NORD Austria and Nestlé – Interview with Dr. Hans Strauss

Nestlé has set up programmes for sustainable procurement - such as the Responsible Sourcing Audit Programme and the Responsible Sourcing Traceability Programme, focusing on labour, environmental and human rights standards in the supply chain. The aim is to verify compliance with Nestlé standards by all direct suppliers through independent audits. The minimum requirements for audits are set out in the SMETA Best Practice Guidance. Nestlé has approved 11 audit companies worldwide for SMETA 4-pillar audits, one of which is TÜV NORD Austria. The audits can only be performed by these audit companies. The accredited companies are required to report numerous KPIs on audit data and auditors to Nestlé each month.

Nestlé significantly reduced the number of accredited audit companies in 2018. TÜV NORD Austria has proven itself to be a reliable and qualified partner in conducting SMETA audits for Nestlé for more than five years. In order to expand TÜV NORD's business internationally, an agreement has been reached between the two companies to name "TÜV NORD GROUP" as an accredited audit company in Nestlé’s communications with suppliers. This will facilitate TÜV NORD's access to the international market via its global network. Under the leadership of TÜV NORD Austria, SMETA 4 Pillar audits can be carried out with local auditors who understand the local languages, laws and cultures and are recognised by Nestlé.

TÜV NORD Austria offers TÜV NORD Group subsidiaries the opportunity to carry out SMETA 4 Pillar Audits, which are recognised by Nestlé, as auditing bodies. TÜV NORD Austria is Process Owner for all Nestlé SMETA 4 Pillar Audits and is also responsible for the appointment of the auditors. TÜV NORD Group subsidiaries that have suitable auditors have the opportunity to qualify their employees for Nestlé SMETA 4-Pillar Audits via TÜV NORD Austria. The cooperation between the TÜV NORD companies and TÜV NORD Austria has been agreed within the framework of an SLA, which contains all requirements and mutual obligations. TÜV NORD Group’s defined process for auditing stipulates that offers and the audit documentation, which must be uploaded to the SEDEX platform, must be approved by TÜV NORD Austria. In addition, all auditing companies must report the required KPIs to TÜV NORD Austria for the monthly reporting to Nestlé.

SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is one of the world's leading not-for-profit member organisations. Via the SEDEX online platform, it offers its members, who are customers, suppliers and partners, the opportunity to provide a detailed account of the work-related, social and ethical processes implemented in their companies. The aim is to provide more transparency and security throughout the entire supply chain. The audit format SMETA (Sedex Members' Ethical Trade Audit) is based on the base code of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). The audits cover all aspects of responsible business practices. They cover the 4 pillars (4-Pillars) occupational safety, health protection, environment and business practices and are designed to ensure responsible and ethical behaviour as well as corporate social responsibility.