Sedex SMETA Audit

Scope of SMETA audit

The SMETA audit is based on the labor standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and international regulations such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It covers the following:

• Health and safety
• Labor standards
• Environment (optional)
• Business ethics (optional)

There are 2 versions of SMETA: 

The 2-pillar audit that is the most common type that most retailers ask for. It covers labor and human rights and health and safety.
The 4-pillar type that has been adopted mainly by large food brands and has two extra topics - integrity and a deeper look at environmental performance.

Note: 
2-pillar SMETA: Universal Rights covering UNGP, Management systems and code implementation, Freely chosen Employment, Freedom of Association, Safety and Hygienic Conditions, Child Labour, Living Wages and Benefits, Working Hours, Discrimination, Regular Employment, Sub–Contracting and Homeworking, Harsh or Inhumane Treatment, entitlement to work,  environment assessment (shorten version)

4 pillar SMETA: all 2-piller SMETA plus additional modules on environment assessment (extended version) and business ethics.

SMETA target sectors and audit requirements 

Sedex SMETA applies to all sizes and types of employment sites, including manufacturing sites, agricultural sites, and service providers. Supply chains, however, come in all shapes and sizes, and a standard SMETA protocol may need adjustments to cover specific supply chain circumstances.

If you are part of a retailer/brand’s supply chain, they may request that you have a SMETA audit conducted at your site. However, the site can also request the SMETA audit directly without client or brand involvement. This allows sites to proactively improve standards within their business.

SMETA audit process

1. Register for Sedex membership
2. Apply audit and complete Sedex self-assessment questionnaire
3. Read the pre-audit information sent by the audit firm
4. Audit includes opening meeting with management, site tour, interviews, and document review
5. CAPR preparation
6. Closing meeting
7. Review the audit that has uploaded on Sedex Advance
8. Add and submit Corrective Actions for non-compliances that are suitable for review
9. Schedule a follow-up audit if needed

SMETA audit rating standard and validity frequency

SMETA has no rating or indication of ‘passed’ or ‘failed’ in reports. The client will make the decision. 

Sedex does not determine how often sites should undertake social audits. However, buyer members typically require sites to follow ‘audit cycles’ according to their risk category.

What are the benefits of conducting a SMETA audit?

SMETA is designed to help auditors conduct high-quality audits that encompass all aspects of responsible business practice. Benefits include:

• Understand working conditions on a site 
• Most widely used audit in the world
• Supports meeting social compliance 
• Provides a Corrective Action Plan for the supplier to resolve any issues
• One audit can be shared with multiple buyers on the Sedex platform
• Assess and monitor supplier performance, worker health, and safety

Being one of the largest social audit programs globally, with approximately 60,000 audits per year, it is accepted by many organizations worldwide. Because it’s widely accepted, running SMETA can help reduce audit fatigue. You can show your customers that you comply with the highest international social standards and protect your reputation in the market.

Now, you can book your SMETA audit with ease on InSpec by BV

InSpec bv BV is your one-stop online platform for social audits, inspections, and factory assessments. You can schedule and book a SMETA audit in just a few clicks. Our team will be in touch with you after your booking. In general, the booking lead time is just five working days, and you will be able to get the audit report five working days after the audit is conducted. All the audits will be handled by our experienced auditor.