Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA)

Intertek is one of the largest providers of Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA). These audits have gained popularity as brands and retailers seek to partner with suppliers that participate in SEDEX to ensure ethical trading and corporate social responsibility.

What is SMETA?

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is a globally recognized ethical audit methodology developed by Sedex, focusing on four key pillars:

Labor Standards: Evaluating fair wages, working hours, and non-discriminatory practices.
Health & Safety: Assessing workplace safety protocols and employee well-being measures.
Environment: Reviewing environmental management systems and sustainability practices.
Business Ethics: Ensuring adherence to ethical business practices and anti-corruption policies.

Intertek offers comprehensive SMETA services to help organizations assess and improve ethical practices within their supply chains.

Benefits of SMETA Audits

Supply Chain Transparency: Gain visibility beyond tier 1 suppliers to ensure ethical practices throughout your supply chain.
Risk Mitigation: Identify and address potential risks related to labor practices, health and safety, and environmental compliance.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to international labor and environmental standards, reducing legal and reputational risks.
Continuous Improvement: Utilize data analytics and insights to drive ongoing enhancements in workplace conditions.SMETA Audit Process

Real-World Impact

Organizations that have implemented SMETA audits with Intertek have reported significant improvements in ethical practices and supply chain transparency. For example, Clipper Logistics utilized SMETA audits to enhance its ethical standards and ensure fair treatment of employees across its supply chain.

What is the SMETA Audit process?

Pre-Audit Preparation: Review of existing policies and documentation.
On-Site Audit: Comprehensive evaluation of labor standards, health & safety, environmental impact, and business ethics.
Corrective Action Plan: Development of a plan to address any non-compliances identified during the audit.
Follow-Up: Verification of corrective actions and continuous monitoring