SMETA Audit

What is SMETA?

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is one of the world’s most widely recognized ethical audit methodologies, developed by Sedex. SMETA provides a standardized approach for assessing social, ethical, labor, health and safety, and environmental performance within organizations and supply chains.

The audit helps organizations demonstrate compliance with ethical business practices and promotes transparency, accountability, and responsible operations throughout global supply chains.

Scope of SMETA Audit

SMETA audits are applicable to organizations operating across various sectors, including:

  • Manufacturing Facilities

  • Textile and Apparel Industries

  • Food and Beverage Companies

  • Consumer Goods Manufacturers

  • Packaging Companies

  • Logistics and Distribution Operations

  • Agricultural Producers

  • Service Providers

  • Exporters and Suppliers

The audit evaluates workplace practices, operational controls, and compliance with applicable ethical trade requirements.

SMETA Pillars

Organizations may be audited under one of the following SMETA methodologies:

2-Pillar SMETA Audit

The 2-Pillar SMETA Audit covers:

  • Labour Standards

  • Health and Safety

4-Pillar SMETA Audit

The 4-Pillar SMETA Audit covers:

  • Labour Standards

  • Health and Safety

  • Environment

  • Business Ethics

Objectives of SMETA

The objectives of SMETA are to:

  • Promote ethical business practices

  • Improve transparency within supply chains

  • Assess labor conditions and worker welfare

  • Evaluate workplace health and safety practices

  • Support environmental responsibility

  • Encourage ethical business conduct

  • Enhance accountability and compliance

  • Strengthen stakeholder confidence

Key Assessment Areas

Labour Standards

Assessment of working conditions, wages, working hours, employment practices, freedom of association, and other labor-related requirements.

Health and Safety

Evaluation of workplace safety controls, emergency preparedness, occupational health measures, and employee welfare provisions.

Environmental Performance

Assessment of environmental management practices, resource usage, waste management, and environmental controls.

Business Ethics

Review of policies and practices relating to ethical conduct, anti-bribery measures, and responsible business operations.

Management Systems

Evaluation of policies, procedures, documentation, and operational controls supporting compliance with SMETA requirements.

Audit Process

1. Application and Audit Planning

The organization provides relevant information regarding its operations, workforce, facilities, and activities for audit planning purposes.

2. Documentation Review

Relevant policies, procedures, records, and operational information are reviewed.

3. On-Site Audit

The audit includes:

  • Opening Meeting

  • Facility Tour

  • Document Review

  • Management Interviews

  • Worker Interviews

  • Assessment of Operational Practices

4. Evaluation of Findings

Audit findings are documented and classified according to the applicable SMETA methodology.

5. Closing Meeting

Audit results and observations are presented and discussed with management.

6. Audit Report Issuance

An audit report is prepared and issued following completion of the assessment process.

Benefits of SMETA Audit

  • Independent assessment of ethical business practices

  • Enhanced transparency and accountability

  • Improved confidence among customers and stakeholders

  • Recognition within global supply chains

  • Evaluation of labor, health and safety, environmental, and ethical performance

  • Support for responsible business practices

  • Strengthened organizational credibility and reputation

Who Can Be Audited?

SMETA audits are suitable for:

  • Manufacturers

  • Exporters

  • Suppliers

  • Processing Facilities

  • Packaging Companies

  • Logistics Providers

  • Agricultural Operations

  • Service Organizations

  • Businesses Participating in Global Supply Chains

Maintaining Compliance

Organizations may undergo periodic SMETA audits to demonstrate ongoing compliance with ethical trade requirements and customer expectations. Regular assessments help maintain transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices throughout operations and supply chains.