What is a Sedex SMETA audit?
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA) is a social audit methodology is designed for suppliers to share one report with multiple customers, meeting multiple customer requirements and reducing duplication in social compliance auditing. SMETA is not a certification process or standard. It is one of the most widely used ethical audit formats in the world. SMETA audits performed by ELEVATE are accepted by Sedex A and AB members and can be shared via the SEDEX system.
The Sedex SMETA Audit Methodology
SMETA audits in compliance with the Best Practice Guidelines (6.1). These audits use the ETI Base Code, founded on the conventions of the International Labour Organization, as well as relevant local laws. The two pillars mandatory for any SMETA audit are Labor Standards and Health & Safety. The two additional pillars of a 4-pillar audit were introduced to further deepen the environmental and ethical business aspects of the assessment.
A SMETA 2-pillar audit comprises the following modules:
- Labor Standards
- Health and Safety
- Additional Elements:
- Management Systems
- Entitlement to Work
- Subcontracting and Homeworking
- Environmental assessment (shortened)
A SMETA 4-pillar audit covers the above elements, plus:
- Environmental assessment (extended)
- Business Ethics
Currently, we are using ELEVATE to conduct any Code of Conduct Audits that have been requested. Below are guides and documents to help our packinghouses prepare for a Social Audit or a Code of Conduct Audit:
SMETA 4-Pillar and Sedex Advance
ELEVATE Responsible Sourcing Standard
ELEVATE Facility Profile – Contact Rebekah Gorsky – [email protected] for a copy of this form
SMETA Best Practice Guidance Guide