SMETA factory audit

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is one of the most widely used business ethics audit formats in the world. It is also one of the universally recognized methods for evaluating supply chains. Including assessments on Labour rights, health and safety, the environment and business ethics.

Sedex is a global membership organization (headquartered in London, UK) that aims to help companies to simplify and work together in responsible business. Sedex is the world's largest supplier ethical information exchange platform, with more than 50,000 members in more than 150 countries, covering all walks of life. Original members included retailers and consumer brands, and the community now encompasses a wide range of sectors, including finance, aviation, construction and technology.

Basic overview of SMETA factory inspection

How many types of SMETA audits are there?

It was Announced that:

Clearly inform the audited party of the date of the audit;

The announcement is Semi-announced:

Notify the audited party to audit on one of the days within a certain period without specifying the specific date; The review time range (window period) should be at least 2 weeks and at most 2 months. Sedex recommends 3 weeks for the best effect;

Unannounced:

No audit date at all. Surprise audit.

Audit of SMETA certification form

(1) and 2-Pillar audit includes labor and Health and safety, which are mandatory for any kind of SMETA audit.

(2) The audit of 4-Pillar includes not only the above, but also environmental assessment and business practices. Not all Sedex members have requirements for these two parts, the key is to see the requirements of the supplier.

The difference between Sedex 2-Pillar and Sedex 4-Pillar, apart from content and price, the most important differences are: Customers receiving Sedex 4p reports do not accept Sedex 2p reports. Customers receiving Sedex 2p reports also accept Sedex 4p reports. Brands such as Nestle, M&S and Swarovski only accept reports from the 4Ps.

How to evaluate audit results and expiration date

The SMETA audit itself has not passed or not passed such a conclusion, the audit result needs to be decided by the final customer, different customers will have different requirements. For the same report, some customers may directly approve it, while others may require the closure of some non-conformance items;

The SMETA audit itself has no validity period, and the time of the next audit is also determined by the final customer. For the same report, most customers may accept the audit after one year, while some customers may require the audit after half a year. Different customers have different requirements.

Benefits of Sedex Factory inspection

1. Obtained SEDEX certification guidance report, reduced COC factory inspection, saved factory working hours and costs, and exempted general CSR assessment, thus saving audit costs;

2. Through SEDEX certification, the factory's quality, environment and social responsibility management system will be comprehensively sorted out and improved;

3. Meet the mandatory requirements of customers, open the stepping-stone for cooperation with European customers, attract potential customers and enhance the competitiveness of enterprises;

4. Enhance the competitiveness of the enterprise, enhance the market competitiveness in Europe, fulfill the requirements of customers, attract potential customers;

5. Successful passage of SEDEX certification counseling can enhance enterprise cohesion and improve the relationship with trade unions and relevant stakeholders;

6. Follow the international trend through SEDEX certification counseling, pursue sustainable business, and obtain long-term cooperation with customers;

7. Develop cost-effective preventive measures for accidents and losses to reduce shallow hazards, reduce costs and reduce the occurrence of safety accidents to minimize risks.

SMETA application procedure

1. Register on the sedex platform first, communicate with the customer whether to apply for 2P or 4P, notify audit or surprise audit

2. Contact consulting companies to recommend notarial firms that meet the standards of buyers, and there are differences between different buyers to accept audit institutions

3. Fill out the application form

4. Pay the audit fee and make an appointment for the audit

5. Prepare materials for factory inspection

6. Factory inspection

7. Report 5 working days after the review and upload the report to SEDEX platform