Smeta audits

SMETA is the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit, an ethical audit methodology that examines every aspect and practice of running a responsible business. SMETA was designed to provide an easily shareable audit format that would enable its multiple stakeholders to reduce their duplication of efforts. SMETA regularly publishes reports in the SEDEX system, ensuring transparency and enabling easy information sharing and auditing.

SMETA audits methodology

SMETA audits utilise the ETI code base, which is founded on the conventions set out by the International Labor Organisation and respect for local laws and regulations. Every SMETA audit is conducted against either two or four pillars. Two of these pillars are mandatory for every audit – health and safety. The two additional pillars introduced for deeper four-pillar audits are business ethics and environment. Their inclusion deepens the SMETA audits’ commitment to social responsibility.

Smeta 2 pillar audit modules

The two mandatory pillars of every SMETA audit are health and safety. Every smeta 2 pillar audit will comprise of the following modules:

1 – Labour standards
2 – Health and Safety
3 – Additional Elements

The ‘Additional Elements’ module includes:

• Management systems
• Entitlement to work
• Subcontracting and homeworking
• Environmental assessment (shortened)

Smeta 4 pillar audit module

The more comprehensive four-pillar SMETA audit covers all of the modules listed above, as well as an extended environmental assessment and a business ethics report.

SMETA expertise

Global Inspection Imaging is a member of the Sedex Associate Auditor Group. This means we can conduct SMETA audits for businesses that comply with all the latest best practice guidelines. Our experienced and highly-qualified auditors conduct on-site inspections, on-site interviews with factory managers and staff, and inspect any relevant documents provided by the factory. With this information, we can compile and present a SMETA Audit Report. Based on this report, we can prepare a SMETA Corrective Action Plan, which outlines any improvements factories