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Factory Qualifications

SMETA 4-Pillar Audit

Definition

Sedex Members’ Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) — 4-Pillar Audit

SMETA is an on-site social audit methodology developed by Sedex. It uses a standardized approach to assess working conditions and responsible business practices at supply chain workplaces.[1]

A full SMETA 4-Pillar Audit covers four main areas:[1]

Labour Standards

Health & Safety

Environment

Business Ethics

Sedex explicitly states that SMETA is not a certification and that the methodology does not provide an official ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ result issued by Sedex or the auditor.[1]

Why does it matter?

SMETA provides brands and buyers with a standardized, shareable methodology for social audits in the supply chain. It helps customers assess manufacturers' actual performance in labor rights, occupational health and safety, environmental management and business ethics. Audit data can also be shared among supply chain members to reduce duplicate audits and support continual supplier improvement.[1]

References

  1. [1]Sedex, What We Do at Sedex — SMETA Audit.
  2. [2]Sedex, Introduction to SMETA.

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