Information about the SEDEX SMETA Audit
Demonstrate compliance with high standards for working conditions and human rights.
Transparency of social commitment for potential partners
Exchange of information on an internationally recognized database
Responsible business practices across the value chain
Basic information on SEDEX
At the same time, SMETA specifies a uniform reporting format to ensure that the information is meaningful and comparable. The audit report resulting from your SMETA audit is posted to the SEDEX database. This internationally recognized platform makes an important contribution to transparency in sustainable corporate social responsibility and supports SEDEX members in supplier management and risk reduction.
The ETI Code (Ethical Trade Initiative) serves as the foundation. As a rule, the incentive for a SEDEX audit comes from a supplier's customer. For the procedure, a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) must be completed.
What are the SEDEX membership categories?
- A Members: End of the supply chain, often retailers, who want to manage their suppliers through SEDEX.
- B Members: Usually producers at the beginning of the supply chain, who are asked to share data on their sustainability performance with their buyers.
- AB Members: processors and traders in the middle of the supply chain. They receive information from their suppliers and provide info about their sustainability performance to their customers.
Why is SEDEX beneficial for my company?
Companies that have a SEDEX SMETA audit performed according to the SMETA guidelines and share this information in the database can demonstrate to buyers that they respect the principles of ethical and social sustainability in production. Additionally, buyers get the opportunity to effectively manage their supply chain according to these principles and thus reduce their risk.
DQS: Your audit company for SEDEX audits
What are the steps involved in a SEDEX audit?
An already registered member of SEDEX invites you to a SMETA audit. In doing so, you agree to be audited. In addition, you must register or become a member of SEDEX for a fee.
This is followed by an on-site audit, in which DQS will check your information for compliance with the criteria of the SMETA catalog.
At the same time, our auditors record any deficiencies and develop a concept with you to implement the identified potential for improvement through suitable measures.
The findings of your audit are used to produce a detailed report for the SEDEX database. There you can provide your customers with insights into the audit results to demonstrate you meet their requirements.
A SMETA audit is not a certification. If and when the next audit should take place depends on the requirements of your customers.