SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is a globally recognized audit framework, widely used to assess social and environmental practices in supply chains. With a focus on four essential pillars—Health & Safety, Labour Standards, Environment, and Business Ethics—SMETA audits help companies protect workers from unsafe conditions, forced labour, discrimination, and low wages. Conducted by approved third-party audit firms, SMETA does not offer a “pass” or “fail” outcome but provides each company with a Corrective Action Plan to address non-compliance issues and promote ongoing improvements. More than 370,000 SMETA audits have been conducted, identifying and resolving thousands of issues annually to support responsible sourcing practices.

Through SMETA, businesses gain insight into the social and environmental practices of their suppliers, allowing them to prioritize high-risk sites, ensure compliance with legislation, and share audit data with multiple buyers. Available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, SMETA provides a universal framework for companies across regions, promoting transparency and ethical standards in global supply chains.

SMETA 7.0, the latest version of the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit, was launched in September 2024, this update strengthens the audit process, focusing on transparency and sustainable practices. Its key features include a Management Systems Assessment (MSA) for a structured review of site policies and procedures, a Collaborative Action Required (CAR) category for addressing complex issues, and upgraded environmental and business ethics assessments to align with global sustainability standards. Digital integration now also supports real-time reporting for more responsive audits.

Sedex, the organization behind SMETA, is a leading provider of data-driven insights and tools for supply chain sustainability. Their global community includes over 85,000 businesses and 104,000 work sites, spanning 180 countries and 35 sectors. Sedex offers various solutions to support companies in assessing and improving their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, facilitating visibility and risk management across supply chains. Sedex’s data-sharing platform and assessment tools, including SMETA, empower businesses to align with international sustainability principles and meet legislative requirements.

For more on SMETA, visit the official Sedex page.