SEDEX / SMETA Support

Introduction

SEDEX is a global membership organisation that provides a platform to share responsible ethical business practice data across labour standards, health & safety, environment and business ethics.

What is SEDEX SMETA?

SMETA audits are designed to reduce duplicate ethical audits by creating a single report that can be shared with multiple buyers on the SEDEX database.

Benefits of SEDEX SMETA Certification

• Prerequisite for supplying major global retailers and brand supply chains
• Reduces audit fatigue by sharing one report with multiple buyers
• Improves transparency across labour, environmental, and business ethics
• Builds buyer confidence in your ethical sourcing and supply chain
• Identifies operational risks in working conditions and labor rights

Who Needs SEDEX SMETA Certification?

• Garment, apparel, and textile factories
• Home decor and handicraft manufacturers
• Food and agricultural suppliers
• Packaging and printing companies serving global brands

SEDEX SMETA Requirements

• Register on the SEDEX platform as a supplier (Member Type B)
• Complete the SEDEX Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
• Prepare facility for a third-party SMETA audit
• Undergo 2-Pillar or 4-Pillar SMETA audit by an approved body
• Upload audit report and Corrective Action Plan (CAPR) to SEDEX

SEDEX SMETA Certification Process

Documents Required

• SEDEX membership details and SAQ
• Standard employment contracts and age proof records
• Working hours and overtime logs
• Wage sheets and payment verification
• Factory fire safety and environmental permits
• Business ethics policy and training records

SEDEX SMETA Certification Cost

We don’t publish a fixed price, because cost depends on organisation size, number of locations, scope, process complexity, audit duration, consulting requirements and certification body fees. Request a scoped estimate and we’ll walk you through each factor.

Certification Timeline

Timelines depend on organisational readiness, scope and the complexity of your processes. A well-prepared, single-site organisation typically moves faster than a multi-site or highly regulated one — we’ll give you a realistic timeline after the initial gap analysis.

2-Pillar vs 4-Pillar SMETA

A 2-Pillar SMETA audit covers Labour Standards and Health & Safety. A 4-Pillar audit covers these two plus Environment (extended) and Business Ethics, commonly required by major multinational brands.

Frequently Asked Questions