Sedex Audit – Step By Step
Before we explain more about Sedex Audits, you have to know about Sedex and SMETA and what is the difference between them. Actually, there is no difference between these two terms from a user’s stand point. Sedex uses Ethical Trade Initiaive code of conduct as a basis for audits. SEDEX is a non-profit organization. It works by the secure online data base for the improvement of ethical and responsible business practices. The supplier members of Sedex can share and manage information related to Labour Standards. Producer or Supplier members of sedex are committed for enhancement in their labour standards.
The main role of sedex is continuous improvement in working conditions. Now, more and more brands and buyers are using sedex audit to reduce and monitor their supply chain risks. Popularity of SMETA audit is now increasing not only in international trade but also in national trade.
As compliances for business increase day by day and supply chains get more distributed and shorter. This creates risks in supply chain which are passed on to the main business. This is where a SMETA audit comes as a important tool for Buyers and Businesses.
Why use Eurocert for conducting Sedex Audits:
Eurocert’s dedicated team of social audit and is a preferred choice for managing not just sedex 2 Pillar audit but also 4 pillar audits. We are equipped to conduct surveys of Suppliers and use anonymous surveys for identifying issues that could potentially become problem for Brands and online retailers alike. Eurocert has a dedicated Back office that reviews the sedex reports for readability , consistency and quality issues.
The experience and expertise of Eurocert in analyzing sustainable initiatives for the supply chain and also execute these initiatives make Eurocert a preferred choice for conducting social audits /vendor audits as well as SMETA audits across the supply chain. Our dedicated and professional programming team is also available to design dashboards and customize dashboard for clients
CONTACT US – NOW +91-9316012883
Eurocert ( group companies) will provide quality Sedex Audit reports which are easily to understand by buyers and suppliers We are Approved Audting company authorized to conduct Sedex Audits.
Sedex Audit Minimum Requirements are now Updated , Know More..
What is the full form of sedex?
The full form of sedex is Supplier Ethical Data Exchange. It is a platform for sharing Ethical Data about factories and producers.
What does a Sedex Auditor checks during a SMETA AUDIT?
A SMETA AUDIT-SEDEX-AUDIT comprises of Two-Pillar and Four-Pillar Audit.
A Two-Pillars Covers:
1. Labour Standards
2. Health & Safety
3. Additional Elements:
• Management Systems
• Entitlement to Work
•Subcontracting and Homeworking
• Abridged version of Environment
How to Prepare for Sedex Audit?
A Four Pillar Sedex Audit ( SMETA 4P )covers additionally
1. Environment (extended) – this replaces the Environment (shortened version)
2. Business Ethics
Though these pillars are new addition, Eurocert is particularly equipped to add value in these pillars because of our experience with other sustainability initiatives which focuses on recycling of material and reuse monitoring of material.
What is SMETA AUDIT? How is it different from a Sedex Audit?
There is no difference between a Sedex Audit and SMETA audit . They are both same thing. SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is the Audit methodology which is created by the Sedex members to provide a protocol which is shared with a feel of self-assurance. SMETA Audit is based on Ethical Trade Initiative Base Code and the local laws. It can use other codes which are based on conventions of ILO (International Labour Organization). It is not a type of new methodology. In fact, it is a new audit process which compiles good practices in an ethical way. Audit report format of SMETA is easily understandable for all.
I am unable to see my SMETA report ?
Many producer forget to publish their report after it has been uploaded by the Sedex Approved Authorized Auditing Company like Eurocert. This is a additional step to be done by each producer.
How do I upload proof of corrective action against my SMETA CAPR?
This is because you have still not Published your report. Once you publish it you will get links to upload the proof of corrective action.
What does a SMETA Audit Report look like ?
A SMETA audit report format can change from time to time. It is best that you check with the sedex platform to get the latest version of SMETA audit.
A SMETA Audit report has more than 80 pages but most important thing to look is the Version Number which is at the first page
SMETA Audit Report version at the First PageThe Second thing you would like to check is who is the Audit Team and whether they are a APSCA member
Which is the correct way to use Sedex Logo?
Sedex Logo cannot be used by any non member. It cannot be used on product or marketing literature. The only claim that a member can claim is that it is a member of Sedex and use appropriate logo for your membership type. For more information visit Sedex Logo.
How do I become a Sedex Auditor?
You need to be a APSCA member to become a sedex auditor. If a auditor wants to become a APSCA member you have to be associated with a APSCA member firm. To become a CSCA you have to complete three Exams of APSCA.
Mail: info@eurocert.in Ph:+91-9316012883
How do I contact a Sedex Auditor?
Please send us a email at info@eurocert.in and we will put you in touch with a Sedex approved auditor.
How much does a Sedex Audit costs?
Areas of Sedex Audit
1 Labour Standards
2 Health & Safety
3 Environment
4 Business Ethics
5 Management System
6 Code Implementation
7 Entitlement to work
8 Subcontracting
9 Home working
As a Producer going to Face a Sedex /SMETA audit for the first Time- This is what you can expect on the day of Audit
Is Sedex Audit a type of Sustainability certfication?
Sedex is not a certification. SMETA audits result in a audit report and not in a certificate. Though it covers sustaininability aspects in its audit, you cannot use a Sedex Logo on your product, as it is not a sustainability certification.
We are new Factory -What are the steps we have to follow to get a Sedex Audit report?
What is the full form of SMETA 6.1
Full form of SMETA is Sedex member Ethical Trade Audit . It is a audit methodology .The digit “6.1” refers to the version of the three main components of this audit methodology which are
Best Practice Guidance
Report Format
CAPR format
Where should a Buyer look for SMETA Audit Report or SMETA CAPR?
A buyer should always look for a SMETA CAPR and SMETA Audit reports on the sedex platform. It is not a good practice to ask for separate CAPR reports or SMETA Audit reports in pdf format. There is a possibility of you getting a manipulated reports of CAPR.
What is the validity of SMETA Audit report?
There is no validity mentioned on the SMETA audit report. It is generally considered to be one year from the date of audit. It depends more on the buyer if he is accepting a old report.
How do I get my sedex membership renewed?
The Sedex membership fee is paid annually and you can log in and get your Sedex membership renewed by paying online.
How to find root cause and take corrective action for SMETA CAPR?
Every SMETA audit will probably result in non-conformities. These non-conformities will have root causes. SMETA CAPR report identified Four main type of root causes
- Training
- Systems
- Costs
- Lack of Workers
- Other
It is very common to identify more than one root cause for any non-conformity. A “system” root cause is a very prominent root cause that may or may not be identified by the auditor. As a factory management , you should always try to find out if the recurrence of this type of non-conformity can be avoided by placing a system.
A system is a combination of process and communication of the result of process. A example of “process” can be a monitoring process and the result of this monitoring process should be communicated in a simple and direct way.
An example non conformity can be blocking of escape route. While the cause of this can be both training and systems, we can try and find a corrective action for “system” root cause .
A “system” root cause will force the management to come up with a “system” for monitoring of status of escape routes and this can be done on a daily basis. The next important step is to communicate this “monitoring effort” and report it in a way that is visible to all stakeholders.
How can I get a SMETA audit checklist?
The most easiest and straightforward way to make your own SMETA audit checklist is to start with your SAQ question. The SAQ- Self assessment questionnaire is available to all manufacturers when they register and pay their annual membeship fee. Add to this the legal requirements of your local area regarding environment, health and safety and labour law. You can have initial format for SMETA audit checklist . Please note this is just a small checklist which you have to further develop.
What is Sedex Advance?
SedexAdvance is the name of the software platform developed by Sedex. This is used by its members to share their ethical data in the form of Sedex audit reports and Sedex CAPR. It has now more features and is continuously updated with more features for its users.
How do I register my company as a Supplier Member on Sedex Platform?
Please go to this link of Sedex Advance.
What is Sedex member Directory? What is the benefit of opting for Sedex member Directory?
Sedex member Directory is a new feature. This feature is available to Supplier members. This cost GBP 150 per year and is additional to Sedex membership fees. It gives more exposure to your company and site in the international market where buyers are looking for sustainable supply chain.
Following are the benefits of opting for Supplier membership Directory
- Site health check report
- Industry benchmarking and inherent risk score
- Direct links to track and improve performance
- See customer Member Directory profile views
What policy documents do I need to make to comply with Sedex Requirements?
It is not specified anywhere that you need to have policies for all Ethical trade Initiative Code of conduct. It is however advisable to develop policies/ procedures / work instruction for the following:
Child labour |
Wage and hours of work |
Disciplinary |
Benefits and allowances |
Health & Safety |
Environment |
Training |
Discrimination and Harassment |
Home workers, outworkers, and sub contractors |
How to get the best out of SMETA audit ?
A SMETA audit is an investment. Just like any other system, a business takes time to understand SMETA audit. We have to have a long term perspective. We have to understand all aspects of cost associated with a sedex audit. In the first audit one may not get everything right. Don’t worry; no one gets it right the first time. First, we should concentrate on legal compliance and then should work towards best practices.
A SMETA report has a section for “Good Examples”. All producers should aim to get some best practices highlighted in this section. For this, careful planning is needed. A constant effort by a trained team of worker and management people is needed. Each “Best Practice” implementation can become a case study. Careful planning and record keeping by the management before and after the “Best Practice” implementation.
Our Quality Assurance in Sedex Audits
– Calibration of Auditors.
-Independent review of SMETA audit report before uploading.
-Duplicate visits to random factories.
– Business Ethics agreements and Refresher courses.
Membership Enrolment with APSCA.
Eurocert S A is now been given provisional membership by APSCA. APSCA approved member firms and CSCA are trusted professionals of the social compliance industry.
As a provisional and committed member of APSCA, Eurocert is committed to enhance the cause of APSCA . We are going to offer its high standard of Social auditing with highly ethical and professional auditors in Asia and Europe
Our Presence
Major difference between SMETA version 5.0 and the new SMETA version 6.0 Audits click here
How should Buyers use Sedex Audit click here
More about Sedex audits Mail: info@eurocert.in Ph:+91-9316012883 (All Global Enquiries) +91-9865485805 (South India)
Useful links for Sedex :-
- How to register your company on Sedex Advance
- How to pay sedex membership fee
- Apply and complete Global SAQ
- How A Producer /Manufacturer can initiate a Sedex Audit
- How to download sedex audit report template (For Auditors)
- Renewing supplier membership for sedex