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SMETA (SEDEX) verification – Proving ethical and responsible supply chains

Global brands and consumers expect more than quality — they expect ethics. With SMETA (SEDEX) verification from TÜV NORD, your organization can prove commitment to fair working conditions, transparent supply chains, and responsible business conduct.

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What is SMETA (SEDEX)?

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is one of the world’s most recognized social auditing methodologies. Developed by SEDEX, SMETA enables companies to assess their suppliers and demonstrate ethical and responsible business practices across the supply chain.

Unlike a certification, SMETA is a verification that documents how well an organization aligns with key principles of social accountability, health and safety, environmental management, and business ethics.

Depending on business needs, companies can choose between:

  • SMETA 2-Pillar Audit – covering labor standards and health & safety
  • SMETA 4-Pillar Audit – adding environmental performance and business ethics

This approach ensures transparency and trust between buyers and suppliers helping companies build stronger, more sustainable global supply networks.

Target group of SMETA (SEDEX) verification

SMETA verification is suitable for all manufacturers, suppliers, and trading partners who work with SEDEX members or aim to demonstrate ethical performance to global customers.

It applies to companies of any size or sector, from consumer goods and textiles to food, logistics, or technology.

 

Your benefits of SMETA (SEDEX) verification

A SMETA (SEDEX) verification by TÜV NORD provides credible proof of your organization’s commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices. It helps you strengthen relationships with customers, improve supply chain transparency, and gain a competitive advantage in global markets. Key benefits include: 

  • Evidence of fair working conditions
  • Increased trust and reputation with customers and stakeholders
  • Improved competitiveness in the global market
  • Identification of risks and improvement opportunities within your management systems

The audit process for SMETA certification (verification)

1

Step 01

Preparation of offer by TÜV NORD CERT

2

Step 02

Commissioning of TÜV NORD

3

Step 03

Self-assessment (online) by using the SEDEX questionnaire

4

Step 04

TÜV NORD makes an on-side audit: Document audit, location assessment, and employee surveys

5

Step 5

Preparation of the SMETA Corrective Action Plan Report (CAPR)

6

Step 06

Only if necessary, corrective measures are coordinated

7

Step 07

Completion of the audit report and submission to the SEDEX platform

8

Step 08

Verification of corrective actions by desktop review or a follow-up audit

Frequently asked questions

FAQs on SMETA (SEDEX) verification

SMETA is a globally recognized social audit methodology powered by SEDEX to assess working conditions, environmental practices, and ethical business conduct within organization´s own operations or supply chains. It verifies how well a company meets these standards but is not a formal certification.

Before the audit, companies complete a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) on the SEDEX platform. 

By comparing supplier and customer information, one can identify and eliminate any potential problems before the audit is conducted. This approach enables audits to be conducted with greater efficiency, cost-effectiveness and precision.

A SMETA (SEDEX) verification provides tangible evidence of your organization's dedication to social responsibility and ethical business practices. Also, your business is able to identify areas of improvement and improve stakeholder trust. 

The following criteria are audited:

  • Enabling accurate assessment
  • Employment is freely chosen
  • Responsible recruitment and entitlement to work
  • Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining are respected
  • Working conditions are safe and hygienic
  • Child labor shall not be used
  • Legal wages are paid
  • Living wages are paid
  • Working hours are not excessive
  • No discrimination is practiced   
  • Regular employment is provided
  • Sub-contracting and homeworkers
  • Harsh or Inhumane Treatment
  • Environmental standards are upheld
  • Business ethics must be in place

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