Sedex SMETA Factsheet
What are the benefits of SMETA?
Driving Trust with SMETA
The Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) is the world’s most trusted social auditing methodology, designed to support organisations in maintaining ethical and responsible supply chains. With a structured approach to assessing labour standards, health and safety, environmental practices, and business ethics, SMETA audits provide the transparency and accountability that modern businesses demand.
Sedex is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve ethical and responsible business practices in global supply chains. As supply chains become more complex and consumers increasingly savvy, there is a rising need for organisations to demonstrate good governance and a structured approach to ethical trading and sustainability.
Download the Sedex SMETA Factsheet
Unlock a comprehensive guide to understanding how SMETA audits can transform your approach to responsible sourcing. This factsheet offers an in-depth look at the key aspects of SMETA audits and their practical benefits for businesses committed to ethical practices.
Inside the Factsheet, You’ll Discover:
- The Benefits of SMETA Audits:
Learn how SMETA audits can help your organisation enhance supply chain transparency, address ethical and environmental risks, and build stakeholder trust. - Insights into 2-Pillar and 4-Pillar Audits:
Understand the differences between the two audit types, including what they cover and which option is best suited for your business needs. - A Step-by-Step Guide to the Audit Process:
Explore the phases of a SMETA audit, from pre-audit preparation and on-site evaluation to the creation of a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for sustainable improvements. - How LRQA Can Support Your SMETA Implementation:
Discover how LRQA’s global expertise, tailored audit delivery, and ESG-focused solutions can ensure your business achieves compliance and excels in responsible sourcing.
Take the Next Step Towards Responsible Sourcing
Empower your business with insights and guidance from the world’s most trusted social audit framework. Contact LRQA to learn more about how SMETA audits can transform your supply chain and strengthen your commitment to ethical practices.
Resources Related to SMETA
-
SMETA
Find out the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding SMETA 4-pillars including why it is important and how it can benefit your organization.
Read more -
Sedex SMETA 7.0: everything you need to know about...
News
We spoke with Sefika Gulec, LRQA’s Scheme Technical Manager and SMETA expert, to delve into the significant changes...
Read more -
A new era in McDonald’s supply chain compliance: what...
News
Learn how McDonald's suppliers can navigate 2025’s new SMETA 7.0 audit, revised Supplier Code of Conduct, and compliance...
Read more -
Cyclospora Outbreak: Food Safety, Traceability & Risk Management
Article
What does the Cyclospora outbreak reveal about food safety and traceability? Explore how faster risk detection, supply chain...
Read more -
ESRS 40a: Sustainability Reporting for Non-EU Companies | LRQA
News
Explore the proposed ESRS 40a requirements for non-EU companies, including reporting thresholds, disclosure options and the timeline to...
Read more -
ISO 9001 revision update: Publication date confirmed
News
The publication date for ISO 9001:2026 has been confirmed as 16 September 2026, marking the start of the...
Read more -
Turn responsible sourcing risk into action
Learn how a more targeted, risk-aligned approach can help you prioritise interventions, make better use of resources and improve responsible sourcing outcomes.
Read more -
Building an EUBR ready supply chain
The August 2027 EUBR deadline is approaching. Explore the due diligence requirements, common implementation challenges and practical actions organisations can take now.
Read more -
EU FORCED LABOUR REGULATION (EUFLR): WHAT IT MEANS, HOW IT WORKS AND HOW TO PREPARE
Explore LRQA’s guidance on the EU Forced Labour Regulation (EUFLR), from understanding its scope and investigation process to building response readiness and forced-labour-sensitive due diligence. This hub brings together practical insights and updates to help organisations prepare.
Read more
