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SEDEX / SMETA — Ethical Trade Audit

Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) — the most widely used social audit format in the world.

SEDEXSMETAEthical Trade
Focus
Ethical Trade
Ideal For
Suppliers & sites
Framework
SMETA 2 / 4 pillar
Validity
Audit cycle
Ethical trade audit documentation
SMETA
Ethical Trade
Social & Performance Improvement

What is SEDEX?

SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is a membership platform for managing and sharing ethical supply-chain data. SMETA — the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit — is its widely recognized audit methodology covering labour, health & safety, environment and business ethics.

A SMETA audit lets you share ethical performance data with multiple customers through one platform. IQS supports suppliers in preparing for SMETA 2-pillar and 4-pillar audits.

  • SMETA audit — the world’s most-used social audit methodology.
  • Share once — share results with many customers via Sedex.
  • Four pillars — labour, health & safety, environment and ethics.
Why It Matters

Benefits of SEDEX

A widely accepted ethical audit that you complete once and share with many buyers.

BUYERS

Satisfy customers

Meet the ethical-audit requirements of global retailers.

EFFICIENCY

Audit once, share many

Share SMETA results with multiple buyers via Sedex.

VISIBILITY

Supply-chain data

Manage and demonstrate ethical performance transparently.

WORKERS

Improve conditions

Drive better labour and safety practices.

ACCESS

Stay approved

Maintain approved-supplier status with key customers.

IMPROVE

Continuous progress

Track and improve ethical performance over time.

Key Requirements

What SEDEX involves

The core areas your organization will address with IQS support.

  • 1Labour standardsUphold fair, lawful employment practices.
  • 2Health & safetyProvide safe and healthy working conditions.
  • 3EnvironmentManage environmental impact (4-pillar).
  • 4Business ethicsMaintain integrity and anti-corruption practices.
  • 5Management systemsDemonstrate systems and worker engagement.
  • 6DocumentationMaintain records for audit verification.
Who Needs It

Who benefits from SEDEX

Manufacturers
Textile & Apparel
Food Suppliers
Agriculture
Packaging
Exporters
The Pathway

How IQS supports your SMETA audit

A transparent, impartial route from first contact through to ongoing support.

01

Pre-Audit Preparation

We review the scheme requirements and help you prepare documentation and your facility.

02

On-Site Audit

A qualified auditor assesses your facility against the scheme’s code or protocol.

03

Corrective Action

Findings are addressed through a corrective-action plan with our guidance.

04

Reporting & Renewal

The result is reported to the scheme platform, with periodic re-audits to maintain status.

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Ready for your SMETA audit?

Talk to our team for a free, no-obligation discussion about SEDEX — usually within one business day.