SMETA / Sedex Audit Services in India
Has your buyer requested a SMETA audit? Contact Eurocert to discuss your facility, buyer requirements and the appropriate 2-Pillar or 4-Pillar audit scope.
EUROCERT SA is a Sedex-approved Affiliate Audit Company. SMETA audits assess workplace practices and produce an audit report — not a certification.
Official Verification
Verify EUROCERT SA’s Sedex AAC Status
EUROCERT SA appears on Sedex’s official list of approved Affiliate Audit Companies (AACs). Only Sedex-approved AACs and their authorized auditors can conduct SMETA audits.
You can verify the listing directly on Sedex’s website.
Sedex membership and SMETA audits are not certifications or guarantees of compliance.
Overview
What Is a SMETA Audit?
SMETA stands for Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit. It is a social-audit methodology used to assess working conditions and responsible business practices at a site.
The assessment considers the ETI Base Code, applicable local law and relevant international labour principles. Auditors review records, interview workers and management, and observe workplace conditions.
Businesses often call this a “Sedex audit.” More precisely, SMETA is the audit methodology, while Sedex provides the platform through which members can share audit information.
Sedex and SMETA: What Is the Difference?
- Sedex is a membership organisation and responsible-sourcing platform.
- SMETA is the audit methodology owned and maintained by Sedex.
- Joining Sedex does not certify a business. Completing a SMETA audit also does not produce a certificate or a pass/fail result.
Audit Options
SMETA 2-Pillar and 4-Pillar Audits
SMETA 2-Pillar Audit
The two main assessment areas are:
- Labour standards
- Health and safety
Additional requirements within the methodology include basic environmental checks and relevant management practices.
SMETA 4-Pillar Audit
The four assessment areas are:
- Labour standards
- Health and safety
- Environment
- Business ethics
A 4-Pillar audit includes extended environmental assessment and business ethics alongside the two core pillars.
Which Audit Scope Do You Need?
Confirm your buyer’s requirements before booking. Share the buyer’s request with our team so the proposed scope matches the requirement.
Discuss 2-Pillar and 4-Pillar OptionsAudit Coverage
What Does a SMETA Audit Check?
Depending on the agreed scope, the audit reviews:
- Employment and recruitment practices
- Wages, benefits and working hours
- Worker rights and treatment
- Workplace health and safety
- Relevant policies and management systems
- Environmental practices
- Business ethics
- Evidence that procedures are followed in daily operations
The assessment combines document review, interviews and site observations. Preparing documents alone is not a substitute for appropriate workplace practices.
Process
The SMETA Audit Process
Review your requirements
Share your facility details, buyer instructions and requested audit scope.
Confirm Sedex membership
An active Sedex account is required for full and follow-up SMETA audits.
Agree the audit arrangements
Confirm the site scope, quotation, required audit time and scheduling arrangements.
Conduct the site audit
The audit team reviews records, conducts interviews and assesses workplace conditions.
Document the findings
Findings are recorded in the SMETA audit report and Corrective Action Plan Report (CAPR).
Share the report and address findings
Reports are shared through the Sedex Platform under the applicable access arrangements. The facility addresses findings, with verification or follow-up where required.
Reporting
SMETA Audit Report and CAPR
The SMETA report records the site assessment and findings. The CAPR documents relevant findings and corrective-action requirements.
These outputs help buyers and suppliers understand risks and track improvements. They do not certify the facility or guarantee acceptance by every buyer.
Cost
SMETA Audit Cost in India
Audit costs depend on the facility location, workforce, site scope, required audit duration, 2-Pillar or 4-Pillar scope, and any follow-up requirements.
For a facility-specific quotation, provide:
- Company and facility name
- Facility location
- Products or activities
- Approximate workforce and shifts
- Buyer’s requirements
- Sedex membership status
- Preferred audit period
The quotation should distinguish audit charges from Sedex membership and any applicable platform-related charges.
Request a SMETA Audit QuotePreparation
How to Prepare for a SMETA Audit
Confirm the buyer’s required scope and complete the relevant Sedex self-assessment information.
Organize accurate employment records, wage and working-hour records, safety information, applicable permits and relevant policies. The audit team will confirm the information needed for your site.
Preparation must reflect actual workplace conditions. Do not coach workers’ answers, conceal operations or create misleading records.
FAQ
SMETA and Sedex Audit FAQs
Is SMETA certification available?
Is Sedex membership the same as certification?
Who can conduct a SMETA audit?
Do I need a 2-Pillar or 4-Pillar audit?
How long is a SMETA report valid?
Can I share the report with several buyers?
Does one audit automatically cover multiple factories?
Request a SMETA Audit for Your Facility
Send your facility details and buyer’s requirements to Eurocert. Our team will discuss the audit scope, arrangements and quotation.
