🤝 SMETA Consulting

Ethical Trade Audit — Proving Your Business Does It Right

📋What is SMETA?

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is one of the most widely used ethical audit formats in the world, developed by Sedex. It helps businesses assess their suppliers and production sites against ethical trade standards covering labor practices, health & safety, environment, and business ethics.

A SMETA audit is increasingly required by global buyers, brands, and retailers as proof that your operations meet internationally recognized ethical sourcing standards.

Whether you're a manufacturer, supplier, or service provider serving international clients, SMETA certification signals that your business practices are transparent, responsible, and trustworthy.

🔍SMETA Audit Pillars

Labor Standards

Assessment of wages, working hours, freedom of association, anti-discrimination, child labor prevention, and forced labor policies.

Health & Safety

Evaluation of workplace safety procedures, emergency preparedness, PPE usage, and occupational health management.

Environment

Review of environmental impact management including waste disposal, emissions, energy use, and compliance with local environmental regulations.

Business Ethics

Anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and transparent governance practices assessed in line with global ethical trade expectations.

🧩How Tobias Helps You Prepare for SMETA

1. Pre-Audit Gap Assessment

We conduct a thorough review of your current practices against SMETA requirements to identify gaps before the official audit.

2. Documentation & Policy Development

We help you build or strengthen the required policies, SOPs, and records — from HR policies to HSE procedures and environmental logs.

3. Staff Training & Awareness

We train your team on audit expectations, worker rights, and ethical standards so they are confident and prepared during the audit.

4. Mock Audit & Corrective Actions

We simulate the SMETA audit process to uncover remaining issues and guide you through corrective action plans before the real audit.

5. Audit Accompaniment & Post-Audit Support

We support you during the official audit and assist with any corrective action responses and follow-up required by the auditor or your buyer.

🚀Who Needs SMETA Consulting?

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Manufacturers and exporters supplying to global brands and retailers

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Suppliers registered or applying for Sedex membership

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Companies in garment, FMCG, electronics, agribusiness, and logistics sectors

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Businesses responding to buyer requests for ethical trade evidence

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Companies seeking to improve ESG performance and supply chain credibility

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Organizations that have previously failed or received non-conformances in a SMETA audit

🎯Benefits of SMETA with Tobias

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Higher first-pass audit success rate with structured preparation

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Practical, actionable corrective action plans — not boilerplate checklists

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Increased confidence from global buyers and supply chain partners

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Stronger internal culture around worker welfare and ethical business conduct

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Support for Sedex platform registration and data sharing with buyers

📞Ready to Pass Your SMETA Audit?

Global buyers are watching — make sure your operations can stand up to scrutiny.

Let Tobias prepare you thoroughly so audit day is a formality, not a risk.

SMETA Consulting