The Sedex membership developed the audit methodology known as SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) to provide a centralized audit process that can be reliably shared. Developed by the Associate Auditor Group (AAG) with input from numerous stakeholders, the protocols of the audit were put into two types of audits: SMETA 2-Pillar audit and SMETA 4-Pillar audit.
What is the Difference between SMETA Audit 2-Pillar and 4-Pillar?
The two crucial modules for any SMETA audit are the 2-Pillar of Labour Standards and Health & Safety, which make up a SMETA 2-Pillar audit. Additionally, the SMETA 2-Pillar audit also incorporates the following extra components: Management Systems, Entitlement to Work, Subcontracting, Homeworking, and a simplified Environment Assessment.
All of the aforementioned protocols as well as the extra pillars of Environment (substituting the simplified evaluation with a more comprehensive assessment) and Business Ethics make up a SMETA 4-Pillar audit. Not all Sedex members may need these extra pillars, therefore it's critical that the factories and auditors understand when they're needed.
The standards set forth in the ETI Base Code regulate the fundamental 2-Pillars of a SMETA audit.
In a 4-Pillar audit, the standards determined through a membership process and a multi-stakeholder consultation, regulate the extra pillars of Environment (comprehensive version) and Business Ethics.
SMETA 2-Pillar Audit Checklist
- Labour Standards
- Health & Safety
- Management Systems
- Entitlement to Work
- Subcontracting
- Homeworking
- Environment Assessment (simplified)
SMETA 4-Pillar Audit Checklist
- Labour Standards
- Health & Safety
- Management Systems
- Entitlement to Work
- Subcontracting
- Homeworking
- Environment Assessment (comprehensive)
- Business Ethics
V-Trust is an Affiliate Audit Company (AAC) of Sedex, as well as a member firm of APSCA (Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors).
Feel free to contact us at info@v-trust.com for more information about Sedex and V-Trust’s quality control & quality assurance services in Asia.
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