Global retail giants (Walmart, IKEA, Target, Disney, Inditex) demand rigorous ethical supply chain verification before placing orders with Indian manufacturers. SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is the world's most widely recognized ethical audit format, conducted on behalf of Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange).
2-Pillar vs. 4-Pillar SMETA Audits
SMETA audits are categorized into two formats based on buyer requirements:
- **SMETA 2-Pillar Audit**: Covers **Labor Standards** (minimum wages, working hours, child labor prevention, non-discrimination) and **Health & Safety** (fire safety, machinery safety, first aid).
- **SMETA 4-Pillar Audit**: Encompasses all 2-pillar modules plus **Environment** (waste disposal, chemical management) and **Business Ethics** (anti-bribery, fair competition, transparent bookkeeping).
Key Documents Checklist for SMETA Audit
Auditors perform deep verification of factory records. You must keep ready:
- Wage registers, muster rolls, and ESIC/EPF deposit challans for the past 12 months.
- Building stability certificates, fire NOC, and factory license.
- Environmental consents (CTO/CTE) and hazardous waste handling agreements.
- Grievance committee records, worker committee meeting minutes, and anti-harassment policy.
Sedex B-Membership & Corrective Action Plans (CAPR)
We help exporters register as Sedex B-Members, complete the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), prepare factory premises for physical audit, and upload Corrective Action Plan Reports (CAPR) to clear buyer non-conformities swiftly.