Certificación
SMETA Assessment Ethical working conditions and social responsibility
The most widely used social audit worldwide, developed by Sedex, which assesses labor, health and safety, environmental and business ethics conditions in your organization and supply chain.
¿Qué es SMETA Assessment?
What is SMETA?
SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is the world's most widely used social audit methodology. Unlike a certification, its output is an audit report that is uploaded to the Sedex platform and can be shared with multiple clients, reducing the "audit fatigue" that suppliers face when dealing with different buyers.
LSQA is a Sedex Affiliate Audit Company (AAC) and a member of APSCA, authorized to conduct SMETA audits at all types of production sites.
To access a SMETA audit, the organization must be registered and have an active account on the Sedex platform.
Conceptual basis
Two levels of evaluation, depending on the needs of the supply chain
2-pillar audit
It assesses working conditions and health and safety. It also includes, as additional elements, management systems, the right to work, subcontracting and working from home, and an abbreviated environmental assessment.
4-pillar audit
It includes the same modules as the 2-pillar audit, adding an extended environmental and business ethics assessment to meet the most demanding international standards.
Audit structure
The 4 pillars of SMETA
Labor Standards
Evaluate compliance with the ETI Base Code: child labor, forced labor, freedom of association, discrimination, working hours and remuneration.
Health and Safety
Safe working conditions, risk management, training and emergency protocols at the audited site.
Environment
Waste management, resource consumption and compliance with environmental regulations applicable to the site.
Business Ethics
Ethical business practices: prevention of bribery and corruption, and compliance with the law in operations.
The value of the LSQA SMETA report
We transformed auditing into a business tool
A SMETA report prepared by LSQA, as a Sedex Affiliate Audit Company, is recognized and accepted by all Sedex A and AB members, as well as other clients and stakeholders. This means your organization can share a single report with multiple buyers, instead of undergoing repeated audits with different criteria.
Why get audited?
Concrete benefits, not just the report
Reducing audit fatigue: a single report accepted by multiple clients and buyers
Early identification of risks in the supply chain, before they become crises
Improved operational efficiency and reduced staff turnover
Strengthening trust and reputation with international brands and buyers
Shared database on the Sedex platform, with continuous monitoring over time
Preguntas frecuentes
Is SMETA a certification?
No. SMETA is a social audit format whose result is a report shared on the Sedex platform, not a certificate issued by an accreditation body.
Do I need to be a Sedex member to get audited?
Yes. Only companies registered as Sedex members, with an active account on the platform, can undergo a SMETA audit conducted by an Affiliated Audit Company such as LSQA.
What is the difference between a 2-pillar and a 4-pillar audit?
The 2-pillar assessment evaluates labor standards and health and safety, with an abbreviated environmental review. The 4-pillar assessment adds an extended environmental assessment and business ethics, meeting the most demanding standards.
What is the evaluation of labor standards based on?
It is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, founded on the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and applicable local legislation.
Can I share the same report with multiple clients?
Yes, that is one of SMETA's core objectives: a single report, uploaded to Sedex, can be shared with multiple buyers, avoiding redundant audits.
Ready for your SMETA audit?
Tell us about your organization and we will contact you for next steps.