SEDEX – Supplier Ethical Data Exchange

What is SEDEX Audit?

The Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex) is a non-profitable organization for businesses, which are committed towards the continuous improvement of ethical performance within their supply chains. Through SEDEX a registered user can store, access and share online information in a secured way. This being a multiuser system, buyers can view and manage data for multiple suppliers. As well as suppliers can share data for multiple buyers. It is fully secured and the access is based on the user profile.

Sedex is not a certification audit, but it’s the name of the organization and SMETA is the name of the social audit methodology. The concept used describes a methodology based on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code, which is a reference standard recognized globally and extensively used as a point of reference for compliance audit.

This social compliance audit leads to work with buyers & suppliers to deliver improvements in responsible and ethical business practices in global supply chains. Sedex composes of four pillars that are Labor, Health and Safety, Environment and Business Ethics. This compliance audit can be carried out for 2 pillars or 4 pillars.

SMETA 2 Pillar audit coverage

• Labor
• Health & Safety
• Additional Elements:
  • Management Systems
  • Entitlement to Work
  • Subcontracting and Homeworking
  • Environmental Assessment (shortened)

SMETA 4 Pillar audit Coverage (Additional to SMETA 2 Pillar audit coverage)

• Environmental Assessment (extended)
• Business Ethics

What are the Focus Points of Sedex Certification?

• Labor Standards.
• Health and Safety.
• Management Systems.
• Entitlement to Work.
• Subcontracting and Homeworking.
• Environmental assessment (complex)
• Business Ethics.

What are the critical requirements  for SMETA Audit (SEDEX)?

The organization shall demonstrate compliance related to below mentioned requirements: –

• The Legal (Factory Act.)
• Social (Policies, Procedures and related documents)
• Health and Safety
• Environmental
• Social (Policies, Procedures and related documents)

Which organizations are eligible for Sedex certification?

• Manufacturing units including sub-contractors
• Service sector including Educational institutes, Hospitals and other service providers.
• Any other business units irrespective of nature of business, size and location.

What does Sedex certified mean?

Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex) is an online system that allows suppliers to keep track of ethical and responsible business practices and communicate that information with their customers. Being SEDEX certified means that your organization follows ethical & responsible business practices.

How did Sedex Certification evolve throughout the years?

Year 2004 – Founded by a group UK retailers to merge the social audit standards.

What is the validity of SEDEX Certification?

The certificate is valid for the entirety of 3 years; a surveillance audit is carried out after a period of 6 months to 1 year from the date of issued certificate. After the period of 3 years the organization can reapply for the audit.

Why Sedex is required?

Sedex is a global ethical trade membership organization that works with companies to improve working conditions in global supply chains. We provide an internet platform, tools, and services to assist businesses in operating responsibly and sustainably, protecting workers, and ethically sourcing goods and services.

How can AACS help you with a Hassle – free Implementation Process for Sedex Requirements?

The initial review of the existing practices being followed at the organization is the starting point for the SMETA audit in accordance with SEDEX requirements. AACS Team helps in easy understanding of the SEDEX requirements and simple methods for practical implementation. 100% documentation support is offered to achieve successful audit results.

The implementation process is described below:

• Initial visits and review of the existing system with respect to SEDEX Requirements
• Gap analysis and planning for compliance
• Documentation including procedures, work instructions etc.
• Internal audits to verify the compliance prior to final audit
• Management review
• SMETA audit (2 Pillars or 4 Pillars) as per SEDEX requirements.
• Closure of non-conformities.