SEDEX

Sedex is a global membership organisation dedicated to driving improvements in ethical and responsible business practices in global supply chains.

GET CONNECTED FOR
SMETA AUDIT!

HIGHLIGHTS

Collaborative Platform

Sedex Advance is the collaborative platform which allows to capture, analyse, manage and present risk information in your supply chain.

Sedex Vs Smeta

Sedex is the name of the organisation – SMETA is the name of an audit methodology.

Continuous Improvement

Helps businesses identify opportunities for improvement and work with their suppliers to make changes.

Cost-effective Solutions

Sedex is ‘owned’ by its members, so it is focused on providing the responsible sourcing data, technology solutions, products & services its members need.

Multi-tier Data

By using sedex products and services members can manage their multi-tier, responsible sourcing data simply and efficiently.

No duplication of effort

Common best practice guidance on conducting audits, common audit report format and common corrective action plan format reduces the duplication of effort.

OVERVIEW

The Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (SEDEX) is a web-based system designed to help organizations manage data on labor practices in their supply chain. Members have the benefit of being able to publish their SMETA audit reports directly on the SEDEX system for viewing by all customers.

SEDEX members have agreed the Best Practice Guide, a common methodology to improve audit standards and promote mutual acceptance of audit reports. In addition to the principles in the ETI Base Code, SMETA also review performance against the right to work of migrant workers, management systems and implementation, sub-contracting and home working and environmental issues.

SMETA is one of the most widely used social audit procedures in the world. It provides a globally-recognized way to assess responsible supply chain activities, including labour rights, health & safety, the environment and business ethics.

SMETA Audit is done on Sedex’s four pillars

Labour
Health and Safety
Environment
Business Ethics

REGISTRATION PROCESS

1. Preparation

Preparation of plant and documents as per guidelines

2. Test Lab

Setting up of in house test lab

3. Product Testing

Testing of product from approved lab

4. Application

Submission of Application

5. Inspection

Inspection

6. License

Issue of License

READY TO GET ORGANIZATION SEDEX COMPLIANCE !

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is Sedex?

Sedex is a membership organisation dedicated to making it simpler to do business that’s good for everyone. See our About us page to find out more.

2. How do I join Sedex?

Sedex offers memberships for buyers (A & AB memberships), suppliers (B membership) and auditors. How you join Sedex will be determined by which membership type is best for your organisation. See our Membership page to find out more.

3. What codes is Sedex based on?

Sedex itself does not specify a particular code or state that suppliers have ‘passed’ or ‘failed’.

Sedex Advance stores information on ethical and responsible practices covered by ILO Conventions, ETI Base Code, SA8000, ISO14001 and industry specific codes of conduct. Sedex members can use the information on the system to evaluate suppliers against any of these codes or the labour standards provisions in individual corporate codes.

4. How does Sedex differ from other organisations such as the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI)?

Sedex offers Sedex Advance, a collaborative platform for buyers, suppliers and auditors to store, share and report on information quickly and easily. Sedex does not set any standards or determine the policy of its members. What we offer is a tool for facilitating access to information and collaboration.

5. Is Sedex just adding another level of bureaucracy?

No, we believe that Sedex can actually help to reduce bureaucracy. Sedex aims to prevent the unnecessary duplication of information, therefore driving convergence in ethical trade. By becoming a member of Sedex, suppliers only have to fill out one questionnaire and can share this with multiple customers.

6. Is the information on Sedex accurate?

The rules of Sedex require members to use their best endeavours to ensure that the information they place on Sedex Advance is correct. However, we do not verify or validate this information. If you need validation of the data we suggest that you request a third party ethical audit to be conducted at your supplier’s site.

7. I’m a supplier and I already provide self-assessment and audit information to my customers; what are the benefits of Sedex for me?

Sedex provides an efficient and cost effective way of communicating with your customers, as you can share one set of data with multiple customers. This helps reduce the need for multiple audits, allowing both you and your customers to concentrate on making improvements.