Intertek is one of the largest providers of Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA). These audits have gained popularity as brands and retailers seek to partner with suppliers that participate in SEDEX to ensure ethical trading and corporate social responsibility.

Intertek conducts on-site SMETA audits at factories around the globe to assess how labor, health and safety, environmental and business ethics standards are being met. Sedex members are then allowed to store, share and report on this information in a secure, online database in an effort to improve working conditions in the global supply chain.

SMETA audits performed by Intertek are designed to be accepted by all Sedex A and AB members, as well as other customers and stakeholders, in order to:

  • Reduce audit fatigue by providing one format for audits that is widely accepted
  • Motivate the workforce, while improving efficiency in the workplace
  • Enhance ethical trading programs currently in place
  • Answer questions on ethical performance from non-government organizations and customers

Sedex Virtual Assessments (SVA)

Intertek is one of the few approved organisations with the ability to conduct remote Sedex Virtual Assessments (SVA). The audits will take place through the use of Intertek Inview, our proprietary software that allows our qualified social auditors to undertake supplier assessments without being onsite. The SVA is a combination of desktop-based and remote activities to help assess social performance, thus allowing both suppliers and members to maintain visibility of social issues and risks.

SMETA Audits with Intertek

Intertek has been conducting SMETA audits since the process was introduced in 2004. Our auditors are located around the world, offering our customers local auditors who have the advantage of understanding local languages, native cultures, local laws and various issues of concern to specific regions. In addition, Intertek’s auditors are highly trained and have significant industry-specific experience, helping to ensure that SMETA audits are accepted by all stakeholders and customers.