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SEDEX (SMETA 2 & 4 Pillar Audit) Certification & Consultancy Service

Our ISO Standard

What is SEDEX Certification?

SEDEX Certification is a globally respected system that promotes ethical trading, responsible sourcing, and transparent business practices.
It helps organizations improve workplace standards, strengthen social compliance, and meet the expectations of international buyers.
At JS Certification Services, we assist businesses with SEDEX Membership, SMETA Audit Preparation, Documentation Support, and Complete Compliance Implementation.

History of SEDEX

SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) was established in 2002 with the objective of supporting responsible sourcing across global supply chains.
In 2004, the SEDEX online platform was launched, allowing companies to easily upload, manage, and share compliance information with buyers.

In 2008, SEDEX introduced its well-known Four Pillars of Ethical Compliance:

  • Labour Standards
  • Health & Safety
  • Environment
  • Business Ethics

By that time, more than 21,000 supplier sites worldwide were using SEDEX to share ethical performance data with 280+ international brands, importers, and retailers.

What is SMETA?

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is a widely recognised ethical audit methodology used to assess labour practices, workplace safety, environmental responsibility, and business integrity.

The purpose of SMETA is to eliminate duplicate audits by allowing one ethical audit to be shared with multiple customers.

A SMETA audit is built on three main components:

  • Best Practice Guidance for conducting ethical audits
  • A standardised SMETA Audit Report
  • A Corrective Action Plan Report (CAPR)

SMETA audits cover all four SEDEX pillars: Labour Standards, Health & Safety, Environmental Management, and Business Ethics.

What is SEDEX Certification?

SEDEX is a membership platform, while SMETA is the audit process used to verify ethical compliance.

SEDEX was created to:

  • Reduce repeated ethical audits
  • Improve the quality of supply-chain compliance
  • Enhance transparency between buyers and suppliers
  • Ensure more efficient and accurate reporting of ethical data

Through SEDEX, businesses can upload their compliance data and share SMETA audit results with multiple global buyers through a single system.

Difference Between SEDEX & SMETA

SEDEX

  • A non-profit membership platform
  • Used to upload and share ethical compliance information
  • Connects suppliers and buyers
  • Encourages responsible and transparent sourcing

SMETA

  • Standardized audit method
  • Performed on-site by approved auditors
  • Covers labour, safety, ethics, and environment
  • Includes worker interviews and document checks

Simple Understanding:
✔ SEDEX = The Platform
✔ SMETA = The Audit

SEDEX / SMETA 2-Pillar & 4-Pillar Audits

SMETA 2-Pillar Audit (Basic Audit Requirement)

Includes:

  • Labour Standards
  • Health & Safety

This is the most commonly requested audit by international buyers.

SMETA 4-Pillar Audit (Advanced Audit Requirement)

Includes:

  • Labour Standards
  • Health & Safety
  • Environmental Management
  • Business Ethics

This is required by industries where environmental sustainability and ethical conduct are more critical.

Which Industries Need SEDEX (SMETA 2 & 4 Pillar Audit) Certification & Consultancy Service

SEDEX (SMETA 2 & 4 Pillar Audit) Certification & Consultancy Service is essential for industries involved in the design, development, production, and supply of medical devices and healthcare products. It ensures quality, safety, and regulatory compliance across the medical sector.

  • Garments & textiles

  • Footwear & leather goods

  • Electronics & electrical manufacturing

  • Plastics, rubber & packaging materials

  • Furniture & home décor manufacturing

  • Automotive parts & components

  • Food processing units

  • Agriculture, farming & plantations

  • Meat, poultry & seafood processing

  • Dairy production

  • Beverage manufacturing

  • Cosmetics & personal care products

  • Toys & baby products

  • Household & consumer goods

  • Printing & packaging industries

  • Corrugated box & carton manufacturers

  • Warehousing & logistics companies

  • Transport & freight forwarding

  • Mining & raw material suppliers

  • Chemical manufacturing

  • Construction & engineering companies

  • Facility management, cleaning & security services

Benefits of SEDEX (SMETA 2 & 4 Pillar Audit) Certification & Consultancy Service

  1. Strengthens ethical and responsible business practices.
  2. Enhances visibility and transparency in supply chains.
  3. Builds trust with global buyers and brands.
  4. Reduces repeated audits and saves time.
  5. Minimizes compliance risks and protects company reputation.
  6. Boosts employee morale and workplace safety.
  7. Improves international acceptance and customer confidence.
  8. Enhances long-term supplier relationships.
  9. Demonstrates strong commitment to social responsibility.
  10. Gives a competitive advantage in global markets.

Why Do Organizations Need SEDEX Certification?

SEDEX offers a streamlined, cost-effective method to share ethical compliance information with multiple customers.
This reduces audit repetition and makes reporting easier.

Companies choose SEDEX to:

  • Share a single SMETA audit with different buyers
  • Demonstrate ethical business operations
  • Build credibility with global clients
  • Strengthen internal systems and workplace management

Process of SEDEX Certification / SMETA Audit

  1. SEDEX Membership Registration

Create your account and obtain your ZC Number.

  1. Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

Provide complete details of labour, safety, environmental, and ethical systems.

  1. Document Preparation & Upload

Collect and upload all required legal, safety, and policy documents.

  1. Select an APSCA-Approved Auditor

A licensed auditor conducts the SMETA audit on-site.

  1. On-Site SMETA Audit

Audit includes:

  • Worker Interviews
  • Document Verification
  • Factory & Facility Inspection
  • Compliance Evaluation
  1. Corrective Action Plan (CAPR)

Implement corrective measures for any non-conformities identified.

  1. Final Report Submission

The completed SMETA report is uploaded to your SEDEX platform for buyers to access.

How to Apply for SEDEX Certification?

If your organization wants to achieve SEDEX (SMETA) Certification, the process becomes simple and stress-free with JS Certification Services. Our team provides complete guidance—from understanding requirements to completing registration, documentation, and audit preparation.

At JS Certification Services, our experienced SEDEX/SMETA consultants support you at every step and ensure your company meets all ethical compliance standards required by global buyers.

We provide end-to-end SEDEX consultancy services across India, helping businesses smoothly complete membership, SAQ submission, audit readiness, and final report closure.

Our goal is to make the entire SEDEX application and audit process easy, fast, and fully compliant for your organization.

Why Conduct SMETA Audits?

  1. Gain detailed visibility into your supply chain
  2. Improve relationships with international customers
  3. Get independent verification of ethical compliance
  4. Reduce the burden of multiple ethical audits
  5. Strengthen your brand’s reputation
  6. Improve workplace safety and management systems

Why Choose Us?

Choose us for expert guidance, fast certification, reliable support, and end-to-end compliance solutions. We deliver accurate, affordable, and trusted services tailored to your product, industry, and business needs.

Your Pathway FAQ to Professional Certification

JS Certification helps businesses achieve compliance quickly and smoothly with professional certification and consultancy services. Here are some FAQs to help you understand our process better.

We offer a wide range of national and international certifications including ISO, product certification, safety certification, environmental compliance, management system certification, and industry-specific approvals.

The duration depends on the certification type and your organization’s readiness. Typically, it ranges from 7 days to several weeks.

Yes. Our consultancy team guides you through documentation, implementation, audit preparation, and closing non-conformities.

Required documents vary by certification but usually include business registration, address proof, process documentation, and quality manuals.

Yes. We assist with consultation, documentation, audits, submissions, approval, and final certification delivery.

We work with globally accredited bodies, ensuring your certifications are accepted worldwide.

Absolutely. Certifications are valuable for businesses of all sizes and help build trust with customers.

We serve manufacturing, IT, food, construction, healthcare, logistics, education, and many other sectors.

Our experts analyze your business model, goals, and industry requirements to suggest the most beneficial certification.

Yes, we support certification renewal to newer standards, and switching from one certification body to another.

Connect.