SMETA and Ethical Sourcing

SMETA stands for Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit and is one of the world’s most widely used ethical compliance programs. SMETA’s 2-pillar core option assesses labor, human rights, and health and safety topics, and in the 4-pillar add-on option, it extends to include environmental and business ethics topics. Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is the oversight organization providing a standardized way for companies to evaluate and share information about responsible business practices via SMETA and use of the ETI Base Code.

Our program support includes:

• Training and capacity building preparation — SCS Consulting Services provides tailored training and capacity building to the ETI Code, SMETA program, or other responsible sourcing implementation that aim at helping you get started on the right track.  
• Program planning and implementation — We support you to set up the program and integrate ETI Code and other standards into your operations. We help you address program implementation across your supply chain where your sourcing goals matter most.
• Ongoing issue and implementation support — When issues arise around program implementation and correct application of standards, we step in to support you to resolve issues and improve your program.

Understanding ethical sourcing and how to implement codes and standards into your business can pose many challenges along the way. Our advisory service is ideal for any company that is seeking to build or improve upon their ethical or responsible sourcing program through SMETA or another program. We have experience working with:

• Farms and agricultural operations
• Food processing facilities
• Manufacturers of consumer goods, textiles, cosmetics, and personal care products
• Medical and technology companies

Industries beyond those listed can also benefit from our technical knowledge of social responsibility. 

SCS Consulting Services works with our clients to understand where they can best integrate strong ethical sourcing practices. Our clients can expect:

• Detailed program review and expert support to understand gaps and improvement opportunities
• Execution against a plan that makes sense for your company’s needs and goals

The timeline to understand the ETI Code, implement it into your business, and to fully align to SMETA depends on multiple factors.

During our engagement, we will consider:

• Size and complexity of your organization
• Corporate documentation in support of an ethical sourcing program using the ETI Code and / or other reference standards
• Matching your current status with what is needed against a timeline to achieve the future state that is right for your organization

SCS Consulting Services provides guidance throughout your program implementation and is with you every step of the way. 

SCS Consulting Services offers:

• Decades of experience in sustainability and social compliance that builds upon the ILO Conventions and local laws
• Leveraging breadth and scope of ethical challenges facing different industries to serve clients better during a SMETA pre-assessment

We follow strict protocols to ensure data integrity and compliance with international standards such as ISO 27001:2022.

Pricing varies based on:

• The size of your company, number of sites, employees, and other scope criteria to understand the extent of the program to be designed and / or implemented
• Pricing also considers whether you are intending to use an industry standard such as the ETI Code or other standards
• Support to assist your company to improve its existing SMETA program performance can be easily quoted with you in a 30-minute call

You can request a custom quote by scheduling a consultation.

While there’s no software demo, we offer:

• Webinars and training sessions
• Free consultations to discuss the advisory and support process
• Case studies based on extensive experience across economic sectors

Schedule your free consultation here.