SMETA Audits in China

SMETA Audits in China for an Ethical and Efficient Supply Chain

Use SMETA audits in China to proactively spot and correct ethical concerns in your supply chain.

Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) is an audit methodology that helps you evaluate labor practices, safety, and sustainability within your supplier network. QIMA’s SMETA audits are customized for manufacturers in China to align with local regulations and cultural nuances. By addressing potential concerns early, we help you achieve compliance and improve operational efficiency and brand reputation.

On this page you’ll find:

• Our SMETA Audit Expertise

• Tailoring SMETA Audits for China

• SMETA Audit Methodology

• SMETA 2-Pillar Audits

• SMETA 4-Pillar Audits

• QIMA Benefits

Contact QIMA for a quote

Our SMETA Audit Expertise

As a certified Sedex partner, QIMA is authorized to conduct SMETA audits in China. Maintaining ethical standards across China’s rapidly growing industries can be challenging. Our auditors’ deep understanding of the country’s regulatory landscape and cultural context allows us to provide SMETA audits that address specific challenges, such as forced labor risks, worker welfare, and environmental impacts unique to Chinese industries.

We offer four SMETA tools in China to help you secure your supply chain, including:

1. Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) - A tool for suppliers to complete a self-assessment.

2. Sedex Virtual Assessment - A remote assessment of workplace conditions.

3. Third-Party SMETA Audit - An in-person examination according to Sedex protocols.

4. Corrective Action Plans - Actions designed to address issues identified during an in-person audit.

Tailoring SMETA Audits for China

Our SMETA audits in China are customized to address the unique regulatory and cultural aspects of the Chinese market. Here’s how we tailor our SMETA audits to Chinese suppliers:

• Meet Local Regulatory Requirements: With our on-the-ground presence and extensive experience conducting audits in China, we help you navigate and comply with China’s specific regulatory landscape. Our auditors are well-versed in Chinese labor laws and environmental regulations. Partnering with us helps you ensure that your operations comply with both local regulations and international ethical standards.

• Mitigate Risks: By identifying and addressing specific risks that may be present in Chinese manufacturing, such as forced labor and health and safety violations, we help exporters reduce potential disruptions, product recalls, or boycotts. Our proactive approach safeguards both your supply chain stability and brand reputation.

• Ensure Cultural Sensitivity and Operational Adaptation: We recognize that communication styles, factory layouts, and regional compliance practices can vary across China. Our auditors are trained to effectively navigate these nuances, allowing for smoother audits that respect local customs and enhance cooperation with suppliers.

SMETA Audit Methodology

QIMA is proud to be one of only 51 APSCA members that can carry out official SMETA audits.

SMETA audits use the ETI Base Code, founded on the conventions of the International Labor Organization, as well as relevant local laws. SMETA audits can be conducted against two or four auditing pillars. The two pillars mandatory for any SMETA audit are Labor Standards and Health & Safety. The two additional pillars of a 4-pillar audit are Business Ethics and Environment. They were introduced to further deepen the social responsibility aspect of SMETA audits.

SMETA 2-Pillar Audits

The SMETA 2-pillar audit gives you an indication of your supplier’s adherence to ethical working standards. It includes two of the four auditing pillars, Labor Standards and Health & Safety. The SMETA 2-pillar audit comprises the following modules:

• Labor Standards

• Health and Safety

• Additional Elements:

  • Management Systems

  • Entitlement to Work

  • Subcontracting and Homeworking

  • Environmental Assessment (shortened)

A 2-pillar SMETA audit is a suitable starting point for assessing and addressing ethical issues in your supply chain.

SMETA 4-Pillar Audits

A SMETA 4-pillar audit covers the Labor and Healthy & Safety standards of the 2-pillar audit, as well as Environmental Assessment and Business Ethics. This is the full SMETA audit and includes:

• Labor Standards

• Health and Safety

• Environmental Assessment (extended)

• Business Ethics

QIMA Benefits

In-depth local knowledge with auditors attuned to the culture, laws, and practices of their region.

CSR experts receive regular training on regulations and best practices.

Global coverage across 100 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America.

Continuous improvement approach drives long-term change and empowers suppliers to act.

Online program management to book audits, make payments, and download detailed reports.

Custom compliance dashboard to assess supplier performance, track progress, and visualize your supply network.