SMETA Audits in China

SMETA Audit Expertise

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is an ethical audit methodology that encompasses all aspects of responsible business practice. SMETA is the most widely used social audit in the world, and is currently offered in over 180 countries, including China. It was designed to enable businesses to evaluate working conditions within their supply chain.

QIMA is a certified Sedex partner and is approved to carry out SMETA audits in China. China remains one of the largest hubs for global manufacturing, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards is crucial for businesses operating within its borders. Our auditors’ deep understanding of China’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) - You may have your supplier submit a self assessment.

2. Sedex Virtual Assessment - A remote assessment of workplaces.

3. Third Party SMETA Audit - An in-person examination as per Sedex protocol.

4. Corrective Action Plans - Provided as needed after 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:

• Local Regulatory Alignment: 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.

• Risk Mitigation for Exporters: 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.

• 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 navigate these nuances effectively, allowing for smoother audits that respect local customs and enhance cooperation with suppliers.

The 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 may be a good introduction for your auditing and correction within 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