SMETA Audits in India

SMETA Audits in India for an Ethical and Efficient Supply Chain

Use SMETA audits to proactively detect and resolve potential ethical risks in your supply chain.

SMETA audits assess ethical standards in areas such as labor practices, safety, and environmental sustainability. QIMA offers SMETA audits specifically designed for manufacturers in India to address the unique regulatory and cultural aspects of the market. By identifying potential issues early, we help brands and manufacturers ensure compliance, strengthen their supply chains, improve operational efficiency, and enhance their reputation in the market.

On this page you’ll find:

• Our Expertise in SMETA Audits

• Tailoring SMETA Audits for India

• SMETA Audit Methodology

• SMETA 2-Pillar Audits

• SMETA 4-Pillar Audits

• QIMA Benefits

Contact QIMA for a quote

Our Expertise in SMETA Audits

QIMA is a certified Sedex partner authorized to conduct SMETA audits in India. As a growing global manufacturing hub, India presents unique challenges in maintaining ethical standards across diverse industries. Our auditors have in-depth knowledge of India’s regulatory environment and cultural nuances, enabling us to address specific issues such as labor rights, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability unique to Indian industries.

We offer four SMETA tools in India to help you secure your supply chain:

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 India

We customize our SMETA audits in India to meet the specific regulatory and cultural requirements of the Indian market. Here’s how we adapt our SMETA audits for Indian suppliers:

• Compliance with Local Labor Laws: India has complex labor regulations that vary by state, including laws on minimum wages, contract labor, and working conditions. Our auditors can help you ensure that suppliers comply with key local regulations and international standards.

• Industry-Specific Customization: India is a major hub for textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, IT services, and more. Each sector faces unique risks, such as forced child labor in the textile industry or ethical sourcing concerns in agriculture.

• Cultural and Regional Adaptation: The workforce in India is highly diverse, with cultural and linguistic differences across states. QIMA’s auditors are highly trained to understand regional labor practices and ensure effective communication and accurate assessments.

The SMETA Audit Methodology

QIMA is proud to be among the select 51 APSCA members authorized to conduct official SMETA audits.

SMETA audits follow 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 insight into your supplier’s adherence to ethical working standards. It covers two of the four auditing pillars, Labor Standards and Health & Safety. The SMETA 2-pillar audit includes 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 serves as a strong starting point for evaluating and improving compliance within your supply chain.

SMETA 4-Pillar Audits

The SMETA 4-pillar audit covers everything in 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

Create an account and book a SMETA Audit