Basic information on SEDEX
SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) represents the largest platform for sustainability in the supply chain. The information in this platform is based on a proprietary audit format, the SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA audit).
At the same time, SMETA specifies a uniform reporting format to ensure that the information is meaningful and comparable. The audit report resulting from your SMETA audit is posted to the SEDEX database.This internationally recognized platform makes an important contribution to transparency in sustainable corporate social responsibility and supports SEDEX members in supplier management and risk reduction.
The ETI Code (Ethical Trade Initiative) serves as the basis. As a rule, the impetus for a SEDEX audit comes from a supplier's customer. For the procedure, a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) has to be completed.
What are the SEDEX membership categories?
Companies register in the SEDEX database as A, B or AB Members, depending on their type.
A Members: End of the supply chain, often retailers, who want to manage their suppliers through SEDEX.
B Members: Usually, producers at the beginning of the supply chain, who are asked to share data on their sustainability performance with their buyers.
AB Members: processors and traders in the middle of the supply chain. On the one hand, they receive information from their suppliers, but they also provide information about their sustainability performance to their customers.
Why does SEDEX make sense for my company?
With worldwide members, the SEDEX community provides your company with the assurance that your SEDEX partner meets the best practice requirements of the SMETA catalogue in terms of sustainability in the supply chain.
Companies that have a SEDEX audit performed according to the SMETA guidelines and share this information in the database can show their buyers that they respect the principles of ethical and social sustainability in production. On the other hand, buyers get the opportunity to effectively manage their supply chain according to these principles and thus reduce their risk.
How does a SEDEX audit work?
Invitation to membership or voluntary self-assessment
An already registered member of SEDEX invites you to a SMETA audit. In doing so, you agree to be audited. In addition, you must register or become a member of SEDEX for a fee.
The SMETA Audit
This is followed by an on-site audit, in which we will check your information for compliance with the criteria of the SMETA catalogue.
At the same time, auditors record any deficiencies and develop a concept with you to implement the identified potential for improvement through suitable measures.
Inclusion in the SEDEX database
The findings of your audit are used to produce a detailed report for the SEDEX database. There you can provide your clientele with insight into the audit results and thus demonstrably meet the requirements of your clientele.
Validity of the audit
A SMETA audit is explicitly not a certification. If and when the next audit should take place depends on the requirements of your customers.
How much does the SEDEX SMETA audit cost?
The cost of a SEDEX SMETA audit depends primarily on the size of the company. We will be happy to make you an individual offer for your company without obligation.