Benchmarks

SEDEX is a global responsible business platform. Together with enterprises and institutions in the business chain, SEDEX is committed to improving responsible and sustainable business performance and promoting the coordinated and balanced development of business, society and environment.

Benchmarks Co., Ltd. (audit organization ID: zc1093381) is one of the members of SEDEX AAC (affiliated audit company). Only the audit company with the account number of affiliated audit company can conduct smeta audit and obtain the permission to use SEDEX advance system.

At the same time, in order to provide professional SEDEX audit services for various brands and retailers more justly and transparently, as an independent third-party audit institution, we will fully comply with the requirements of professional social responsibility audit Association (apsca) and the code of conduct formulated.

What is SMETA?

SMETA is a responsible supply chain assessment methodology/program launched by Sedex and widely used in the industry. Any enterprise or organization can use this methodology/program to assess and measure the social or environmental performance of its own workplace or suppliers. Created based on international standards and local laws and regulations, SMETA is currently used by more than 35 industries in more than 180 countries and regions. 

More information about SMETA

The outcome of a SMETA assessment is not a certificate or a pass or failure conclusion. SMETA will provide an assessment report which sets out findings (nonconformance, to be observed, and good practice) during the assessment process. 

There are two versions of SMETA: a 2-module assessment that focuses on labor rights and interests as well as health and safety in the workplace, and a 4-module assessment that combines labor rights and interests, health and safety, environment, and business ethics. 

SMETA allows for personalization. An enterprise or organization can incorporate its own specific standards into SMETA to meet its own needs

SMETA virtual assessment (SVA) can be applied where on-site assessment is not possible (e.g., in COVID-19 context)

How does an enterprise or organization use SMETA? 

• Applicable Scope

1. An enterprise or organization wants to understand the social and environmental performance of suppliers

2. An enterprise or organization wants to understand the social and environmental performance of its suppliers 

• How to Use SMETA

1. The enterprise or organization wishes to seek a third-party assessment company to perform a SMETA assessment of its own premises 

2. The enterprise or organization will require its suppliers to seek a third-party assessment company to perform a SMETA assessment 

   The enterprise or organization will ask its own internal members to perform a SMETA assessment of its suppliers (second-party audit) 

• Benefits

1. Meet customer needs 

   Identify the areas to be improved in a management system (e.g., human resource management system) 

2. Present to external stakeholders (e.g., investors and media) 

   Understand and identify risks in the supply chain or procurement, and present to external stakeholders its own actions or progress in due diligence 
   
   Provide targeted support and assistance for suppliers' improvement and promotion

More information about SMETA

• What is SMETA

  SMETA-flyer-CH.pdf (sedex.com)

• More information about AAC

  AAC | Sedex