SMETA Audits in India: How Often, What’s Covered & Who Requires It

What is a SMETA Audit?

SMETA stands for Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit. It’s one of the most widely used social compliance audit formats in the world — especially in supply chains where UK and European retailers are involved.

For Indian manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers, especially in sectors like textiles, food, handicrafts, packaging, and personal care, a SMETA audit often becomes mandatory to work with international buyers.

At HEDG, we guide Indian businesses through every step of the SMETA audit — whether it’s your first time or a renewal.

How Often Do You Need a SMETA Audit?

SMETA audits are typically required once a year, but the exact frequency depends on:

• Buyer requirements
  
  

• Audit outcome (major/minor non-conformities)
  
  

• Your industry and risk category
  
  

• Number of sites and employees
  
  

If the last audit report had issues or was only partially accepted, a follow-up or more frequent audit might be required.

💡 Tip from HEDG: Staying proactive on compliance reduces re-audit costs and keeps your buyer relationships strong.

Who Mandates a SMETA Audit? Government or Private?

Let’s clear the confusion:

• SMETA is not a government-mandated audit.
  
  

• It is a private audit framework, managed by Sedex, a global membership platform focused on ethical trade.
  
  

• Your buyer or sourcing agent usually asks you to complete a SMETA audit before placing or continuing orders.
  
  

This is especially common when supplying to retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, and Lidl.

Who Accepts SMETA Audits?

Hundreds of international buyers trust SMETA as a benchmark for ethical supply chain practices.

Here are just a few examples of brands and retailers that expect or accept SMETA audits from their suppliers:

• Marks & Spencer
  
  

• Tesco
  
  

• ASOS
  
  

• Unilever
  
  

• Nestlé
  
  

• L’Oréal
  
  

• Lidl
  
  

As global sourcing standards rise, Indian businesses that pass SMETA audits have a competitive edge.

2-Pillar vs. 4-Pillar SMETA Audit: What’s the Difference?

SMETA audits come in two formats:

🟢 2-Pillar Audit (Basic)

• Labour standards
  
  

• Health & safety
  (Minimum requirement for many buyers)
  
  

🔵 4-Pillar Audit (Advanced)

• Labour standards
  
  

• Health & safety
  
  

• Environmental performance
  
  

• Business ethics
  (Preferred by high-standard or European buyers)
  
  

The choice between 2 and 4 pillars is usually based on what your buyer demands.

How HEDG Helps Indian Businesses Prepare for SMETA Audits

At HEDG, we support Indian businesses by:

✅ Explaining buyer-specific audit expectations
✅ Helping you choose the correct audit type (2-pillar or 4-pillar)
✅ Preparing all documentation and self-assessments
✅ Connecting you with APSCA-approved auditors
✅ Offering full support for Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
✅ Supporting renewals and annual compliance reporting

Whether you're new to SMETA or looking to renew your Sedex membership, HEDG makes the process smooth, efficient, and buyer-ready.

✅ Final Word: SMETA Audits Are No Longer Optional — Be Prepared with HEDG

If you export to the UK or Europe, chances are you’ll need to pass a SMETA audit soon — if you haven’t already.

With rising ethical trade expectations, Indian businesses that take audit readiness seriously will stay in the game.

Let HEDG be your audit partner. From documentation to follow-up, we’re here to help you not just pass — but impress.

📞 Need SMETA Audit Support?

Talk to HEDG today and ensure your business meets global ethical trade standards.