SMETA Social Audits Added to SCS Global Services’ Ethical Auditing Portfolio

SCS Global Services (SCS) is pleased to announce that it now offers SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) social compliance audits. SMETA is one of the world’s most widely recognized social compliance auditing programs. SCS joins a select group of Affiliate Audit Companies (AAC) approved by Sedex to conduct SMETA Social Audits, focusing initially on service provision in the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, and Canada.

The SMETA audit methodology is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) base code, International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions and local country laws. It has gained international prominence in part because it is specifically designed to reduce audit redundancy and create efficiencies that benefit retailers, consumer brands and their suppliers. Sedex is a leading international ethical trade service provider, working to improve working conditions in global supply chains.

“In this unprecedented time, our collective reliance on essential industry workers remaining healthy and safe has never been so critical to global and local supply chains,” said Bonnie Holman, director of sustainability certifications in SCS’ Food and Agriculture division. “The SMETA audit is an essential tool for assessing operational risk. I am proud of our network of clients and dedicated auditors whose work ensures risks that could halt operations are overcome.”

There are two levels of SMETA audits:

• Basic 2-pillar SMETA audits, addressing Labor Standards and Health & Safety
• Comprehensive 4-pillar SMETA audits, addressing Labor Standards and Health & Safety, plus Environmental Standards and Business Ethics.

“Companies are navigating increased expectations from brands and retailers, who are now demanding deeper transparency around human rights conditions from their supplier and manufacturing partners across their global supply chains,” remarked Stanley Mathuram, SCS’ vice president of sales and marketing. “As a trusted leader in third-party environmental, sustainability, certification, and human rights auditing, SCS is proud to partner with Sedex to bring SMETA social audits to companies across the supply chain.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sedex is permitting a 4-month extension for receiving SMETA audits in high-risk countries. SCS is currently scheduling SMETA audits for late Summer and Fall 2020 to help operations stay on track. SMETA audits are ongoing in low-risk countries. Find out more about Sedex’s Covid-19 policies.

For more information about SMETA audits, contact Oren Jaffe, SMETA Sales & Marketing Manager, SCS Food and Agriculture Division, [email protected] or +1.510.882.0951.

About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services has provided global leadership in third-party sustainability and food safety certification, auditing, testing, and standards development since 1984. Its programs span a wide range of industries, recognizing achievements in food and agriculture, green building, product manufacturing, forestry, consumer goods, climate, and more. SCS is a California Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. More information available at www.scsglobalservices.com.