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SMETA

SMETA is a globally recognized methodology for auditing social, ethical and environmental compliance in the supply chain. It evaluates labor conditions, health and safety, ethical business practices and environmental performance, aligned with the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) code and local regulations.

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    SMETA – Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit

    About the standard

    Designed to facilitate efficient and comparable social audits, this methodology was developed by Sedex and is used by thousands of companies worldwide. It does not award a certification seal, but allows results to be shared in a structured and transparent way through the Sedex platform. Its application has become a frequent requirement for suppliers of major brands, especially in agribusiness, manufacturing, textile and logistics.

    Features

    That require evidence of social and environmental compliance.

    Thanks to the possibility of sharing the report with multiple buyers in Sedex.

    In occupational health, working conditions and business ethics, with real opportunities for continuous improvement.

    SMETA can be done with a basic or extended approach

    2 Pillars and 4 Pillars

    The choice between one or the other depends on the type of company, the sector and the requirements of the buying client. In both cases, the approach is based on evidence, interviews, document review and direct observation.

    • The 2-pillar version covers the essential aspects: working conditions and occupational health and safety.

    • The 4-pillar approach broadens the scope by incorporating environmental criteria and ethical business practices.

    Requirements

    1. The site or establishment must be registered in the Sedex platform and have basic management information uploaded.
    2. During the audit, availability of work documentation, safety records, operational evidence and availability of personnel for confidential interviews is required.
    3. The company must guarantee free access, without interference and with a collaborative approach.
    4. Companies or organizations in all industries with five (5) or more workers on site and at least three (3) months into their activities are eligible to apply.

    Why choose Control Union?

    Control Union has been performing SMETA audits for more than 10 years, working with companies of different sizes and sectors throughout the region. We have a specialized technical team, trained under Sedex guidelines. Our global network allows us to operate with logistical efficiency and a comprehensive understanding of the local regulatory context. In addition to performing the audit, we provide support throughout the entire process: from the registration in Sedex to the final upload of the report.

    We are APSCA members!

    In addition to being authorized to audit SMETA, we are members of APSCA (Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors), the global entity that promotes quality and ethics in social audits. This membership reinforces our commitment to reliable and transparent auditing processes performed by qualified professionals according to international standards.

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    Application Process

    To start the SMETA audit process with Control Union, you only need to follow these steps:

    Register in Sedex

    Your company must have a Sedex number and have its profile created in the platform. If you have not yet done so, you can register at www.sedex.com/es/.

    Complete the application form

    You can download it directly from this page or request it from our sales team. This form allows us to know the basic data of the site to be audited, the type of audit and the specific requirements. If you have any questions, please contact us.

    Send the completed form to

    Once completed, send it by mail to our sales team: certificaciones.social@controlunion.com. Be sure to include all the required fields to speed up the process.

    Receive the economic proposal

    Based on the information sent, we will prepare a technical-commercial proposal with the details of the audit, deadlines and fees.

    Confirm the audit

    When you return the signed proposal, we will coordinate the audit date and assign a qualified auditor. We will also give you key indications on how to prepare.

    Documents

    Application Form

    FL_20250728105646_SocialCompliance_APPL_F0102-2025-1.pdf

    Supplier Manual

    Sedex-Supplier-Manual-SMETA-7.0.pdf
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    How can we help you?

    Would you like more specific information about our certification programs? If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to let us know; we will be happy to contact you.

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