Ethical trade, responsible sourcing, and transparent supply-chain practices have become critical requirements for businesses operating in the UAE. With increasing expectations from international buyers, retailers, and regulators, organisations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah are strengthening their commitment to social responsibility and ethical labour practices.
SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) and the Sedex platform have become globally recognised tools that support organisations in assessing working conditions, identifying risks, and demonstrating responsible business practices. For exporters, manufacturers, free-zone companies, and suppliers in the UAE, SMETA audits help build trust with international customers and support compliance with global ethical trade standards.
What Is Sedex?
Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is a global membership organisation that operates one of the world’s most widely used platforms for managing ethical performance in supply chains. Its digital tools, data analytics, and community network allow companies to review labour practices, monitor health and safety performance, evaluate environmental impact, and improve responsible sourcing.
Businesses rely on Sedex to strengthen transparency, share verified audit information, and conduct due diligence aligned with international frameworks such as the ETI Base Code, ILO conventions, and various ESG requirements. Sedex helps organisations build more resilient and ethical supply chains while meeting stakeholder expectations for sustainability and compliance.
Importance of Supply Chain Visibility
Responsible sourcing depends heavily on visibility and transparency across every stage of the supply chain. When organisations understand where products come from and how they are produced, they can better identify risks, avoid human-rights violations, and take proactive steps to ensure safe working conditions.
Visibility also supports compliance with international regulations, corporate sustainability programmes, and global buyer requirements. For UAE-based exporters and manufacturers, supply chain visibility plays a vital role in maintaining access to international markets.
What Is Supply Chain Visibility?
Supply chain visibility refers to an organisation’s ability to trace, monitor, and understand the full extent of its supply chain. This includes raw material extraction, transportation, processing, manufacturing, packaging, and delivery of finished goods.
Key elements of supply chain visibility include:
- Identifying all suppliers in the value chain, including subcontractors
- Understanding worker conditions and human-rights risks
- Evaluating environmental impact at different production stages
- Mapping geographical and industry-specific risk areas
For UAE organisations, achieving visibility helps meet Sedex and SMETA requirements and strengthens compliance with global ethical sourcing standards.
Who Are Sedex Members?
Sedex members represent a broad spectrum of industries across global markets. They include manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, agricultural producers, logistics companies, packaging firms, and leading consumer brands. Initially adopted by global retailers, Sedex membership has now expanded to thousands of companies committed to ethical trade and supply-chain transparency.
Who Can Use Sedex?
Sedex is applicable to organisations of all sizes and sectors. It supports:
- Buyers seeking transparency from their suppliers
- Suppliers aiming to strengthen ethical and social performance
- Auditors performing SMETA assessments
- Consultants supporting ethical trade and sustainability programmes
The platform provides structured tools for risk assessment, data sharing, and compliance monitoring across global supply chains.
What Is SMETA?
SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is the world’s most widely used social audit methodology designed to evaluate working conditions within supply chains. Developed by Sedex, the methodology assesses key areas such as labour standards, health and safety, environmental impact, and business ethics.
SMETA is structured using internationally recognised standards, including the ETI Base Code, ILO conventions, and applicable labour laws. The audit helps organisations understand their social performance, identify non-compliances, and implement corrective actions that strengthen responsible sourcing practices.
SMETA 2-Pillar vs SMETA 4-Pillar Audits
SMETA 2-Pillar Audit
- Labour Standards
- Health & Safety
- Management Systems
- Entitlement to Work
- Subcontracting and Homeworking
- Shortened Environmental Assessment
SMETA 4-Pillar Audit
- Environment (Extended Assessment)
- Business Ethics
Assesses the two core elements of responsible business practices:
Additional elements include:
Includes all components of the 2-pillar audit, plus:
Choosing between the two depends on customer requirements, market expectations, and the organisation’s risk profile.
SMETA 7.0 Updates
SMETA Version 7.0 introduced important enhancements to improve audit reliability and transparency:
- Management Systems Assessment (MSA): Evaluates how effectively an organisation manages risks and prevents non-compliance.
- Collaborative Action Required (CAR): Encourages cooperation between buyers, suppliers, and auditors to address complex issues.
- Stronger alignment with global due-diligence and ESG reporting frameworks.
These updates make SMETA audits more comprehensive and better aligned with global regulatory expectations.
SMETA Audit Process (Step-by-Step Workflow)
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A SMETA audit typically follows these stages:
- Opening Meeting: Auditor explains methodology and confirms scope.
- Document Review: Examination of records such as contracts, working hours, payroll, policies, and safety documents.
- Site Tour: Inspection of the facility, production areas, worker safety measures, and general working environment.
- Worker Interviews: Confidential discussions with workers to understand real working conditions.
- Management Interviews: Clarifications on systems, processes, and management responsibilities.
- Evidence Verification: Cross-checking documents, observations, and interview findings.
- Corrective Action Plan Report (CAPR): Documentation of non-compliances and required corrective actions.
- Closing Meeting: Summary of findings and next steps communicated to management.
SMETA Audit Checklist
A comprehensive SMETA audit may review:
- Labour rights and fair treatment
- Working hours and overtime
- Wages, benefits, and legal entitlements
- Health and safety practices
- Emergency response procedures
- Worker accommodation, where applicable
- Subcontracting and labour agency management
- Environmental impact and controls
- Business ethics and anti-corruption measures
Why SMETA Audit Is Important for UAE Businesses
SMETA audits support UAE organisations in:
- Meeting ethical trade requirements from EU, UK, and GCC buyers
- Strengthening transparency across supply chains
- Demonstrating compliance with global labour and safety standards
- Enhancing brand reputation and customer confidence
- Improving worker welfare and organisational sustainability
For exporters operating in free zones and industrial hubs, SMETA compliance can significantly improve supplier acceptance.
Industries in UAE That Commonly Require SMETA
- Food and FMCG manufacturing
- Packaging and bottling
- Logistics and warehousing
- Chemicals and industrial products
- Textiles and garments
- Retail suppliers and distributors
- Construction-related industries
- Hospitality and service sectors
Why Choose Qdot for SMETA Consultancy
Qdot provides specialised SMETA and Sedex consultancy services tailored to the UAE market. Our support includes:
- Comprehensive gap assessment
- SMETA readiness evaluation
- Documentation review and preparation
- Worker interview preparation
- Sedex platform setup, SAQ support, and data uploads
- Corrective Action Plan (CAPR) follow-up and closure guidance
- Industry-specific advisory for long-term ethical compliance
Our consultants combine technical expertise with regional insights to help companies meet buyer expectations and strengthen responsible sourcing.
SMETA Audit Preparation with Qdot
Qdot’s structured pre-audit preparation approach includes:
- Reviewing policies, records, and existing practices
- Identifying gaps against SMETA requirements
- Delivering training for workers and supervisors
- Conducting mock interviews and trial inspections
- Supporting selection of Sedex-approved audit firms
- Ensuring all documentation is aligned with Sedex standards
SMETA Audit Cost in UAE
The cost of a SMETA audit in the UAE varies based on facility size, employee count, audit type, operational complexity, buyer requirements, location, and audit duration. Qdot provides transparent consultancy support, though specific prices are not displayed publicly and are tailored to each client.
SMETA Audit Duration & Lead Time
- A SMETA 2-pillar audit generally requires 1–2 days.
- A SMETA 4-pillar audit may take 2–3 days depending on complexity.
- Preparation time usually ranges from 1–4 weeks depending on organisational readiness.
Contact Qdot
Strengthen your ethical trade compliance and demonstrate commitment to responsible sourcing. Contact us at: Call / WhatsApp: +971 56 502 1526 or +971 800 QDOT9 (73689) or Email: info@qdot.ae
FAQ's
SMETA is a global social-audit method used to assess labour, health and safety, environment, and business ethics in supply chains.
No. SMETA is an audit methodology. It provides a report and CAPR but not a certificate.
Sedex is a platform for ethical data sharing. SMETA is the audit method used to evaluate working conditions.
UAE exporters, manufacturers, and suppliers working with global buyers often require SMETA compliance.
2-pillar covers labour and safety. 4-pillar adds business ethics and extended environmental assessment.
Usually 1–3 days depending on facility size and audit scope.
A Corrective Action Plan Report showing non-compliances and required improvements.
Qdot prepares documentation, supports gap assessments, provides training, and guides organisations until audit completion.