In recent years, a growing number of companies have come under fire for ethical issues hidden deep within their supply chains, from unsafe working conditions to unpaid wages. And here’s the thing: the problem usually isn’t the absence of audits, but rather audits that fail to go deep enough.

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With increasing pressure from regulators, investors, and socially conscious consumers, ethical auditing is being redefined. No longer just a box-ticking routine, it’s expected to become a strategic tool for real accountability and long-term change.

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That’s where SMETA 7.0 comes in.

Developed by Sedex, SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is the world’s most widely used audit methodology for evaluating a company’s ethical performance, including labor standards, health and safety, environmental impact, and business ethics.

Now with version 7.0, SMETA is leveling up. Offering deeper insights, more consistency, and a stronger focus on systemic improvement.

So, how exactly does SMETA 7.0 differ from version 6.1? Let’s break down the upgrades that actually matter.

What’s New in SMETA 7.0: The Key Upgrades That Matter

SMETA 7.0 isn’t just a routine update. It marks a shift from checklist compliance to a strategic framework for building a resilient, ethical supply chain.

1. Clearer, More Actionable Workplace Standards

SMETA 6.1 already reviewed labor practices, but interpretations often varied. SMETA 7.0 clears the air by translating the ETI Base Code into sharper, standardized audit criteria.

Auditors now assess key areas like:

• Reasonable working hours
• Fair and timely wages
• Mental health & employee well-being
• Safe, humane, and respectful treatment

The result? No more guesswork. Just clean, consistent benchmarks that boost trust and transparency.

2. Deeper Audits with Management System Assessment (MSA)

In the past, SMETA audits captured a moment-in-time snapshot. SMETA 7.0 changes the game by introducing the Management System Assessment, a holistic check on how well your business actually runs its ethical practices behind the scenes.

Auditors now assess:

• Policies & Procedures: Are values clearly integrated into your daily operations?
• Resources: Do the right people have the tools to make it happen?
• Training & Communication: Is everyone aligned and equipped?
• Monitoring & Documentation: Can you prove what’s working (and what’s not)?

Each gets a maturity score, from "Not Addressed" to "Strong System". Think of it as auditing your ethics engine, not just the exterior.

3. New Finding Type: Collaborative Action Required (CAR)

Some problems like living wage gaps or child labor risks are just too big for suppliers to solve alone. That’s why SMETA 7.0 introduces CAR (Collaborative Action Required) findings.

Rather than placing the burden solely on suppliers, CAR encourages joint solutions between buyers, suppliers, and third-party stakeholders (like NGOs or unions).

There’s no rigid deadline, because real change takes time. The focus is on solving root issues, not just patching the surface.

4. Gender-Disaggregated Data
Another key enhancement in SMETA 7.0 is the inclusion of gender-disaggregated data.

Rather than simply classifying workers as “male” or “female,” this new approach enables companies to collect and analyze more nuanced gender data. It helps reveal deeper patterns in gender distribution, roles, and representation across the workplace.

It provides a stronger foundation for identifying inequality and enables targeted actions to promote equal opportunities. Making gender inclusion part of your everyday operations, not just a policy on paper.

What’s Staying the Same?

While SMETA 7.0 brings impactful enhancements, its core foundation remains intact:

• The ETI Base Code continues to serve as the ethical backbone.
• You can still opt for 2 pillar (Labour + Health & Safety) or 4 pillar audits (with Environment & Business Ethics).
• The cross-industry flexibility is unchanged, still applicable across various sectors.
• Audit types announced, semi-announced, and unannounced also remain the same.

In short, you’re not starting from scratch. You’re simply scaling up to meet the moment.

Why It Matters

SMETA 7.0 reflects a shift toward smarter, more strategic audits. It strengthens risk management, promotes transparency, and helps businesses build ethical supply chains that are resilient and future-ready.

SMETA 7.0 marks a significant shift from audits that merely check boxes to a strategic tool for building ethical and sustainable supply chains. With clearer workplace standards, deeper system-based assessments, and a collaborative approach to tackling complex issues, this update empowers companies to move beyond compliance and toward lasting impact.

These changes highlight a growing expectation: that ethical practices aren’t just paperwork, they should be embedded into the DNA of how businesses operate. For companies looking to remain competitive, trusted, and future-ready in a fast-changing global landscape, aligning with SMETA 7.0 isn’t just a good idea, it’s a strategic necessity.

Need Support Aligning with SMETA 7.0?
Transitioning to SMETA 7.0 can feel like a big shift, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Foresta Consulting, we’ve worked with companies across industries to strengthen their audit readiness, align internal systems, and navigate complex ethical requirements. 

Sumber:

https://www.sedex.com/blog/elevating-supply-chain-sustainability-with-smeta-7-0/ 

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