Sedex Membership and Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex)

Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is a membership platform where suppliers share their ethical-trade data with customers. It is NOT an audit or certification scheme: the platform itself does not carry out audits. The supplier completes its own self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ), uploads audit reports, and manages which customer can see them.

• Manufacturers supplying Sedex-member brands
• Facilities needing to present ethical data to multiple customers
• Brands and retailers wanting to monitor their supply chain

Not mandatory; membership is taken up at customer request. Membership alone is not proof of compliance — being registered on the platform does not mean social compliance has been achieved. The evidence comes from the audit report uploaded.

• Choosing the membership type: supplier (A/AB) or buyer membership
• Facility registration and the Sedex ID number (ZC number)
• Completing the self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ)
• Use of the risk-assessment tools
• Uploading audit reports (SMETA etc.)
• Managing data-sharing permissions with customers
• Tracking corrective actions through the platform

1. 1Determining Scope and ProgrammeThe sites and processes to be audited, and the audit duration the scheme requires, are determined.
2. 2Pre-assessmentA gap analysis is optionally carried out; gaps become visible before the main audit.
3. 3On-site AuditRecords review, site observation and worker interviews are carried out against the scheme's checklist.
4. 4Reporting of FindingsFindings are reported according to the scheme's classification. The output of these schemes is an audit report, not a certificate.
5. 5Corrective Action and Follow-upA corrective action plan is submitted for the findings; it is closed with a follow-up audit under the scheme.

The validity period of audit reports is set by the scheme and is mostly between one and two years. The report is used for the period the buying brand accepts.

• Organisation and site details
• Headcount and shift pattern
• Legal permits and licences
• Relevant policies and procedures
• Payroll, time and personnel records

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of sites to be audited and the headcount
• The audit duration the scheme prescribes
• Whether a pre-assessment (gap analysis) is requested
• Whether a follow-up audit is required

Most of these schemes produce audit reports, not documents, and are subject to the scheme owner's (e.g. Sedex, amfori, RBA) own approval system; Accreditation in the classical sense is not found in every scheme. Auditor competence and report validity are determined by the scheme owner's rules.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• SMETASedex Ethical Trade Audit
• amfori BSCIamfori BSCI Social Compliance
• RBAResponsible Business Alliance
• Social Compliance Audit
• Ethical Trade Audit
• Human Rights Due Diligence
• SA8000Social Accountability
• WRAPWorldwide Responsible Accredited Production