SMETA vs BSCI: Social Audit Comparison
Last updated: 2026-08-31
Quick answer
SMETA and BSCI are both social audits built on the same base standards, but SMETA is a flexible audit method reported through a shared platform, while BSCI is a managed programme with a single code and grading. Choose BSCI when your buyer mandates it; choose SMETA when you want one audit readable by many retailers.
Definition
SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is an audit method created by Sedex; it measures a site against the ETI Base Code and local law, and reports results into the Sedex database. BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) is a full programme run by amfori with its own code, a 13-performance-area grading and a corrective-action cycle.
Key points
- · Both rest on the ETI Base Code plus national law, so the underlying checks overlap heavily.
- · SMETA is method-plus-platform: one audit can satisfy multiple customers who read Sedex.
- · BSCI is a programme with a uniform code, a numbered grading (A to E) and a required corrective plan.
- · BSCI restricts who may audit (amfori-approved auditors); SMETA accepts affiliate auditors under Sedex rules.
- · Neither issues a 'pass' certificate; both produce a report and a list of findings to manage.
Step by step
- 1. Check what your buyer requires
If a customer mandates BSCI, run BSCI. If several retailers each want visibility, SMETA on Sedex is often the cheaper single audit.
- 2. Confirm scope and sites
Decide which sites and which workers are in scope; both audits cover the whole site, not a single product line.
- 3. Book an approved auditor
Use an amfori-approved auditor for BSCI; use a Sedex-affiliated auditor for SMETA.
- 4. Manage the findings
Turn the report into a corrective-action plan with dates; BSCI grades the result, SMETA tracks it on the platform.
Examples
A European buyer required BSCI grade C or better; the factory booked a BSCI audit and closed major findings within 60 days.
A supplier selling to several UK retailers ran one SMETA audit and shared the Sedex report with all of them, avoiding three separate audits.
Checklist
- ☐ Buyer requirement confirmed (BSCI mandate vs Sedex visibility)
- ☐ Audit scope and sites defined
- ☐ Approved auditor selected for the chosen scheme
- ☐ ETI Base Code and local law covered
- ☐ Corrective-action plan with deadlines agreed
- ☐ Report shared through the right platform
Frequently asked questions
Which is more recognised?
Both are widely recognised. BSCI is common with European retailers in amfori networks; SMETA is common where Sedex membership is expected. Recognition depends on your buyer, not on the scheme itself.
Can one replace the other?
Not automatically. A SMETA report does not become a BSCI grade, and a BSCI report does not auto-post to Sedex. Run the scheme your buyer asks for.
Do they check product quality?
No. Both are social audits about labour, safety, environment and ethics. Product quality needs a separate quality audit or inspection.
Sources
- Sedex SMETA guidanceThe audit method and reporting model behind SMETA.
- amfori BSCI code and performance areasThe uniform code and A to E grading used by BSCI.
- ETI Base CodeThe labour standard both schemes build on.
Related guides
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