SMETA 6.1 audit checklist template

The SMETA 6.1 checklist covers four distinct pillars: labor standards (working hours, wages, child labor), health and safety (risk assessments, training, facilities), environmental management (waste handling, emissions, resource use), and also business ethics (anti-corruption, transparency, fair competition). Each section contains specific verification points aligned with ETI Base Code requirements.

Most organizations conduct SMETA 6.1 audits annually for high-risk suppliers and every two years for medium-risk suppliers. However, your frequency should depend on previous audit findings, industry standards, and customer requirements. After identifying non-compliances, follow-up audits should be scheduled within 3-6 months to verify corrective actions.

Yes, you can customize this template to address industry-specific requirements while maintaining SMETA 6.1 compliance. Also, add sections relevant to your sector (like chemical handling for manufacturing or cold chain management for food), incorporate your company’s code of conduct questions, and adjust scoring weights to reflect your priorities without removing any core SMETA elements.

Document each non-compliance with specific details about the finding, reference the relevant SMETA requirement, include supporting evidence (photos, interview notes, document references), classify severity (critical, major, minor), and also outline required corrective actions with timeframes. This structured documentation supports effective remediation.