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Understanding the costs associated with a SMETA (Sedex Members' Ethical Trade Audit) is important for factory exporters planning their compliance budgets. However, unlike certification programmes with fixed fee schedules, SMETA costs vary based on several factors — and SMETA itself is not a certification but a continuous improvement methodology.
This guide explains the cost components of a SMETA audit, the factors that influence pricing, the official fee changes announced by Sedex, and typical timelines for audit completion and report delivery.
SMETA Audit Cost Components
A SMETA audit involves several cost components. Some are fixed (Sedex membership fees), while others vary by AAC, site size, and audit scope.
| Cost Component | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sedex membership fee | Annual fee for supplier membership on the SEDEX platform | Required before any SMETA audit can be scheduled; set by Sedex |
| AAC audit fee | Fee charged by the Affiliated Audit Company for conducting the on-site audit | Varies by AAC, audit type (2-pillar vs 4-pillar), site size, and location |
| Auditor travel expenses | Transportation, accommodation, and meals for the auditor(s) | Billed at actual cost; varies by site location |
| Report upload fee | Fee paid by the AAC to Sedex for uploading the audit report | Increased from £150 to £185 per report as of July 2025; may be passed to the audited site |
| Follow-up audit fee (if applicable) | Additional on-site visit to verify corrective actions for Major or Critical findings | Required if findings are designated "F" (Follow-up); within 6 months of initial audit |
Sedex Membership Fees
Before scheduling a SMETA audit, your factory must register as a Sedex supplier member. As of May 2022, SMETA audits are only available to registered Sedex members. Membership fees are set by Sedex and vary by company type and size. The membership provides access to the SEDEX platform, where you can manage your profile, complete the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), and share audit reports with buyers.
Contact Sedex directly or visit www.sedex.com for current membership fee rates.
Report Upload Fee Increase (July 2025)
A confirmed cost change comes from the Sedex report upload fee. As of July 2025, the fee that AACs pay to Sedex for uploading each SMETA audit report increased from £150 to £185 per report. While this fee is paid by the AAC, it may be passed through to the audited site as part of the audit cost. This is a verified change from Sedex's official communications and applies to all SMETA 7.0 reports.
Factors That Influence Audit Cost
The following factors have the most significant impact on the total cost of a SMETA audit:
| Factor | How It Affects Cost |
|---|---|
| Audit type (2-pillar vs 4-pillar) | 4-pillar audits take longer (3 days vs 2 days) and cost more due to additional auditor time and scope. |
| Site size and complexity | Larger sites with more workers, multiple buildings, or complex production processes require more audit time. |
| AAC choice | Different AACs have different rate structures. Global firms (SGS, BV, Intertek) may charge differently from regional AACs. |
| Geographic location | Auditor travel and accommodation costs vary significantly by region and site accessibility. |
| Previous audit findings | Sites with unresolved Major or Critical findings will need follow-up audits, adding to the total cost. |
| Readiness and preparation | Well-prepared sites with organised documentation and trained staff may require fewer audit hours. |
Typical Audit Timeline
The timeline from initial contact to receiving your audit report involves several stages:
| Stage | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SEDEX registration | 1-2 weeks | Must be completed before audit scheduling |
| AAC selection and quotation | 1-2 weeks | Compare multiple AACs |
| Audit scheduling | 2-4 weeks | Depends on AAC availability |
| On-site audit | 1-3 days | 2-pillar: 2 days; 4-pillar: 3 days |
| Report delivery | 5-10 working days | AAC uploads report to SEDEX platform |
| Corrective action (if needed) | 30 days to 6 months | Critical/Major: follow-up within 30 days; Minor: 15 days evidence |
How to Get a SMETA Audit Cost Estimate
Since SMETA audit fees are not published by Sedex (each AAC sets its own rates), the best approach is to:
- Register on SEDEX — Complete your supplier membership first.
- Contact multiple AACs — Request written quotations from at least 2-3 Sedex-approved AACs.
- Specify your audit scope — Clearly state whether you need 2-pillar or 4-pillar, site size, number of workers, and location.
- Ask about included costs — Confirm whether the quote includes: audit day rates, report preparation, travel expenses, and the Sedex upload fee (£185).
- Compare and select — Choose based on both price and auditor availability in your region.
FAQ: SMETA Audit Costs
Q: Does Sedex publish standard audit fees?
A: No. Sedex does not set or publish standard audit fees. Each Affiliated Audit Company (AAC) sets its own rates. You should request quotations from multiple AACs to compare pricing. Sedex only sets the membership fees and the report upload fee (now £185).
Q: How much does a SMETA audit typically cost?
A: Costs vary significantly by AAC, site size, audit type, and location. A 2-pillar audit for a medium-sized factory typically costs less than a 4-pillar audit due to shorter audit duration (2 days vs 3 days). Contact multiple AACs for specific quotes. The Sedex upload fee (£185) may be passed through to the audited site.
Q: Is the report upload fee included in the audit cost?
A: The report upload fee (increased from £150 to £185 as of July 2025) is paid by the AAC to Sedex. Some AACs include this in their audit fee, while others bill it separately. Ask your AAC to clarify when requesting a quotation.
Q: Are follow-up audits charged separately?
A: Yes. If your site receives Major or Critical findings designated "F" (Follow-up), an on-site follow-up audit is required. This is charged separately by the AAC and typically costs less than the initial audit since it focuses only on the identified non-compliances.
Q: How long is a SMETA audit report valid?
A: The SMETA report is generally considered valid for 24 months as a reference document. However, individual buyers set their own validity requirements. High-risk sites are expected to audit annually, while medium-risk sites may audit every two years.
Q: Is there a separate charge for the CAPR?
A: The CAPR (Corrective Action Plan Report) is part of the standard audit output and is included in your audit fee. There is no separate charge for the CAPR itself. However, the evidence review process (desktop review within 5 working days) should be agreed with the AAC in advance.
Need Help Planning Your SMETA Audit Budget?
Our compliance specialists can help you understand the cost structure, connect with AACs, and prepare for a cost-effective audit. Contact us for a free consultation.
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