Driving Supply Chain Sustainability in the Middle East with SMETA 7.0

As global expectations rise around responsible sourcing, labor rights, and environmental stewardship, businesses in the Middle East are increasingly embracing sustainability as a core pillar of growth and compliance. Whether driven by regulatory shifts, investor scrutiny, or customer values, the pressure to ensure transparency and ethical practices throughout the supply chain has never been more urgent.

One tool at the forefront of this transformation is SMETA 7.0, the latest version of Sedex’s globally recognized audit methodology. Designed to meet the evolving demands of sustainability, SMETA 7.0 offers deeper insights, enhanced rigor, and a more actionable framework for companies committed to responsible business conduct.

Understanding SMETA and its role in supply chain sustainability

The Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) is a social auditing methodology developed by Sedex to assess labor conditions, health and safety, environmental performance, and business ethics. It is widely used by global buyers and suppliers to evaluate risks, demonstrate due diligence, and implement corrective action plans.

In the Middle East, where manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and energy sectors rely heavily on complex labor structures, SMETA has become a valuable tool to strengthen supply chain governance and reduce reputational and operational risks.

Register to SGS webinar for a virtual session with detailed overview of SMETA 7.0.

What’s new in SMETA 7.0?

SMETA 7.0 reflects a multi-year development effort to align audit practices with today’s heightened expectations around human rights and corporate accountability. The new version introduces several enhancements:

• Workplace Requirements
  Clearly defined expectations for labor conditions make assessments more uniform and reliable, particularly across industries employing migrant and seasonal workers.
• Management Systems Assessment
  A structured review of management systems helps uncover systemic risks, ensuring issues are not only identified but sustainably addressed through continuous improvement.
• Collaborative Action Required (CAR) Findings
  This new category encourages businesses to go beyond minimal compliance and engage in long-term, stakeholder-led solutions to complex labor challenges.

How SMETA 7.0 drives supply chain sustainability?

SMETA 7.0 is more than an audit. It's a catalyst for meaningful change across supply chains. Here’s how it contributes to elevating sustainability in real, measurable ways:

1. Strengthens Social Responsibility Across Tiers
   By introducing clearer workplace expectations and deeper assessments of management systems, SMETA 7.0 promotes fair labor practices not just at Tier 1 suppliers, but throughout the entire supply network.
2. Drives Continuous Improvement Through Actionable Insights
   With the addition of “Collaborative Action Required” findings, businesses are empowered to go beyond one-off fixes and commit to long-term improvement plans, ensuring sustainable outcomes, not just temporary compliance.
3. Improves Transparency and Accountability
   The enhanced structure and reporting in SMETA 7.0 provide greater visibility into social and environmental risks, helping companies maintain accountability and build stakeholder trust.
4. Aligns with Global Sustainability Frameworks
   SMETA 7.0 helps businesses align with key international frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence directives, making it easier to meet ESG reporting requirements.
5. Enhances Supply Chain Resilience
   By identifying systemic issues early and encouraging corrective actions, SMETA 7.0 contributes to a more resilient supply chain, one that can withstand disruptions, uphold standards, and maintain business continuity.

Why SMETA 7.0 matters for Middle East businesses?

With regional governments introducing ESG frameworks, and initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero strategy calling for greater transparency, SMETA 7.0 comes at a pivotal time. Here's how it supports Middle Eastern companies:

• Effective Risk Identification
  SMETA 7.0 offers a more detailed view into working conditions, allowing companies to detect early warning signs, especially in industries reliant on third-party contractors and migrant labor.
• Compliance with Evolving Regulations
  The updated methodology aligns closely with international human rights due diligence frameworks, making it easier for companies to comply with EU and global ESG-related mandates.
• Demonstrating Corporate Commitment
  By conducting SMETA 7.0 audits and implementing corrective actions, companies can visibly demonstrate their commitment to ethical trade, enhancing brand reputation among global buyers and investors.
• Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience
  Data-driven insights from SMETA 7.0 help build long-term supplier relationships based on trust, transparency, and continuous improvement, ultimately contributing to operational resilience.

Getting Started: Practical steps for Middle East companies

1. Evaluate Current Practices
   Begin by assessing current social compliance and ethical sourcing processes within your operations and suppliers.
2. Engage with Accredited Auditors
   Work with certified partners like SGS to conduct SMETA 7.0 audits.
3. Use Findings to Improve Systems
   Address root causes through enhanced policies, supplier engagement, and regular monitoring, treating audits as a starting point, not an endpoint.

The road ahead: A shared responsibility

Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have”. It is a business imperative. SMETA 7.0 equips Middle East businesses with the structure and credibility needed to meet stakeholder expectations, reduce risks, and build long-lasting value.

By adopting this updated methodology and committing to collaborative improvement, businesses can lead the charge in shaping a future where supply chains not only drive profit but also uphold dignity, equity, and environmental responsibility.

Need more information on SMETA or social accountability audits?

If you have any questions or inquiries regarding SMETA or Social Accountability Audits, we are here to assist you. Our team of experts is ready to provide you with detailed guidance and support. To get in touch, simply fill out our contact form and we'll ensure your queries are addressed promptly and professionally.