Exporter support tool

Understand, improve and prepare for social compliance audits

This self-assessment helps SMEs in developing economies understand the social compliance criteria commonly required by EU buyers and international audit systems such as amfori BSCI and SMETA.

The tool is designed as a practical learning and improvement instrument. SMEs can use it to identify where their business already performs well, where evidence or documentation is missing, and which improvements should be prioritised before engaging with buyers, auditors or certification bodies.

The assessment covers all 13 social compliance chapters used in the BSCI-style structure and also reflects the SMETA audit logic around labour standards, health and safety, environment and business ethics. The questions are not official audit questions, but they are written in an audit-oriented way: they ask what auditors normally verify through document review, management interviews, worker interviews and site observation.

Completion of this assessment can support preparation for future certification or buyer audit processes because it highlights the policies, records, practices and evidence that are typically reviewed. It does not issue certification and does not guarantee buyer approval.