Buyers need assurance that the factories making their products meet legal, ethical, environmental, security and quality requirements. They get it through audits, carried out by the buyer's own teams or by third-party audit firms. For a garment factory, audits are a regular part of doing business.
Types of audits#
| Type | What it looks at |
|---|---|
| Social compliance | Wages, working hours, age of workers, freedom of association, discrimination, disciplinary practices, health and safety, fire safety |
| Environmental | Permits, energy and water use, wastewater, waste, air emissions, chemical management |
| Security | Physical security, access control, cargo and container security, staff screening |
| Quality systems (technical) | Quality management, process controls, inspection, testing, traceability, needle control |
| Chemical management | Chemical inventory, storage, MRSL conformance, RSL compliance |
| Certification audits | Standard-specific audits, such as GOTS, GRS or RCS |
Common schemes#
Many buyers accept shared schemes instead of running their own audits. Common examples in apparel include:
- amfori BSCI (social)
- SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit, social and environmental pillars)
- WRAP (social compliance certification)
- SA8000 (social accountability standard)
- Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) and Facility Social and Labor Module (FSLM), verified self-assessments
- Security programs linked to customs requirements in some markets
Each scheme has its own rules, audit protocol and rating. Check the buyer's accepted schemes before booking an audit.
Preparing for an audit#
- Know the requirements: read the buyer's code of conduct and the audit scheme's checklist.
- Keep documents current: licences, permits, fire certificates, building safety documents, payroll, time records, contracts, training records, chemical inventory, test reports.
- Check records match reality: hours worked in time records must match payroll and production records.
- Walk the floor: fire exits clear, fire equipment inspected, first aid, PPE, machine guards, electrical safety, chemical storage.
- Train managers and workers: on policies and grievance procedures, not on "what to say to auditors".
- Close previous findings: auditors will check earlier corrective action plans.
During the audit#
- Provide documents promptly and honestly.
- Let auditors interview workers privately.
- Accompany auditors on the floor, and answer questions factually.
- Note findings at the closing meeting and ask for clarification where needed.
Handling findings#
Findings are usually rated by severity. For each finding:
- Understand the root cause, not only the symptom.
- Correct the specific issue.
- Prevent recurrence with system changes: procedures, training, responsibilities.
- Provide evidence: photos, documents, records.
- Meet deadlines in the corrective action plan.
This is the same logic as a quality CAPA.
Red lines#
Some issues are treated as zero tolerance by most buyers, such as child labour, forced labour, serious safety risks, bribery of auditors and falsified records. These can lead to immediate termination of business.
Keeping compliance continuous#
Audits are snapshots. Factories that manage compliance as a daily system, with internal audits and regular review, find that external audits become routine instead of stressful.
Related: ZDHC, restricted substances lists.
Related guides#
- Global Recycled Standard (GRS): certification audits for recycled content.
- OEKO-TEX: product safety certification buyers often ask for.
- Moisture control management SOP for garments: moisture records auditors and inspectors may review.
Frequently asked questions#
Can one audit satisfy several buyers? Often, if the buyers accept the same scheme. Ask buyers which schemes and ratings they recognise before booking.