BSCI · SMETA · WRAP · Buyer Codes
Social Compliance Audit Readiness in Bangladesh
Prepare your factory for amfori BSCI, Sedex SMETA, WRAP and buyer code-of-conduct audits. We find the gaps before the auditor does, help you fix them, and run a mock audit so the real one has no surprises.
Illustrative result from a gap assessment.
Definition
What Is Social Compliance Audit Readiness?
Social compliance audit readiness is the work a factory does before a buyer’s social audit to make sure its wages, working hours, health and safety, worker rights and records meet the audit standard and Bangladesh labour law.
Most audit failures are not about bad intentions. They come from missing records, overtime that does not match payroll, or a fire exit blocked on the day. Readiness finds and fixes those gaps first.
Recent Labour Act changes auditors now check
From the 2025 to 2026 amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006. Confirm current rules with your legal adviser.
Audit standards
Which Audit Are You Preparing For?
Each standard checks similar things but reports results differently. Choose yours to see what it covers and what we prepare.
amfori BSCISocial audit used by many European brands.
What it checks
- Rates each performance area from A to E
- Child labour, bonded labour and health and safety carry crucial questions
- Results shared with amfori member buyers
How we prepare you
- Gap check against the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct
- Worker interview practice and record matching
- Follow-up plan for any C, D or E areas
Sedex SMETAAudit format shared on the Sedex platform.
What it checks
- 2-pillar: labour standards and health and safety
- 4-pillar adds a full environment review and business ethics
- Findings listed as non-compliances with corrective actions
How we prepare you
- Pick the right pillar scope with your buyer
- Management system and subcontracting checks
- Corrective action evidence ready for upload
WRAPCertification for apparel, footwear and sewn products.
What it checks
- 12 principles, from legal compliance to customs and security
- Platinum valid 2 years, Gold 1 year, Silver 6 months
- Facility applies and pays for its own audit
How we prepare you
- Self-assessment review before you apply
- Policy and procedure set for all 12 principles
- Pre-certification mock audit
Buyer code of conductA brand's own checklist, often audited by a third party.
What it checks
- Based on the buyer's code and local law
- Scoring and zero-tolerance rules vary by brand
- Often unannounced or semi-announced
How we prepare you
- Map the buyer's code to your current practice
- Zero-tolerance issues closed first
- Document room set up for short notice
Common findings
What Auditors Ask For, and What to Have Ready
The same issues come up in audit after audit in Bangladesh. Each one is fixable before audit day.
How it works
A 90-Day Countdown to Audit Day
Readiness works best with time to fix things properly. This is the usual plan; we can compress it if your audit is sooner.
Gap assessment
Site walk, records review and worker interviews against your audit standard.
Fix and train
Corrective plan with owners and dates, policy updates and supervisor training.
Mock audit
A full practice audit in the same format as the real one.
Document room
Final check that every file the auditor will ask for is in place.
Support on site
We help your team present records and answer follow-up questions.
Close findings
Corrective action evidence prepared for the audit firm or platform.
Self-check
Is Your Document Room Audit-Ready?
Tick what you already have. The bar shows how close you are. Nothing is saved or sent.
Missing more than three? A gap assessment is the right first step.
FAQs
Social Compliance Audit Readiness: FAQs
For deeper supplier checks, see supplier due diligence. Other questions: [email protected].
What is a social compliance audit?
A social compliance audit checks whether a factory treats workers fairly and safely, covering wages, working hours, child and forced labour, health and safety, worker rights and, in some formats, environment and business ethics.
How do I prepare my factory for a BSCI audit?
Start with a gap assessment against the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct, fix zero-tolerance and major issues first, match time records to payroll, train supervisors, and run a mock audit before the real one.
What is the difference between SMETA 2-pillar and 4-pillar?
A 2-pillar SMETA audit covers labour standards and health and safety. A 4-pillar audit adds a full environment review and business ethics.
How long is a WRAP certificate valid?
WRAP Platinum is valid for two years, Gold for one year and Silver for six months.
What are the most common audit findings in Bangladesh?
Working hours and overtime records that do not match payroll, missing age proof, blocked or poorly marked fire exits, inactive worker committees and undisclosed subcontracting.
Do you carry out the official audit?
No. Official audits are done by approved third-party audit firms. We prepare your factory, run mock audits and help you close findings, so there is no conflict of interest.
How long does audit readiness take?
About 90 days works best: gap assessment, fixes and training, a mock audit and a final document check. Shorter timelines are possible with a focus on the highest-risk issues.
Which labour law changes should factories check now?
Recent amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 include 120 days of maternity leave, 13 festival holidays, a five-member complaint committee led by a woman, and higher penalties. Confirm current rules with your legal adviser.
Get Your Factory Audit-Ready Before the Auditor Arrives
Tell us the audit standard, the audit date and your factory size. We will propose a gap assessment and a readiness plan with a fixed fee.
BPO Bangladesh · Suite 610, 5th Floor, Rupayan Shopping Square, Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka 1229 · +880 1711-990020