Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the QABS FAQ page. Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about ISO Certification, SMETA Audits, Factory Audits, GOTS, GRS, BSCI, ESG, Social Compliance, and other consulting services.
SMETA Audit FAQs
4. What is a SMETA Audit?
A SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) evaluates labour standards, health & safety, environmental practices, and business ethics to help businesses demonstrate responsible sourcing.
5. What is the difference between SMETA 2-Pillar and 4-Pillar?
The 2-Pillar audit covers Labour Standards and Health & Safety. The 4-Pillar audit additionally includes Environment and Business Ethics.
6. Is SMETA a certification?
No. SMETA is an audit methodology rather than a certification
7. How long does a SMETA Audit take?
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the facility but is generally completed within 1–3 days.
8. How can I prepare for a SMETA Audit?
Prepare all required documentation, review labour and safety practices, train employees, and conduct an internal audit before the official assessment.
9. Which industries require SMETA?
- Textile
- Garments
- Leather
- Food
- Packaging
- Engineering
- Consumer Goods
10. What documents are required for a SMETA Audit?
- Payroll
- Attendance
- Employee Records
- Fire Safety Documents
- Licenses
- Policies
- Training Records
17. Can a factory fail a SMETA Audit?
The audit identifies non-conformities and improvement areas. Buyers review the findings and corrective actions as part of their sourcing decisions.
18. What are the common SMETA Audit findings?
- Working Hours
- Wages
- Fire Safety
- PPE
- Machine Guards
- Documentation
- Worker Interviews
19. How can QABS help with SMETA?
- Gap Assessment
- Mock Audit
- Documentation
- CAPA
- Employee Training
20. What is Sedex?
Sedex is a platform that helps businesses share ethical sourcing and supply chain information.
ISO Certification FAQs
9. What is ISO Certification?
ISO Certification confirms that an organization’s management system meets the requirements of an internationally recognized ISO standard.
10. Which ISO standards does QABS support?
We assist with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, ISO 27001, ISO 13485, and other relevant management system standards.
11. How long does ISO Certification take?
Implementation and certification usually take 1–3 months, depending on the organization’s size and readiness.
4. Is ISO Certification mandatory?
No.
However, many buyers and government tenders require it.
5. How much does ISO Certification cost?
The cost depends on:
- Company size
- Number of employees
- Locations
- Certification Body
- Scope
6. Who can apply for ISO Certification?
Any organization including:
- Manufacturers
- Exporters
- Schools
- Hospitals
- IT Companies
- Startups
9. What are the benefits of ISO Certification?
- Better quality
- Customer confidence
- International recognition
- Process improvement
- Increased business opportunities
10. Why choose QABS for ISO consulting?
Because we provide practical implementation, documentation support, employee training, and audit readiness assistance.
GOTS & GRS FAQs
12. What is GOTS Certification?
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) verifies the processing of organic textiles while meeting environmental and social criteria.
13. What is GRS Certification?
GRS (Global Recycled Standard) verifies recycled materials, chain of custody, and responsible social and environmental practices.
14. Which is better: GOTS or GRS?
It depends on your products. GOTS is for organic textile products, while GRS is for products made with recycled materials.
23. What products can be GOTS certified?
- Cotton
- Home Textile
- Garments
- Yarn
24. How long does GOTS Certification take?
Typically 30–60 days, depending on preparedness and certification body scheduling.
25. What are the benefits of GOTS?
- Global Recognition
- Organic Assurance
- Buyer Trust
- Sustainable Manufacturing
26. What is GRS?
Global Recycled Standard.
27. Who needs GRS?
Manufacturers using recycled materials.
28. What is the difference between GOTS and GRS?
GOTS = Organic
GRS = Recycled
29. Is GRS internationally recognized?
Yes.
30. Which industries use GRS?
- Textile
- Fashion
- Packaging
- Accessories
Factory Audit FAQs
15. What is a Factory Audit?
A factory audit evaluates operational, quality, safety, and compliance practices to ensure they meet customer and regulatory expectations.
16. Why is a factory audit important?
It helps identify risks, improve processes, and build confidence with buyers.
33. What happens during a Factory Audit?
- Facility Inspection
- Worker Interviews
- Document Review
- Process Verification
35. How should a factory prepare?
Conduct an internal audit and address identified gaps before the official assessment.
ESG & Sustainability FAQs
17. What is ESG?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance factors used to measure an organization’s sustainability and ethical performance.
37. Why is ESG important?
Because global buyers increasingly evaluate suppliers on sustainability and responsible business practices.
18. How can QABS help with ESG?
We provide ESG assessments, compliance guidance, documentation support, and implementation consulting.
39. What is a Sustainability Audit?
An audit of environmental and social practices.
40. What is Responsible Sourcing?
Purchasing products from suppliers operating ethically and sustainably.
Business FAQs
19. Why choose QABS?
QABS offers experienced consultants, practical solutions, end-to-end support, and industry expertise to help organizations achieve compliance efficiently.
45. Which countries do you serve?
India and international clients.
20. How can I contact QABS?
- 📞 Phone: +91 99115 18552
- 🌐 Website: https://qabs.in
- 📧 Email: info@qabs.in
47. Do you provide onsite consulting?
Yes.