Why should you trust supply chain audits?
Responsible business starts with trust
Responsible business relies on trust – trust that companies act responsibly and manage their ESG risks across their supply chains. In 2025, businesses cannot assume this trust; they must earn it. Audits play a critical role in this process. They offer an independent snapshot of social and environmental practices at production sites, helping companies identify risks, uphold standards, and demonstrate accountability.
At amfori, we go beyond the “ticking boxes” exercise. Through our Audit Assurance Programme (AAP), we invest in the quality and integrity of every audit. We ensure audits serve as strategic tools for managing ESG risks, not just compliance exercises. Our goal is clear: deliver credible insights that enable members to make informed decisions and drive meaningful improvements across their supply chains.
How does amfori work to ensure high-quality audits?
At amfori, there are 40,000 audits that are conducted annually, so maintaining high standards is essential. The amfori Audit Assurance Programme sets rigorous requirements to strengthen audit quality, transparency, and integrity across amfori BSCI (social compliance) and amfori BEPI (environmental performance).
Key pillars of the programme include:
- Robust auditor qualification and training – We partner with APSCA to ensure that all social compliance auditors are “APSCA-certified”, reinforcing professionalism and ethical conduct.
- Multi-level quality controls – We perform random checks, shadow audits, and report reviews to maintain consistency and reliability.
- Strengthened complaint and whistleblower mechanisms – We provide clear reporting channels to safeguard accountability and transparency.
- Advanced data analytics – Solutions like amfori Insights enable members to strengthen their risk management approach, using dashboards based on their supply chain data. This helps to detect anomalies and systemic issues.
These measures work together to ensure that audit results are credible, actionalbe and also aligned with international standards of responsible business conduct; such as the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions and recommendations, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, UN Children’s Rights and Business Principles, Gender Dimensions of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Building trust in supply chains
High-quality audits are essential to meeting the growing demand for transparency in global supply chains. By strengthening audit integrity, amfori helps its members manage ESG risks effectively and protect their reputation. Reliable audit results enable companies to respond to stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements with confidence.
However, audits are not a guarantee of compliance. They provide a snapshot in time and may not capture hidden or emerging risks. That is why amfori encourages members to integrate audits into a broader risk management strategy – one that includes stakeholder engagement, capacity building, grievance mechanisms, and continuous improvement.
A holistic approach to ESG due diligence
Through amfori BSCI, audits assess social conditions across 13 key areas, including ethical labour practices and human rights. amfori BEPI audits evaluate environmental performance across eight areas, such as energy, climate, and waste management. All audits are aligned with internationally recognised principles, ensuring consistency and credibility.
Yet, audits alone are not enough. A holistic approach enables companies to make informed decisions and drive long-term improvements across their supply chains.
Collaboration is key
Improving audit quality is a shared responsibility across the supply chain and beyond. Insights from different parties across the supply chain help us refine our guidance and strengthen our solutions.
By keeping communication channels open, we aim to foster mutual learning and ensure that our approach remains responsive, credible and aligned with the evolving landscape of responsible business conduct.
For more information about amfori’s audit initiatives, watch our webinar series.