# Ethical Audit in Supply Chain Management

*Last updated: 2026-06-23*

> An ethical audit in supply chain management is a structured, typically independent review of suppliers, subcontractors, and logistics partners to verify adherence to labor, social, and environmental standards.

An ethical audit in supply chain management is a structured, typically independent review of suppliers, subcontractors, and logistics partners to verify adherence to labor, social, and environmental standards. Unlike a compliance audit, which checks legal conformity alone, an ethical audit assesses voluntary codes of conduct and industry norms – covering issues such as child labor, occupational safety, and emissions reduction – that go beyond statutory minimums. Shippers, freight forwarders, and contract logistics providers use these audits to detect reputational and liability risks early and to make informed sourcing decisions. As mandatory supply chain due diligence legislation expands across multiple jurisdictions, ethical audits increasingly serve as documented evidence of regulatory compliance, providing companies with a defensible record before authorities.

**Source:** [https://www.sgs.com/en/sustainability/social-responsibility-supply-chain-audits](https://www.sgs.com/en/sustainability/social-responsibility-supply-chain-audits)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Ethical Audit in Supply Chain Management |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 118 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-23 |
| Source | https://www.sgs.com/en/sustainability/social-responsibility-supply-chain-audits |

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