Inditex is an undeniable giant in the global fashion industry chain. As the parent company of well-known brands such as Zara, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Inditex is renowned for its rigorous supply chain management. Any factory or supplier wishing to enter its procurement system must face a key challenge – Inditex Audit.
At the same time, major brands also have differentiated requirements, such as:
*ZARA: Emphasize quick response and genuine transparency, and ensure that wage and hour records are completely consistent with employee interviews.
*Massimo Dutti: Additional requirements for sustainable certification of high-end fabrics (such as GOTS organic cotton) and refined process documentation.
*Bershka: Focusing on the use of environmentally friendly materials in the young market (such as recycled polyester fibers), a full list of chemical MSDS is required.
Inditex audits are not simply factory inspections, but a set of full process standards covering quality, social responsibility, environment, and sustainability. Implemented jointly by Inditex’s internal CSR team and certified third-party auditing agencies. Because passing the audit means that the supplier has obtained a “pass” to enter the global supply chain of the 8 major brands.
So how to conduct Inditex audit?
Review process: Three major stages are checked layer by layer
1.Pre Assessment
The first cooperation factory needs to pass two rounds of audits, which will be carried out by different third-party organizations (such as SGS, ITS, BV). If the pre-approval is not passed, it will be directly eliminated.
Objective: To confirm whether the factory meets the most basic social responsibility and compliance requirements.
Features: Fast, direct, helps screen potential partners.
2.Social Audit
Core content: Whether there is child labor or forced labor; Whether employee working hours, wages, and leave comply with labor laws; Is the working environment safe.
Meaning: Reflecting the factory’s commitment to workers’ rights and social responsibility.
3.Special Audit
Scope: Focusing on specific issues such as environmental protection, chemical use, and traceability systems.
Result: Key supervision will be carried out on high-risk factories to ensure continuous compliance.
Attention: Inditex will conduct a preliminary review before the formal social responsibility audit. This step mainly evaluates whether the factory has the most basic compliance conditions, such as employee labor contracts, wage payments, fire safety, basic environmental protection measures, etc.
If the pre qualification is qualified, the supplier is eligible to enter the formal social audit stage; If it is not qualified, rectification must be completed before continuing. This step is like an ‘entrance exam’, screening out factories that do not meet the minimum standards outside the door.
Special note: All factories must undergo pre-approval before entering the Inditex system. Pre review is only applicable to new factories. Factories that have not undergone pre-approval or have not obtained approval results shall not be used for the production of INDITEX orders
The evaluation criteria for the preliminary review are based on the INDITEX Group Code of Conduct and local legal and regulatory requirements.
All suppliers must sign and confirm compliance with the code of conduct at the beginning of cooperation with INDITEX Group.
Customer’s biggest concern: How to prepare?
1.Prepare complete materials
Many factories search for “Inditex audit checklist” and want to know what materials are needed.
Common preparations include:
*Employee files, labor contracts, payroll, and attendance records.
*Social insurance payment records.
*Fire safety training documents.
*Production process and quality inspection records.
Improving these materials in advance can significantly increase the approval rate.
2.Focus on labor compliance
Inditex explicitly prohibits child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and hazardous work environments.
*Ensure that the minimum wage is not lower than, and arrange working hours and overtime reasonably.
*Provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees.
*Establish employee appeal channels and representative systems.
3.Strengthen safety and environmental management
*Ensure that emergency exits, fire alarms, and first aid facilities are in place.
*Regularly organize safety training and evacuation drills.
*Reasonably store chemicals and standardize waste disposal.
Inditex adheres to the principle of “zero tolerance risk” during factory inspections, requiring suppliers to meet international standards in areas such as labor rights, environmental compliance, and quality management. Suppliers need to conduct self inspection in advance, optimize processes, provide training for all staff, and use digital tools to improve efficiency. At the same time, closely monitor Inditex’s sustainable development goals (such as reducing emissions by 53% by 2030) and proactively upgrade technology to meet future requirements. Through systematic rectification and long-term compliance investment, factories can not only pass factory inspections, but also enhance supply chain resilience and win more order opportunities.
Through Inditex audit, it is not just a one-time “pass”, but a comprehensive recognition of factory quality, compliance, responsibility, and sustainable development. It is not only the “key” for suppliers to enter the international fashion supply chain, but also a comprehensive reflection of a company’s competitiveness and sense of responsibility.
For every company looking to enter the global market, Inditex Audit is both a challenge and an opportunity.
Inditex result grading: A-level (24 months), B-level (18 months), C-level (12 months), D-level (6 months for rectification), D-level factories may be terminated from cooperation.
At TopJewelry Limited, we take pride in our commitment to ethical business practices. We hold an Inditex audit report and our rating is A.
If you need our latest audit report or more information, please feel free to contact us via email: sales@top-jewelry.cn or sales@top-jewelry.net.