amfori, a leading global business association for sustainable trade, introduces a significant update to its audit process. Starting July 2025, suppliers linked to amfori members will be able to request their own audits. This new process will be seamlessly integrated into the amfori Sustainability Platform, a data collaboration platform designed to improve ESG performance.
What does this mean in practice?
amfori want to:
- Encourage proactive ESG risk management
- Support transparent and collaborative accountability between suppliers and members
- Enhance audit reliability and credibility by capturing on-the-ground realities as much as possible
This update reflects their commitment to transparency, shared responsibility and continuous improvement in supply chains, without compromising audit quality or integrity.
“We are making it easier for committed suppliers to take action on sustainability, while giving our members the space to focus on analysis and long-term improvement,” said Helen Kaestner, Head of Operations at amfori. “This change is about reinforcing trust and fostering transparency and accountability across their supply chains.”
Seamless integration with existing processes Audits will continue to be managed via the amfori Sustainability Platform, ensuring consistency, traceability, and reduced risk of unethical practices. amfori members remain fully engaged in the process. They retain the ability to take responsibility (‘RSP’) and request audits for their linked suppliers. Notifications, follow-up processes remain unchanged.
This feature fits smoothly into existing workflows, increasing efficiency, reducing risk, and maintaining traceability—all while reinforcing ethical practices with no extra cost.
One tool in a broader risk management strategy
While audits are a valuable tool in risk management, they cannot be the silver bullet. They provide a snapshot of social and/or environmental conditions and practices of a production site. The audit results are based on observations, interviews, and document reviews. That is why amfori continues to invest in audit quality and integrity, while encouraging members and suppliers to leverage other effective ESG due diligence solutions to address ESG risks effectively.