--- title: "Factory Audit Bangladesh: Step by Step Process" description: "Factory audit in Bangladesh: step-by-step process for buyers. BSCI, SEDEX, WRAP requirements, audit costs, timelines, and common failure points." canonical: "https://taeen.com.bd/blog/factory-audit-bangladesh-step-by-step" breadcrumb: ["Home", "Blog", "Factory Audit Bangladesh: Step by Step Process"] author: "Tanvir Ahmed Khan" published: "July 20, 2026" updated: "July 20, 2026" tags: ["Quality Control", "buying house Bangladesh", "apparel sourcing"] --- Quality Control # Factory Audit Bangladesh: Step by Step Process By TAEEN TeamJuly 20, 202613 min read ![Factory Audit Bangladesh: Step by Step Process](https://taeen.com.bd/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Ffactory-audit-bangladesh-step-by-step.webp&w=3840&q=75) **Quick Answer:** A factory audit in Bangladesh follows a structured step-by-step process: pre-audit document review (1–2 weeks), on-site audit day (6–10 hours covering facility inspection, document verification, worker interviews, and management discussion), post-audit report and corrective action plan (1–2 weeks). Total timeline is 3–6 weeks. BSCI audits cost $800–$2,000, SEDEX/SMETA audits cost $1,200–$2,500, and WRAP audits cost $1,500–$3,000. The most common factory audit failures in Bangladesh relate to working hour documentation, fire safety compliance, wage records, and subcontracting practices. For a comprehensive overview, see our [buying house in Bangladesh](https://taeen.com.bd/) guide. Factory audits are the cornerstone of due diligence in Bangladesh garment sourcing. No amount of sample approval or reference checking replaces a thorough on-site audit of a factory’s compliance, safety, quality systems, and labour practices. For brands, a factory audit is both a risk mitigation tool and a brand-protection requirement — especially as EU due diligence regulations (CSDDD) come into force in 2026. This guide walks through the complete factory audit process in Bangladesh, from initial document review to post-audit corrective action, covering every major audit standard. For broader compliance context, see our [Bangladesh social compliance guide](https://taeen.com.bd/blog/compliance-bangladesh-guide). For the physical inspection checklist, see our [factory visit checklist](https://taeen.com.bd/blog/factory-visit-checklist-bangladesh). ## What Are the Main Factory Audit Standards in Bangladesh? Bangladesh garment factories are audited against several international standards. The four most common are: | Standard | Focus | Typical Buyer Profile | Cost Range | Validity | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | BSCI | Social compliance, labour rights, environment | European brands (KiK, Lidl, Aldi) | $800–$2,000 | 1–2 years | | SEDEX/SMETA | Labour, H&S, environment, business ethics | UK/global brands (Tesco, Marks & Spencer) | $1,200–$2,500 | 1 year | | WRAP | Compliance with local laws & intl standards | US brands (PVH, Gap, Walmart) | $1,500–$3,000 | 6 months–2 years | | SA8000 | Most rigorous social accountability | Premium/ethical brands | $3,000–$5,000 | 3 years | ## Step 1: Pre-Audit Document Review Before the on-site visit, the audit team reviews the factory’s documentation. This typically takes 1–2 weeks and covers: - **Trade licence and incorporation documents:** Verifies the factory is legally registered to operate in Bangladesh. - **Fire safety certificates:** Fire licence from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence department, plus RSC (RMG Sustainability Council) or ACCORD fire safety inspection reports. - **Building structural assessment:** Structural integrity certification, particularly for multi-storey factories in Dhaka, Gazipur, and Narayanganj. - **Environmental compliance:** Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) certificates for dyeing factories, environmental clearance from the Department of Environment. - **Worker records:** Employment contracts, payroll summaries, attendance registers, and overtime records for the last 12 months. - **Compliance certificates:** Existing BSCI, SEDEX, WRAP, or SA8000 certificates and previous audit reports. ## Step 2: On-Site Audit Day A standard factory audit day in Bangladesh runs 6–10 hours and follows this sequence: ### Morning: Facility inspection (2–3 hours) - **Building safety:** Structural condition, fire exits (minimum 2 per floor), fire extinguishers (1 per 600 sq ft), emergency lighting, and fire alarm systems. - **Electrical safety:** Wiring condition, circuit breakers, generator backup, and emergency power arrangements. - **Production floor:** Machine maintenance, ventilation, lighting (minimum 300 lux at sewing level), noise levels, and dust extraction for cutting areas. - **Sanitation:** Toilets (1 per 25 workers), drinking water, first aid facilities, and canteen hygiene. - **PPE and safety equipment:** First aid boxes, eye wash stations, fire escape staircases, and assembly points. ### Late morning: Document verification (2–3 hours) - **Payroll analysis:** Cross-checking payroll against bank statements and attendance records. Flagging any payments below the Bangladesh minimum wage (currently BDT 12,500/month for garment workers as of 2024). - **Working hours audit:** Verifying maximum weekly hours (60 hours including overtime), weekly rest day compliance, and overtime rate calculations (double rate for overtime). - **Employment contracts:** Verifying written contracts in Bengali for all workers, probation periods, and leave entitlements. - **Subcontracting records:** Checking whether the factory subcontracts production and whether subcontracted facilities are audited. ### Afternoon: Worker interviews and management discussion (2–3 hours) - **Confidential worker interviews:** Interviewing 10–20 workers (selected by the auditor, not factory management) about working conditions, wage payment, freedom to form unions, and use of grievance mechanisms. - **Management interview:** Discussing audit findings with factory management, clarifying any discrepancies, and beginning to identify corrective actions. - **Fire drill observation:** Observing or reviewing records of the factory’s most recent fire drill and evacuation time. ## Step 3: Post-Audit Report and Corrective Action Within 1–2 weeks of the on-site visit, the auditor delivers a detailed report covering: - **Audit score/grade:** BSCI uses a scoring system (A–E); SEDEX uses a pass/fail with findings; WRAP uses compliance/non-compliance with corrective requirements. - **Findings by category:** Each non-conformance is listed with severity (major/minor/critical), evidence, and the required corrective action. - **Corrective Action Plan (CAP):** The factory submits a CAP addressing each finding with a timeline for resolution (typically 30–90 days for major findings). - **Follow-up audit:** If major findings are unresolved, a follow-up audit is scheduled within 60–90 days. ## What Are the Most Common Factory Audit Failures in Bangladesh? Based on compliance data from thousands of Bangladesh garment factory audits, the most frequent failure areas are: - **Working hours documentation (40–50% of factories):** Inadequate or manipulated attendance records. Factories may maintain two sets of records — one for auditors, one actual. Look for inconsistencies between payroll, bank statements, and worker interviews. - **Fire safety gaps (25–35%):** Blocked fire exits, insufficient extinguishers, non-functional alarms, and missing evacuation plans. Post-Rana Plaza, fire safety is the most scrutinised area in Bangladesh. - **Wage and overtime compliance (20–30%):** Payments below minimum wage, miscalculated overtime rates, or unpaid leave deductions. Bangladesh’s minimum wage for garment workers is BDT 12,500/month. - **Subcontracting without disclosure (15–25%):** Factories subcontracting production to un-audited facilities without buyer knowledge. This is one of the most serious compliance breaches. - **Building structural concerns (10–20%):** Particularly in older Dhaka and Gazipur factories, structural deficiencies in load-bearing elements. - **Environmental non-compliance (10–15%):** Missing or non-functional Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), improper chemical storage, or waste disposal violations. ## How Long Does a Factory Audit Take in Bangladesh? End-to-end timeline from engagement to final report: | Phase | Duration | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Engagement & document collection | 3–7 days | Factory must provide documents in advance | | Pre-audit document review | 3–5 days | Auditor reviews documents remotely | | On-site audit day | 1 day (6–10 hours) | Full-day factory visit | | Report preparation | 5–10 business days | Detailed findings and scoring | | Corrective Action Plan | 30–90 days | Factory addresses major findings | | Follow-up audit (if needed) | 1–2 days | Only for unresolved major findings | **Total timeline: 3–6 weeks** from engagement to final report (without follow-up). Plan early — do not wait until production is confirmed to start the audit process. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Which factory audit is required for EU brands sourcing from Bangladesh? Most EU brands require BSCI or SEDEX/SMETA audits. Under the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) taking effect in 2026, brands must demonstrate supply chain due diligence, making third-party factory audits legally significant. SEDEX is increasingly preferred due to its ethical trade focus. ### Can I audit a Bangladesh factory myself or do I need a third party? You can conduct a proprietary audit using your own compliance team, but most brands supplement this with at least one third-party audit (BSCI, SEDEX, or WRAP) annually. A buying house with in-house compliance officers can support ongoing monitoring between formal audits. See our [buying agent vs buying house comparison](https://taeen.com.bd/blog/buying-agent-vs-buying-house-difference). [All articles](https://taeen.com.bd/blog)[Get a sourcing quote](https://taeen.com.bd/contact) ## Related articles [ ![MOQ in Bangladesh Garments: Buyer Guide 2026](https://taeen.com.bd/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fmoq-minimum-order-quantity-bangladesh-garment.webp&w=1920&q=75)Product Sourcing July 20, 202611 min read ### MOQ in Bangladesh Garments: Buyer Guide 2026 MOQ minimum order quantity in Bangladesh garment factories 2026. Ranges by product, factory tier, and negotiation strategies for small brands. 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[Get a Free Consultation](https://taeen.com.bd/contact) [Call +880 1805 205 716](tel:+880****5716) Or email [info@taeen.com.bd](mailto:info@taeen.com.bd) — we respond within 24 hours.