Quick answer: An ethical sourcing questionnaire asks suppliers about labour practices, worker health and safety, environmental impact and business ethics. Large food brands and retailers send them to understand risks in their supply chains. They often build on frameworks such as the ETI Base Code or platforms such as Sedex. Clear answers, supporting documents and honest notes on areas being improved help build trust.
Key takeaways – Ethical questionnaires cover labour, safety, environment and ethics. – Retailers and brands use them to assess supply chain risk. – They often follow known frameworks and platforms. – Honest answers and improvement plans matter.
Why do buyers send ethical questionnaires?
Consumers, investors and regulators increasingly expect companies to know how their products are made. New supply chain laws in some markets require companies to identify and address human rights and environmental risks. Ethical questionnaires are one way to start this process.
What topics do they cover?
| Topic | Example questions |
|---|---|
| Labour | Working hours, wages, contracts, child labour policy |
| Health and safety | Training, protective equipment, accident records |
| Environment | Water use, waste, energy, deforestation risk |
| Business ethics | Anti-bribery policy, grievance channels |
| Community | Support for farmers and local communities |
| Supply chain | How the supplier checks its own suppliers |
Which frameworks are common?
- ETI Base Code: a code of labour practice based on International Labour Organization standards.
- Sedex and SMETA: a platform for sharing ethical data and a widely used audit method.
- amfori BSCI: a code of conduct and audit system used by many European buyers.
- Company codes of conduct: many large buyers have their own.
How should suppliers answer?
- Read the full questionnaire before starting.
- Answer honestly, including areas still being developed.
- Attach policies, training records or CSR reports where relevant.
- Explain how smallholder farmers are supported, if the supply chain includes them.
- Keep a record of answers to stay consistent across buyers.
How does CSR connect?
Corporate social responsibility work often provides useful evidence. Training on safer work, organic farming or better tools shows practical action. In coconut sugar, examples include farmer training and equipment programmes with development partners.
What happens after the questionnaire?
Buyers may ask follow-up questions, request an audit or agree an improvement plan. Many prefer long-term partners who show steady progress rather than perfect scores on paper.
Where does IMC fit?
PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group) has produced coconut sugar in Central Java since 2012 and exports to customers abroad, including the USA. With GIZ develoPPP since 2025, IMC supports farmer training, safer work and organic certification, and in 2023 PUR Projet provided farmers with new production tools. Buyers can send ethical questionnaires to the IMC team.
FAQ
What is an ethical sourcing questionnaire? A form asking suppliers about labour, safety, environment and ethics.
What is SMETA? A widely used ethical audit method linked to the Sedex platform.
Should suppliers admit gaps? Yes. Honest answers with improvement plans build trust.
Do smallholder farmers count? Yes. Buyers often ask how farmers in the supply chain are supported.
Questions about coconut sugar for your products? PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group), a Central Java producer since 2012, is happy to help. Email info@organic-coconut-sugar.com or WhatsApp +62 811 880 62273.
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