Fair trade certification is a process by which independent organizations certify that a product has been produced and traded according to specific social, economic, and environmental criteria.
The Fairtrade Standards are designed to tackle poverty and empower producers in the poorest countries in the world. The standards apply to both producers and traders. The Fairtrade Standards incorporate a holistic blend of social, economic, and environmental criteria. The standards contain both core requirements and development requirements aimed at improvements that benefit producers and their communities.
Here are some of the criteria that must be met by producers and traders in order to acquire or retain Fairtrade certification:
Social criteria: Fair trade standards require that producers adhere to certain labor standards, including the prohibition of forced and child labor, the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, and safe working conditions.
Economic criteria: Fair trade standards require that producers receive a fair price for their products, which covers the cost of sustainable production and provides a living wage for workers. Fair trade also provides a premium, which is an additional sum of money paid to producers or workers to invest in community development projects.
Environmental criteria: Fair trade standards require that producers adhere to environmentally sustainable practices, including responsible water and waste management, preserving biodiversity and soil fertility, and minimal use of pesticides and agrochemicals. Fairtrade prohibits the use of several hazardous materials and all genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The Fairtrade Standards are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in promoting sustainable development. The certification process is rigorous, independent, and in line with best-in-class certification practice.
By choosing Fairtrade, people can create change through their everyday actions. A product with the FAIRTRADE Mark means producers and businesses have met internationally agreed standards that have been independently certified.