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To become Fair Trade certified, businesses must meet standards set by Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO). FLO-CERT audits organizations to ensure compliance, and if approved, companies can use the Fair Trade Certified mark. Common products certified include coffee, tea, chocolate, and fruit.
To become Fair Trade certified in the United States or Canada, a business typically must meet certain standards set by Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO). TransFair USA and TransFair Canada are the North American brand members of FLO International issuing the Fair Trade Certified mark. Outside of North America, 18 other countries have their own labeling members who certify products according to FLO International guidelines.
Fair Trade labeling initiatives were introduced in the late 1980s and FLO International was founded in 1997. Previously, markets for Fair Trade products were small and poorly understood. In order to raise consumer awareness and promote fair practices, product certification has become an attractive option for manufacturers. Items labeled as fair trade products could then be sold in conventional markets with a hallmark.
To obtain Fair Trade certification, a business or organization typically must adhere to certain standards set forth by FLO International. Hence, the company typically seeks inspection and certification from FLO-CERT, an independent organization founded upon the split of FLO International in 2004. In order to demonstrate its commitment to fair trade policies, a company must normally demonstrate that it pays its workers fair wages and promotes decent working conditions. Furthermore, organizations usually have to act democratically, allowing for unrestricted trade between producers and buyers. In general, environmentally sustainable production methods are also important, as are efforts to support community development.
The first step to becoming Fair Trade Certified is to submit an application to FLO-CERT, after establishing that your products are within the scope of the certification scheme. Then FLO-CERT audits the organization to ensure compliance with Fair Trade standards. During these audits, FLO-CERT representatives generally meet with company representatives and review documents. They also observe working conditions and production methods. Subsequently, FLO-CERT evaluates the auditors’ reports and issues a certification decision. A company receiving a favorable decision notifies its labeling organization in order to obtain authorization to use the Fair Trade Certified mark.
FLO-CERT audits both producers and traders. Examples of some commonly certified products include coffee, tea, chocolate, vanilla, fresh fruit, rice, sugar, and flowers. A certification cycle, according to FLO-CERT, lasts one year. Companies are subject to renewal inspections to ensure their continued compliance with Fair Trade standards. Companies wishing to be Fair Trade certified can contact FLO-CERT directly or request more information from the labeling bodies of their respective countries.
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