To obtain Fair Trade certification, companies must adhere to regulations set by Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) and receive inspection and certification from FLO-CERT. The certification process includes audits and evaluations of working conditions, production methods, and community development efforts. Commonly certified products include coffee, tea, chocolate, and fresh fruit.
To become Fair Trade Certified in the United States or Canada, a company typically needs to meet certain standards set forth by Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO). TransFair USA and TransFair Canada are the North American members of FLO International that issue the Fair Trade Certified mark. Outside of North America, 18 other countries have their own labeling members that certify goods in accordance with FLO International guidelines.
Fairtrade labeling initiatives were first introduced in the late 1980s, and FLO International was founded in 1997. Prior to that, markets for fairtrade products were small and poorly known. To raise consumer awareness and promote fair practices, product certification has become an attractive option for producers. Items labeled as fair trade products could then be sold in mainstream markets, maintaining a mark of distinction.
In order to obtain fair trade certification, a company or organization generally needs to adhere to certain regulations set out by FLO International. So the company usually requests inspection and certification from FLO-CERT, an independent organization created when FLO International broke up in 2004. To demonstrate its commitment to fair trade policies, a company must normally prove that it pays fair wages to workers and promotes decent working conditions. Furthermore, organizations generally must act in a democratic manner, allowing unrestricted trade between producers and buyers. Typically, 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 determining that one’s products fall within the scope of the certification scheme. FLO-CERT then audits the organization to ensure compliance with fair trade standards. During these audits, FLO-CERT representatives usually meet with company representatives and review the documents. They also observe working conditions and production methods. FLO-CERT then evaluates the auditors’ reports and issues a certification decision. A company receiving a favorable decision notifies its labeling organization for permission to use the Fair Trade Certified mark.
FLO-CERT audits 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. Businesses 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 their country’s identification bodies.
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