New international guide on Fair Trade labelling

The French Fair Trade Platform, Fair World Project, Fairness and Forum Fairer Handel have prepared the International guide on Fair Trade to make it easier to identify products made responsibly and to avoid confusion among citizens with the proliferation of other sustainable development labels.

In recent years, citizens have become growingly aware of the need to take action in light of the environmental and ecological crisis affecting the planet. Consuming responsibly can bring significant improvements personally, economically and, especially, for the environment. This has led to an increase in the consumption of responsible products that are identified with Fair Trade labels printed on the packaging and that certify that they are produced following the 10 fundamental principles.

The guide studies the 8 main Fair Trade certifications and describes their main features, the criteria they assess and the control measures in place. The document also describes several local fair trade initiatives from around the World and studies sustainable development labels and initiatives promoted by transnational corporations.

10 principles of fair trade

WFTO prescribes 10 Principles that Fair Trade Organizations must follow in their day-to-day work and carries out monitoring to ensure these principles are upheld: 

•  Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
• Transparency and Accountability 
• Fair Trading Practices 
• Fair Payment 
• Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
• Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic Empowerment and Freedom of Association 
• Ensuring Good Working Conditions 
• Providing Capacity Building 
• Promoting Fair Trade
• Respect for the Environment