Fairtrade Certification is a product certification within the market-based movement fair trade. The most widely used fair trade certification is FLO International’s, the International Fairtrade Certification Mark, used in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Fair Trade Certified Mark is the North American equivalent of the International Fairtrade Certification Mark. As of January 2011, there were over 1000 companies certified to the FLO International’s certification and a further 1000 or so certified to other ethical and fairtrade certification schemes around the world.
The Fairtrade International certification system covers a wide range of products, including banana, coffee, cocoa, cotton, cane sugar, flowers and plants, honey, dried fruit, fruit juices, herbs, spices, tea, nuts, and vegetables.
These commodities have different locations of production and the number of farmers and workers covered for production and distribution.
Producers receive fair and stable prices for their products, providing them with a more reliable income. This stability helps protect against the fluctuations of global markets.
Fairtrade Certification aims to alleviate poverty by ensuring that producers, particularly in developing countries, receive a decent income. This economic empowerment contributes to improved living standards.
The certification includes provisions for workers’ rights, promoting safe working conditions, fair wages, and the elimination of child labor. This focus on social standards enhances the well-being of those involved in the production process.
The Fairtrade Premium, an additional sum paid for every Fairtrade product sold, is invested in community projects. This can include building schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure, fostering overall community development.
Fairtrade standards encourage environmentally friendly farming practices, including the reduction of harmful chemicals, promoting biodiversity, and adopting sustainable agricultural methods.
The Fairtrade Mark on products helps consumers make informed choices, enabling them to support ethical and sustainable practices. This awareness contributes to a growing demand for responsibly sourced goods.
Valid for 4 years
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
• Finding directive and Fairtrade standard applicable to the product
• Selecting the appropriate certification scheme
• Based on the scope of the product and certification scheme
• Technical file, Plant Master file and Test Protocol Management System Manual, Management System
• Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Fairtrade Awareness training to QC manager and Production Manager
• Implementing a well-documented manual throughout the life cycle of the product
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to Fairtrade requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit.
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the Self Certification/NoBo
• Fairtrade certificates issued for 4 years
• Surveillance Audits yearly
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
At Fairtrade, they are at the heart of everything we do. As a certification system that is 50% governed by producers, we are building a model of trade that ensures better prices, decent working conditions, no child labour, sound environmental practices, and strong business relationships.
When products are Fairtrade Certified it means that they were produced in accordance with Fairtrade International’s rigorous environmental, economic and social standards. This is independently verified through regular audits by an accredited third-party auditor, FLOCERT.
They include requirements around worker’s rights, fair labor practices, and responsible land management. These standards ensure that goods are made with care to people and planet.
When you see a product with the Fair Trade Certified seal, you can be sure it meets rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards. That means: Safe working conditions. Environmental protection.