How do I get Certified ™ Fair Trade?
If you want to obtain Fair Trade Certified ™ certified in the United States or Canada, the company must usually meet certain standards designated by Fairtrade Labering Organizations International (FLO). Transfair USA and Transfair Canada are North American members of FLO International, who release the Fair Trade Certified ™ brand. Outside North America, it has 18 other countries of its own marking members who certify the goods according to FLO International.
Initiatives of fair trade were first introduced at the end of the 80s and Flo International was founded in 1997. Before that, the markets for fair business goods were small and were not very well known. In order to increase consumer awareness and support of fair procedures, the certification of the products has become an attractive option for manufacturers. Items marked as of fair tradeY set by FLO International. Then the company usually applies for inspection and certification from Flo-Cert, an independent organization that was established when FLO International was divided in 2004. In order to prove its obligation to a fair trade of politics, society must usually prove that its workers pay fair wages and support decent working conditions. In addition, the organization must usually act democratically, allowing unlimited trade between manufacturers and buyers. Ecologically sustainable production methods, as well as efforts to promote community development are also important.
The first step towards becoming certified Fair Trade ™ is to submit a Flo-Cert request after determining that someone's products fall within the scope of the certification system. Then FLO-Cert audits the organization to ensure the compliance of with the standards of fair trade. During these audits with representativesFLO-Cert generally encounters company representatives and control documents. They also observe working conditions and production methods. FLO-Cert also evaluates the audit reports and issues certification decisions. The company that receives favorable decisions draws attention to its organization with the aim of obtaining permission to use Fair Trade Certified ™.
Flo-Cert audits producers and traders. Examples of some commonly certified goods include coffee, tea, chocolate, vanilla, fresh fruit, rice, sugar and flowers. The certification cycle, according to Flo-Cert, lasts one year. Companies are subject to renewal inspections to ensure the continuing compliance with fair trade standards. Companies that want to be Certified ™ Fair Trade ™ can directly contact Flo-Cert or ask for more information from their countries.