IFAT Fair Trade Guidelines

We are not members, because we produce no products, however, we have chosen to
adopt the standards of the International Federation of Alternative Trade (IFAT), by
way of definition and guidelines.

IFAT prescribes 10 standards that Fair Trade organizations must follow in their day-to-day work and
carries out continuous monitoring to ensure these standards are upheld:

Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers

Fair Trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create

opportunities for producers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the

conventional

trading system.

Transparency and accountability

Fair Trade involves transparent management and commercial relations to deal fairly and respectfully

with

trading partners.

Capacity building

Fair Trade is a means to develop producers’ independence. Fair Trade relationships provide continuity,

during

which producers and their marketing organizations can improve their management skills and

their access to new

markets.

Promoting Fair Trade

Fair Trade Organizations raise awareness of Fair Trade and the possibility of greater justice in world

trade.

They provide their customers with information about the organization, the products, and in what

conditions they are

made. They use honest advertising and marketing techniques and aim for the

highest standards in product quality

and packing.

5. Payment of a fair price

A fair price in the regional or local context is one that has been agreed through dialogue and

participation. It

covers not only the costs of production but enables production which is socially just and

environmentally sound. It

provides fair pay to the producers and takes into account the principle of equal

pay for equal work by women and

men. Fair Traders ensure prompt payment to their partners and,

whenever possible, help producers with access to

pre-harvest or pre-production financing.

6. Gender Equity

Fair Trade means that women’s work is properly valued and rewarded. Women are always paid for

their

contribution to the production process and are empowered in their organizations.

7. Working conditions

Fair Trade means a safe and healthy working environment for producers. The participation of children (if

any)

does not adversely affect their well-being, security, educational requirements and need for play and

conforms to the

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the law and norms in the local

context.

8. Child Labour

Fair Trade Organizations respect the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as local laws

and social

norms in order to ensure that the participation of children in production processes of fairly

traded articles (if any)

does not adversely affect their well-being, security, educational requirements and

need for play. Organizations

working directly with informally organised producers disclose the

involvement of children in production.

9. The environment

Fair Trade actively encourages better environmental practices and the application of responsible

methods of

production.

10. Trade Relations

Fair Trade Organizations trade with concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of

marginalized small producers and do not maximise profit at their expense. They maintain long-term

relationships

based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect that contribute to the promotion and growth of

Fair Trade. Whenever

possible producers are assisted with access to pre-harvest or pre-production

advance payment.

Source: IFAT.org

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