Fairtrade Certification
What is Fairtrade Certification?
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.
Benefits of Fairtrade Certification
Fair Prices
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.
Poverty Reduction
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.
Workers' Rights
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.
Community Development
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.
Environmental Sustainability
Fairtrade standards encourage environmentally friendly farming practices, including the reduction of harmful chemicals, promoting biodiversity, and adopting sustainable agricultural methods.
Consumer Awareness
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.
Who can get Fairtrade Certification?
Banana Producers
Tea Producers
Cocoa Producers
Coffee Producers
Non-Agricultural Products
Textile and Garment Producers
Plantations
Validity of Fairtrade Certification
Valid for 4 years
Documents Required for Fairtrade Certification
- Technical File, Product Master File (TCF)
- Product Testing
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Plant Master File
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Product and it's uses
- Testing requirement of products
- Directive in which product classified
- Self Certification or Compliance Certification
- Notify body Certificate
Role of Shamkris and Process of Fairtrade Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
Scope defined
Self Certification/NoBo
Selection
Cost Estimates
- Finding directive and Fairtrade standard applicable to the product
- Selecting the appropriate certification scheme
- Based on the scope of the product and certification scheme
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Technical file, Plant Master file and Test Protocol Management System Manual, Management System
- Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Product Management System
- Fairtrade Awareness training to QC manager and Production Manager
- Implementing a well-documented manual throughout the life cycle of the product
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to Fairtrade requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the Self Certification/NoBo
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
- Fairtrade certificates issued for 4 years
- Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
- Support of Yearly documentation for audit
FAQ
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.
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.