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Why Join the World Fair Trade Organization?

Are you a mission-led enterprise?
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Are workers, farmers or artisans working with you your main priority?

If so, here are five reasons you should join WFTO

01

This is your tribe

we are a democratically-run global community of mission-led enterprises. Everything about WFTO is created by the members, decided by the members.

03

The label is yours

members own the Guaranteed Fair Trade label (no license fee), and (once verified as a mission-led Fair Trade Enterprise) they can use it on all their products.

05

Visibility as a true Fair Trader

buyers and consumers are looking for more Fair Trade brands and products. They search the WFTO website and social media to find them.

02

Credible, clear and affordable

WFTO verification system was built by the Fair Trade movement to be credible, and adopts a common-sense approach. It carefully minimises costs and uses a combination of self-assessment reports,  office reviews and independent audits (4 yearly audits).

04

Grassroots community

members support and trade with each other, speak up collectively on trade justice and Fair Trade, deepen ties at global and regional gatherings and collaborate at trade fairs.

02

Credible, clear and affordable

WFTO verification system was built by the Fair Trade movement to be credible, and adopts a common-sense approach. It carefully minimises costs and uses a combination of self-assessment reports,  office reviews and independent audits (4 yearly audits).

04

Grassroots community

members support and trade with each other, speak up collectively on trade justice and Fair Trade, deepen ties at global and regional gatherings and collaborate at trade fairs.

This is how WFTO supports Fair Trade Enterprises

By becoming a verified member of WFTO, enterprises have access to a range of benefits that will help them stay competitive and sustainable.

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Access to a global network of Fair Trade enterprises
Access to a global network of Fair Trade enterprisesWFTO members can collaborate with like-minded businesses from around the world, share knowledge, and exchange best practices.
Verification
VerificationWFTO verification provides enterprises with a globally recognised mark of excellence, demonstrating their commitment to Fair Trade practices, transparency, and accountability.
Capacity building
Capacity buildingWFTO offers training and support to businesses looking to improve their Fair Trade practices, including training in areas such as product development, marketing, and financial management.
Market access
Market accessWFTO helps businesses access new markets through its online member search, being featured on our market access partners’ online platforms, and trade fairs, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.
Movement & Advocacy
Movement & AdvocacyWFTO brings the interests, goals and vision of its enterprises, and in particular of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), to the attention of policy makers and governments.
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Eligibility Requirements of Joining Questionnaire

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If you want to contact any of our staff members (not Board) please write to the First Name (ex: Paul)@wfto.com

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There may have been an error ticking the boxes, as you probably also have one year of activity. However, being a mission-led organisation is a must. Are you unsure what this means? Contact us we will be happy to clarify!

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It would seem that you have just started your business. If Fair Trade is going to be the main focus of your organisation, you are encouraged to apply as soon as you are able to present one set of financial accounts. If you feel we could support you developing your business according to our Fair Trade Standard, please get in touch!

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Please note that WFTO is not a commodity certifier – our verification system assesses a business in its entirety and ensures that Fair Trade is its mission as an organisation. If this is the case, you are welcome to apply as soon as you can present one set of annual financial accounts.

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There may have been a mistake ticking the boxes, as you probably have also one year of activity. But please note that WFTO is not a commodity certifier – our verification system assesses a business in its entirety and ensures that Fair Trade is its mission as an organisation. If this is the case, you are welcome to apply!

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Only organisations with at least one year of activity can join as members. However, until then you might be interested to become an Association Organisation. Contact us to have more information about this status.

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To become a WFTO member you need to be a mission-led enterprise committed to having a positive impact on people and the planet.Are you unsure about what this means? Contact us and we will be happy to have a chat with you! Please also note that you will need to have at least 1 set of financial accounts before applying.

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Please note that WFTO is not a commodity certifier – our verification system assesses a business in its entirety. If Fair Trade is the main focus of your organisation as whole, you are encouraged to apply as soon as you are able to present one set of financial accounts.

Get In Touch
Close

There may have been an error, as you probably have also one year of activity. But please note that WFTO is not a commodity certifier – our verification system assesses a business in its entirety and ensures that Fair Trade is its mission.

Get In Touch
Close

Please note that WFTO is not a commodity certifier – our verification system assesses a business in its entirety and ensures that Fair Trade is its mission as an organisation.

Get In Touch
Close

You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as you are able to present one set of financials accounts.

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There may have been a mistake – or, do you mean that you have just started to engage in Fair Trade, even though your company has been running for more than one year? If Fair Trade is your mission now, you are still welcome to apply!

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To become a WFTO member you need to be a mission-led enterprise committed to having a positive impact on people and the planet. Are you unsure about what this means? Contact us and we will be happy to have a chat with you!

Get In Touch
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Please note that WFTO is not a commodity certifier, but a verification system that assesses the entirety of a business to ensure that people and the planet are always put first.

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WFTO could be the perfect place for you!

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It is great that you engage in Fair Trade activities! However, please note that we need to ensure that putting people and the planet first is the mission of your entire organisation. When this is the case, you are welcome to apply for Associate status and then apply for membership as soon as you have one year of activity and are able to present one set of financial accounts. Contact us for more information!

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enquiries

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OUR PRODUCT LABEL

The WFTO Product Label is more than just a Fair Trade symbol. It signifies not only that the practices across the supply chain are checked against the WFTO Fair Trade Standard, but it also represents support to the battle against poverty and inequality. Products carrying the WFTO Label are made and traded by Guaranteed Fair Trade Organisations dedicated to the sustainable Fair Trade economy. Every purchase of products with the WFTO Label supports small producers and their communities.

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17th international

FAIR TRADE SUMMIT

17-20 SEPT 2024 – CAPE TOWN 

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming International Fair Trade Summit, set to take place in the vibrant city of Cape Town, from the 17th to the 20th of September 2024.

The International Fair Trade Summit aims to bring together leaders, practitioners, and advocates from all corners of the globe to collaborate and promote Fair Trade practices. This edition promises to be a unique opportunity for participants to engage in enlightening discussions, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will shape the future of Fair Trade.

Register here to secure your spot!

WHO CAN APPLY

WFTO welcomes applications from established Fair Trade Organisations as well as organisations that support Fair Trade. Individuals in their capacity as researchers, writers, consultants and specialists in their field who can contribute solid skills, knowledge and expertise to WFTO and members are also welcome.

Add Your Heading Text Initial requirements for organisations:

  • Compliance with the WFTO 10 Principles of Fair Trade. Please have a look at the WFTO Fair Trade Standard for more specific information on compliance with these principles.

  • All applicant organisations must already be duly registered (as a legal entity) and active for at least one year.

Who can apply?

  • Fair Trade Organisations (FTO)

    All companies, partnerships, co-partnerships and other legal bodies – as determined by the legal provisions of the country of the member concerned – that are directly engaged in Fair Trade. They may be producers or northern or southern based trading FTOs for whom Fair Trade is the main activity. To qualify for FTO membership, income from sales (turnover) must account for 50% or more of the total income. Applications for FTO membership cannot be accepted from organisations with no prior sales history.

  • Fair Trade Networks (FTN)

    Legal entities whose primary function is to serve as national or international associations of Fair Trade producers and/or Fair Trade Organisations.

  • Fair Trade Support Organisations (FTSO)

    Fair Trade Organisations where trading is not the main activity (proportion of trade is less than 50% of total income). These organisations are engaged in Fair Trade indirectly, through activities that promote and support Fair Trade. These activities can include business counselling, finance, advocacy or networking.

  • Associate Organisations

    This is a special category for national or international organisations that are interested in supporting and promoting Fair Trade, including donor organisations. Organisations that do not meet the one-year legal existence requirement also fit in this group.

  • Individual Associates

    Individual researchers, writers, consultants and specialists in their field that can support WFTO. WFTO expects its individual associates to be active Fair Trade supporters whose experience and expertise in their own particular field can be of practical benefit to WFTO's members. To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae.

    While FTO, FTN and FTSO are entitled to full WFTO membership, organizational and individual associates have only limited rights.

WFTO Membership & Associate Types

  • Fair Trade Organisations (FTO)

    All trading members of WFTO. This includes all organisations that have more than half of their income and/or more than €100,000 in income from trade.

  • Fair Trade Support Organisations (FTSO)

    An organisation whose primary mission is to support Fair Trade and/or provide services to organisations that are or want to become Fair Trade Organisations.

  • Fair Trade Networks (FTN)

    An organisation which is an association of organisations committed to Fair Trade.

  • Individual Associates (IA)

    Individual Associates are supporters of the Fair Trade movement with limited rights. The WFTO Guarantee System does not apply to them.

  • Associate Organisations (AO)

    Associate Organisations align with WFTO’s values but after their application. They do not undergo monitoring and also have limited rights.

WFTO Guarantee System Monitoring Statuses

  • Candidates

    Candidates have been conditionally approved for membership but have not completed their first monitoring cycle under the WFTO Guarantee System. They have limited rights within WFTO. They may not use the WFTO Member Mark and Product Label or claim that they are monitored by WFTO.

  • Guaranteed Members

    Guaranteed members have met the WFTO Membership requirements and are monitored under the WFTO Guarantee System.

  • Member

    Organisations that have no or little income from trade go through a reduced version of the WFTO Guarantee System that does not include criteria related to trade. These organisations may use the WFTO Member Mark but cannot use the Product Label for any products they may be trading to support their mission. This status only applies to Fair Trade Networks (FTN) and Support Organisations (FTSO).

  • Renewal in Progress

    Members who are in the process of renewing their guaranteed status and are overdue on some requirements retain full rights while they work to meet the demands of the Guarantee System on an administrative or compliance level.

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