how to Join?
Organisations fully committed to the Fair Trade Principles and Code of Practice are welcome to join WFTO. Potential applicants are encouraged to do a self-check against the membership prerequisites to determine eligibility to apply.
Approval of applications is based on compliance with our Fair Trade Standard and 10 Fair Trade Principles. Apart from the yearly membership fees (see fee calculator), there is also a one-time application fee that is explained further in the membership fee policy.
Enterprises that have the majority of their income from trade may apply as a Fair Trade Organisation or a Fair Trade Network. If your organisation does not fall in the above membership types, we welcome you to have a closer look at becoming an Associate Organisation of WFTO. See more on the different membership types here.
Newly approved applicants become Candidates with limited rights. Full membership is attained after the organisation has successfully passed the first Monitoring Audit.
Application Requirements
A mission-led enterprise wishing to apply must be able to demonstrate:
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Commitment to our 10 Fair Trade Principles and Code of Practice;
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Commitment to having a positive social and environmental impact, thanks to a business model that puts people and the planet first, and/or providing opportunities for economically marginalised groups as the core mission of their enterprise;
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Sound economic performance and being able to submit the most recent annual financial statements, together with a copy of their constitution or company registration documents; and
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Sustainable and ethical practices in their production processes/supply chain.
Step by Step
Apply for Membership
Register your organization account with WFTO, then complete the application form steps. Once you submit the form and required supporting documents, they will be reviewed. Upon approval, you will reach Candidate status.
Step 01
Self Assessment Report (SAR)
The SAR helps you check that your way of working is in line with the WFTO Fair Trade Standard. It needs to be completed within 1 year of becoming a Candidate.
Step 02
Monitoring Audit
A Guarantee System auditor from your region will look at your SAR and review supporting information during a visit. They will also visit a selection of your suppliers to check conditions and practices. WFTO will review the audit report. You may need to set up an improvement plan before we approve Guaranteed status.
Step 03
Once you are a WFTO member, there is a regular monitoring cycle we follow. Normally, trading organisations (FTOs) need to update their Self-Assessment Report once every two years and go through the Desk Audit and the Monitoring Audit once every four years (the Desk Audit and the Monitoring Audit alternate each other every two years). Contact us if you would like to receive further information on the monitoring schedule and requirements.
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