our Guarantee System
The WFTO Guarantee System (GS) is built to verify that an enterprise is led by its mission, focused on the interests of its workers and producers, protecting the environment and that this is represented and facilitated by the business’s governance and practices.
In 2011, the membership of WFTO decided to develop a Fair Trade Enterprise verification scheme to differentiate our members in the local and international market as enterprises that do good for the collective good.
The Guarantee System was approved and implemented by the WFTO Membership in May 2013.
The primary goal of the Guarantee System is to improve Fair Trade practices, covering the whole enterprise and the supply chain. It is an accountability as well as a development tool for enterprises. Filling in Self Assessment Reports and going through audits allows WFTO members to check their way of working in the light of the WFTO Fair Trade Standard, develop their business and become more competitive and responsive to evolving ethical markets, thereby creating the potential for increased sales.
The Guarantee System is not a product certification system. It is an assurance mechanism that an enterprise is truly purpose driven and that Fair Trade practices are implemented in the supply chain and practices of the whole enterprise. Members that pass the GS process attain the ‘Guaranteed Fair Trade Enterprise’ status and may use the WFTO Label on their Fair Trade products.
Read the Handbook to learn about the Guarantee System process in detail.
