International Fair Trade Regulations

Comply with fair trade laws to do business ethically, globally
By Lesley Graybeal Since the 1980s, the Fairtrade movement has been steadily gaining momentum and, today, there are several accrediting bodies for international fair trade regulations, as well as a wealth of business organizations for companies committed to the regulations of fair trade and open dialogue about fair international trade.

If you're interested in finding out more about international trading regulations, whether as a business owner or as a matter of personal interest, Fairtrade movement literature is published and easily accessible online. You can also apply for accreditation or fair trade certification online.

When researching fair trade laws, do all of the following:

1. Check the international governing bodies for statements of principles and regulations.

2. Investigate the process for governing fair trade of products.

3. Learn how you can become an accredited fair trade business.

Get industry-specific international fair trade regulations

The two largest governing and accrediting bodies for international fair trade regulations are the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements and the International Fair Trade Association. Because IFOAM and IFAT are member organizations for one another, some principles may overlap.
Try:  IFOAM publishes the Principles of Organic Agriculture, guidelines and rules for fair trade in agricultural products. IFAT, a broader organization, publishes general regulations of fair trade and updates them regularly. You can also tap into resources that spell out what fair trade is at Catholic Relief Services Fair Trade or Fair Trade Certified.

Use labeling organizations to acquire certification for products that adhere to fair trade laws

While IFOAM and IFAT govern fair trade within certain industries, labeling organizations such as the Fair Labelling Organizations International provide a certification process for individual products. Through FLO International and other organizations, you can have your individual products accredited for meeting international trading regulations.
Try:  FLO International offers a FLO mark certification through an independent organization for your products that meet international trading regulations and fair trade standards. TransFair USA is responsible for certifying U.S. free trade products.

Get your business certified for following regulations of fair trade

If you're interested in following fair trade rules and regulations, you may find it advantageous to enroll in one of IFOAM or IFAT's certification programs. Applications can be completed online for either IFOAM or IFAT accreditation if you abide by international fair trade regulations.
Try:  Just like FLO International offers the FLO Mark, IFAT offers the IFAT FTO Mark as certification that your business abides by all IFAT standards. For organic agriculture, you can apply for the IFOAM Organic Guarantee, which certifies that you follow fair trade laws and IFOAM standards in the agriculture industry.

• Organic and fair trade regulations can be stringent and even costly to follow, and many principles of fair trade are voluntary and easy to ignore. Being recognized as a fair trade business can have huge advantages, however, especially among certain populations, so if you want to get involved in fair trade but aren't sure if your business can afford it, get help from a fair trade consultant or accrediting body directly.