Fairtrade Standards

The Fairtrade Standards establish the criteria for farmers, workers, traders and other stakeholders to participate in this unique approach to trade.

 

Introducing the Fairtrade Standards

Fairtrade Standards are designed to support the sustainable development of small producer organizations and agricultural workers in developing countries.

The Fairtrade Standards incorporate a holistic blend of social, economic and environmental criteria.

The standards contain both core requirements and development requirements aimed at improvements that benefit producers and their communities.

Traders are also covered by the standards, underscoring the commitments companies and businesses must make to contribute to sustainability in their supply chains and operations.

Learn more about the aims of the standards

For farmers, workers and other primary producers

  • Standards for small-scale producers

    with related product-specific standards

  • Standards for Hired Labour Organizations

    with related product-specific standards

  • Standards for Contract Production

    with related product-specific standards

  • Gold Standard

    for small-scale artisanal mines

For companies, manufacturers, purchasers and others

  • Trader Standard

    for companies trading Fairtrade goods

  • Climate standard

    for Fairtrade carbon credits

  • Textile standard

    for the complete supply chain

Key information

  • Geographical scope

    See where producers are eligible for Fairtrade certification.

    Learn more

  • Hazardous materials

    Access our list of prohibited, restricted and flagged materials.

    Learn more

  • Product classification

    See categories of Fairtrade products along with related standards.

    Learn more

  • Secondary products

    Many secondary products and derivatives are also covered by Fairtrade.

    Learn more

Fairtrade minimum price and premium information

The Fairtrade Minimum Price is the minimum that producers are paid when selling their products through Fairtrade, and acts as a safety net when market prices drop. It aims to cover the average costs of sustainably producing a crop and acts as a safety net when market prices drop. Producers get the market price when this is higher and can also negotiate for more.

The Fairtrade Premium is an extra sum of money, paid on top of the selling price, that farmers or workers invest in projects of their choice.

Fairtrade International sets and reviews the Fairtrade Minimum Price following a transparent process that includes research and consultation with producers, buyers, marketers, Fairtrade member organizations and external experts.

Our pricing database contains both the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the Fairtrade Premium for all products certified as Fairtrade.

See the pricing database

About our Standards and Pricing work

  • About the standards

    Get a quick intro to our standards.

    Learn more

  • How we set standards

    Read about how we develop and revise our standards.

    Learn more

  • Work in progress

    See current projects to develop or revise our standards or pricing.

    Learn more

  • Announcements

    Get the latest updates from our Standards and Pricing team.

    Learn more

“Fairtrade creates relationships, very strong relationships. It makes us become like a big family and I really appreciate that. “Kum Ninsonga