As of March 2024, ISEAL replaced its three codes (Impacts, Standard-setting, and Assurance Codes of good practice) with a single consolidated Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems.

There is an 18-month transition period for sustainability schemes to meet the requirements of this new Code. In the meantime, Fairtrade International remains compliant with the (previous) Impacts Code – a framework for building a monitoring and evaluation system that examines both short- and long-term impacts. Fairtrade’s long-running compliance with the ISEAL Impacts Code is a reflection of the importance that Fairtrade places on monitoring, evaluation and learning .

Fairtrade’s vision is a world in which all small producers and workers can enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, fulfil their potential and decide on their future. Understanding the impacts of Fairtrade – both positive and negative – is key to improving the Fairtrade system.

As part of its historical compliance with the ISEAL Impacts Code and a commitment to transparency, Fairtrade has published an overview of Fairtrade’s Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework, a detailed Theory of Change, and publishes annual monitoring and impact reports, regular evaluation research and commodity briefings. A growing body of research shows that Fairtrade has led to positive impacts for farmers and workers, while also pointing out areas where more work needs to be done.

Find all reports on our Fairtrade library.

For a complete overview of Fairtrade’s MEL Programme, please visit our Impact page or our Public Systems Report (2023).

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The ISEAL Alliance is the global association for social and environmental standards systems. ISEAL members are leaders in the field, committed to creating solid and credible standards systems. Working with established and emerging voluntary standards initiatives in its membership, ISEAL develops guidance and facilitates coordinated efforts to ensure their effectiveness and credibility and scale up their impacts. Through its Code of Good Practice, ISEAL defines the global benchmark for credible social and environmental standards. Compliance with the Code is a membership condition.