What is for Life ?
Fair for Life is the labeling program that makes fair trade a reality in agricultural and artisanal value chains worldwide.
It is based on a set of principles designed to guarantee humane, ethical, and responsible long-term business partnerships within supply chains.
Broken down into 8 main themes, the standard demands rigorous social and environmental performance from all actors working in these sectors.
In practice, application of the Fair for Life principles is verified by the Fair for Life Standard/Organization and audited by an independent body, offering the dual assurance of truly fair trade.
The commitment of each individual to the advancement of all. Stakeholder consultations and public feedback are an integral part of shaping the future of Fair for Life, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and transparency in the certification process.
Why choose Fair For Life
Sustainable livelihoods
Pillar N°X of the Fair for Life framework introduces the requirements of a floor price (…) which guarantees a more stable and higher level of income for farmers and producers. A measure that contributes to improving living standards and reducing poverty in producer communities.
Safe working conditions
Pillar N°X of the Fair for Life standard validates the implementation of safe and healthy working conditions that ensure the safety and well-being of workers.
Empowering marginalized communities
Fair trade initiatives empower marginalized groups, particularly women and indigenous communities, by offering them opportunities for economic participation and decision-making.
Environmental sustainability
Pillar N°X of the Fair for Life standard calls for sustainable farming practices that reduce damage to the environment. Organic certification is strongly recommended, and we encourage responsible land management and reduced use of chemicals.
Social capital development
Fair trade fosters strong links between communities. By investing in infrastructure, healthcare and education, the actions carried out within the framework of the standard contribute to the development of social capital.
Joining the Fair for Life labeling program gives you access to:
Legal compliance
The use of fair trade certifications helps to meet legal and regulatory requirements. Ethical sourcing mitigates legal risks and demonstrates a commitment to compliance with legislation.
Risk mitigation
Ethical sourcing minimizes the risk of negative publicity and supply chain disruptions due to labor disputes, environmental concerns, or unethical practices. It protects your company from potential setbacks.
Enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty
Fair for Life labelling tells customers that you are committed to ethical and sustainable practices. It fosters greater trust, brand reputation and customer loyalty.
New markets
Offering fair trade products enables us to tap into a growing market of consumers who prefer ethical and sustainable choices. The Fair for Life label therefore offers a significant competitive advantage.
Program history and development
2005 – 2010
Pioneering change
Fair for Life was founded in 2005. Since its inception, Fair for Life has been at the forefront of change, doing fair trade differently. We have worked tirelessly to create a labeling program that meets the complex challenges of a globalized world. Our commitment to fairness, transparency and sustainability has led to the recognition and adoption of our standards by companies, organizations, and consumers around the world.
2010 – 2015
Evolving to multiply impact
Over the years, Fair for Life has continually evolved to meet the changing demands of the global marketplace. These transformations have been marked by several key revisions, each aimed at improving the effectiveness of our certification. In 2010, a major revision improved and strengthened our standards. In 2013, a minor revision refined our approach.
2016 – aujourd’hui
Acting collectively
In March 2016, Fair for Life embarked on a particularly important revision process. Indeed, between 2016 and 2017, the IMO Fair for Life standard and the Ecocert Fair Trade standard underwent a joint revision and merged to form the current Fair for Life certification standard for fair trade in responsible supply chains. This revision was an opportunity to review the structure of the system, focusing on improving the clarity, readability, and requirements of the standard.