What Makes Fair Trade USA™ Better than Other Fair Trade Certification Organizations?
Fair Trade USA stands out with its award-winning certification program that improves livelihoods, protects the environment, and builds resilient, transparent supply chains. As the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America, Fair Trade USA is creating an innovative model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, and shared value.
While several organizations operate in the sustainability certification space, Fair Trade USA’s rigorous standards and commitment to both social, environmental, and economic impact set us apart.
Powerful Standards
Fair Trade USA standards were created to improve lives and protect the planet. Our model covers a wide range of industries, each with their own set of unique standards to ensure applicability in diverse supply chains. Industries include produce, seafood, apparel, home goods, beauty, and more. The certification process emphasizes transparency, fair pricing, and long-term business relationships that benefit both producers and buyers.
Environmental Standards Community Development Funds
Investment in communities sets the Fair Trade model apart. Workers at Fair Trade Certified Factories, Farms, and Fisheries earn Community Development Funds that can be used on projects of their choosing—including projects centered around education and environmental action.
Unlike many other trade certification bodies, environmental action is required across Fair Trade USA’s production standards: The Capture Fisheries Standard (CFS), Factory Production Standards (FPS) and Agricultural Production Standard (APS).. This means certified producers must implement practices that reduce environmental harm, improve soil and water quality, and build resilience to climate challenges. The inclusion of climate-conscious practices sets Fair Trade USA apart as one of the few certifications integrating both social and environmental responsibility.
Leading with Impact
Fair Trade USA continuously evolves its standards to meet emerging global challenges, working closely with producers to ensure that certification is more than a label- it’s a pathway to long-term change. By choosing Fair Trade Certified products, businesses and consumers are contributing to safer workplaces, stronger communities, and more sustainable supply chains.