Brief comparison of Fair Trade labels For food and handicraft producers

World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) Guarantee System launched WFTO members only - any organisation with Fair Trade at its core can apply for membership. Guarantees organisations rather than products but label goes on products. Handicraft sector, often smaller organisations with members from most disadvantaged groups. Small food producers not able to afford FLO label. System devised with the aim of keeping costs down.

Ecocert All types of food/cosmetics/textiles from organic agriculture and wild collection. Links Fair Trade requirements to those of organic agriculture. Focuses on small producers rather than plantations. Encourages awareness raising among consumers.

Fair for Life Combines the requirements of organic farming and Fair Trade. Applicable to food, cosmetics and textiles Also applicable to products in the handicraft sector and tourism.

Fairtrade/Max Havelaar (FLO) Oldest and most established label, represents over 80% of commercially available products (food products only). As it is product rather than organisation which is certified, have lost some credibility by allowing Nescafe and large plantations to access label. Strong ownership and representation of producers' organisations in decision making.

Naturland Fair Trade label for organic food and cosmetic products. Label on products, but promotes particularly committed companies as Partners. Attention to agricultural models and food security issues. Encourages support for small farms - 80% of product ingredients to come from local sources.

Cost comparison AuditsCosts WFTOAudit every 4 to 6 years depending on risk. Peer visit in intervening year. Pay for local auditor plus WFTO membership fee. EcocertAnnual auditAudit cost and fee for use of label. Fair for LifeAnnual auditAudit around 4,000 euro for a farmer group. FLOAnnual auditApplication fee euro 525, initial certification 1,400 – 3,400 euro depending on size plus additional fees. Annual fees a bit less. NaturlandAnnual auditAudit costs plus license fee.