The WFTO Guarantee System (GS) is a revolutionary Fair Trade system that is credible, clear, and affordable. In 2011, the membership of the WFTO decided to develop a new type of Fair Trade system to meet the ever-growing demand for a more trustworthy Fair Trade recognition scheme in the international market.

Developed by a group of experts in the field of Fair Trade monitoring and verification, the major aspects in the development of the GS were credibility, sustainability and robustness of the system. To achieve these three criteria, the GS has five major components: new membership admission procedure, Self Assessment Report, Monitoring Audit, Peer Visit, and the Fair Trade Accountability Watch (FTAW). The FTAW is a participative monitoring mechanism that allows the public to report compliance issues regarding Fair Trade Organisations. The GS was approved and implemented by the WFTO Membership in May 2013.

The primary goal of the GS is to improve Fair Trade practices in the supply chain. It is an accountability and development tool for organisations. Carrying out all the components allows WFTO members to be more competitive and responsive to evolving markets thereby creating the potential for increased sales.

The GS is not a product certification system. It is an assurance mechanism that Fair Trade is implemented in the supply chain and practices of the organisation. Members that passed the GS process attain the ‘Guaranteed Fair Trade Organisation’ status and may use the WFTO Label on their products.

Read the GS Handbook to learn more about our system.

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