HANDICRAFTS

Most Judaica products, like handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry are not yet certified as “fair trade items”; there are groups who are working on this. Currently, the producer group who makes the product and/or the importer or wholesaler who sells the product, can apply for membership to either the Fair Trade Federation or International Fair Trade Association, if they follow their strict guidelines. In this case, the organization or business is a member of one of the fair trade organizations, which assures that fair trade practices are followed.

The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are fully committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide.

FTF members link low-income producers with consumer markets and educate consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products which support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers in the developing world. FTF provides resources and networking opportunities for its members and acts as a clearinghouse for information on fair trade. FTF membership is not a certification, but members are screened for their full commitment to fair trade.

Renewable annually, membership is offered to any wholesaler, retailer, or producer which:  

• Strives to carry 100% of goods that meet the fair trade principles and practices as outlined by FTF (see below),
• Has been in operation for at least 180 days in their country of incorporation, and
• Passes the Federation’s screening process based on its principles of fair trade.

Membership in FTF is not a certification for a specific product.

Members of the Fair Trade Federation undergo a rigorous screening process to determine if their businesses meet fair trade standards. Member businesses will usually display the FTF logo and be listed on the FTF website. The Fair Trade Labeling Organization and its affiliates certify specific commodities as traded fairly. In North America, FLO affiliates, Transfair USA and Transfair Canada handle the certification of approximately ten products. Certified products will have the FLO or Transfair label.

The International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), is the global network of fair trade organizations. Over 350 Fair Trade Organizations in 70 countries are IFAT members. Approximately 65% of members are based in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America, with the rest coming from North America, the Pacific Rim and Europe.

IFAT members represent the fair trade chain from production to sale. Members include producer co-operatives and associations, export marketing companies, importers, retailers, national and regional fair trade networks and financial institutions, dedicated to fair trade principles.

Launched in 2004 at the World Social Forum in Mumbai, India, the FTO (Fair Trade Organization) Mark identifies registered fair trade organizations worldwide. Over 150 organizations have already  registered including Oxfam, PeopleTree, the Network of European World Shops and Cafédirect.

The FTO Mark is not a product label.and has not been designed as a fair trade label for handicrafts. It is a mark to identify Fair Trade Organizations.  The FTO Mark means that standards are being implemented regarding working conditions, wages, child labour and the environment. These standards are verified by self-assessment, mutual reviews and external verification. It demonstrates that an organization is committed to continual improvement.

The FTO Mark is available to all IFAT members who have been through the first tier of the IFAT Standards and Monitoring System ("Registered members"). This means they have had at least one self-assessment approved. IFAT's Registration Sub-Committee oversees this procedure and makes its recommendations to the IFAT Board of Directors. Registered organizations are able to use the FTO Mark on headed paper, websites, posters and other promotional material.