What is Fair for Life?
Fair for Life is a certification programme that aims to make fair trade a reality in agricultural and artisanal value chains around the world.
It is based on a set of standards designed to promote long-term trading partnerships founded on equity, dialogue and shared responsibility throughout supply chains.
Built around 8 core themes, the Standard combines social, environmental and fair trade requirements designed to support responsible practices among actors involved in certified supply chains.
In practice, the implementation of Fair for Life requirements is independently verified through regular audits conducted in accordance with internationally recognised certification principles, including ISO 17065.
Individual commitment for the benefit of all. Stakeholder consultations and public feedbacks are an integral part of shaping the future of Fair for Life, reflecting our commitment to inclusion and transparency.
Why choose Fair for Life?
Choosing the Fair for Life certification programme means committing to:
Supporting Fair prices
Fair for Life advocates the establishment of transparent minimum prices and fair pricing mechanisms aimed at supporting fairer and more stable incomes for producers and farm workers. This mechanism lies at the heart of the standard: it is designed to support the strengthening of the economic and social conditions of producers, workers and their communities.
Implementing respectful, safe and dignified working conditions
Fair for Life verifies and monitors the implementation of practices establishing safe and respectful working environments, aiming to improve the well-being of workers and their quality of working life.
Strengthening the autonomy of vulnerable communities
The Fair for Life programme encourages approaches that enable groups facing structural disadvantages, such as women or indigenous communities, to strengthen their economic autonomy and actively participate in the decisions that affect them.
Adopting Responsible Environmental Practices
Fair for Life promotes the adoption of sustainable farming and harvesting practices that are more respectful of the environment. The certification raises awareness of the agro-ecological transition and supports the rational management of natural resources.
The aim is to limit negative impacts on ecosystems, while strengthening the resilience of the sector.
Supporting Producer-Led Local Development
Fair for Life supports producer-led development initiatives through dedicated development funds. By encouraging investment in local infrastructure, education, and healthcare, the standard contributes to sustainable and equitable local development.
Joining the Fair for Life programme gives you access to:
An additionnal tool for responding to legal developments
In a context of increasing regulatory and market expectations around working conditions, environmental practices and responsible sourcing, Fair for Life helps organisations strengthen and demonstrate their commitments through independently verified practices.
Proactive risk management
Adopting a responsible sourcing approach provides a framework for addressing social, environmental and ethical issues. It supports a better understanding of issues that may affect supply chain continuity and stakeholder confidence. Integrating responsible sourcing into your strategy is therefore a valuable way to anticipate evolving challenges and support the long-term sustainability of your business.
Improving brand reputation and customer loyalty
Fair for Life labelling tells customers that you are committed to ethical and sustainable practices. It fosters greater trust, a better brand reputation and greater customer loyalty.
New markets
Offering Fair for Life products gives you access to a growing market of consumers who prefer ethical and sustainable choices. The Fair for Life label therefore offers a significant competitive advantage.
History and developement of the programme
2005 – 2010
Pioneering a new approach to fair trade
Fair for Life was born in 2005 with the ambition of transforming fair trade practices over the long term.
From the outset, our standards have adopted an approach tailored to the complex realities of global supply chains.
Thanks to our ongoing commitment to fairness, transparency and sustainability, we have earned the trust of companies, organizations and consumers worldwide.
2010 – 2015
Evolving to amplify our impact
Faced with an ever-changing global market, Fair for Life has regularly adapted to reinforce its effectiveness and impact.
In 2010, we carried out a major revision of our specifications, significantly strengthening our requirements.
Then, in 2013, an additional revision refined and clarified our approach, responding even better to the needs of players committed to a responsible approach.
2016 – to date
Acting together to go further
In 2016, Fair for Life entered a new phase of development driven by cooperation and collective innovation.
Between 2016 and 2017, IMO’s Fair for Life standard and that of Ecocert Fair Trade merged, resulting in a new, unified and clearer standard dedicated to fair trade and responsible supply chains. This collective revision has considerably improved the readability and relevance of our requirements.
In 2022, a new revision expanded our scope to include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutritional products, further affirming our role as a benchmark for fairer, more sustainable trade.