World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO)
The WFTO is the international umbrella organization for fair trade organizations in around 70 countries on all continents. It is the only global network made up of actors along the entire fair trade value chain - from production to sales. Most of the approximately 400 members are organizations that mainly deal in handicraft products. Until 2008 the WFTO was still called IFAT - The International Fair-Trade Association, then it was renamed to its current name. WFTO members always meet fair trade standards.
The aim of the WFTO is to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged producers by improving their market opportunities. At the same time, the WFTO tries to exert influence on a political level in order to change trading conditions in the long term.
A monitoring system for the members that combines internal and external controls increases the transparency and credibility of the fair-trade organizations.
The monitoring system is based on the 10 fair trade standards of the WFTO:
An opportunity for economically disadvantaged producers
Transparency and accountability
Trading practices
Pay a fair price
Child labor and forced labor excluded
Non-Discrimination, Equal Rights and Freedom of Association
Better working conditions
Promotion of skills / further training
Promotion of fair trade
environmental Protection
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognised organic textile standard. Since its introduction in 2006, GOTS has demonstrated its practical feasibility and is supported by the growth in consumption of organic fibres and the demand for a unified processing criteria from the industry and retail sectors.
GOTS ensures the organic status of textiles from the harvesting of the raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing all the way to labelling, in order to provide credible assurances to the consumer. The standard covers the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70 percent certified organic natural fibres. The final fibre products may include, but are not limited to, yarns, fabrics, clothes and home textiles.
National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
The Ministries of Industries and Commerce, Government of India has implemented the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) to provide a focused and well-directed development of organic agriculture and quality products. This national programme proposes for the promotion of organic farming and provides an institutional mechanism for the implementation of National Standards for Organic Production and provides information on systems, criteria and procedure for accreditation of Inspection and certification bodies, the national organic logo.