The Verification Process

Step One:
Check Your Eligibility

If you haven't already spoken with a team member, check your eligibility before beginning your application.

Step Two:
Review the Process

FTF’s screening process is designed to evaluate organizations with established ethical systems and strong fair trade business practices.

Step Three:
Start Application

The holistic verification process has multiple components, including a questionnaire, references, and additional materials. See belwo

Who is Verification For

Fair Trade Federation Verification is for brands, businesses, and non-profits:
  • working in the handmade or agriculture sector.
  • working directly with communities or individuals who have barriers to employment such as artisans, producers, farmers, or others.
  • or retailers who source 75% or more from fair trade aligned brands.
Check Your Eligibility

Types of Applications
Fair trade expands across many business and organizational types including for-profit and non-profits alike. Review the options below to see what application type is best for your organization.

Start Your Application:

Review the FTF Principles and Code of Practice

Before filling out the FTF membership application, familiarize yourself with the following:

  • the nine Fair Trade Principles, which guide the business decisions of all FTF members
  • the FTF Code of Practice, which includes specific expectations for each principle

FTF’s screening process is designed to evaluate organizations with established fair trade systems and strong fair trade business practices. 
Share Three References

Every applicant must submit at least three references. For all applicants working directly with producers (artisans or farmers), two general references and one producer reference completed by an artisan or farmer are required. 

Applicants who do not work directly with producers do not need a producer reference. 

Who should serve as a general reference? A general reference may be anyone who is not directly associated with your organization but is familiar with your trading practices and your commitment to fair trade. References should not be employees or immediate family. References from FTF members and others who are knowledgeable about fair trade are especially helpful.

Who should serve as a producer reference? A producer reference should be from a producer who grows/makes products your business sells. Producer reference forms are available in English, Spanish, and French. If the producers with whom you work are illiterate or speak a language other than the translations available, it is acceptable for a translator or transcriber to assist the producer in completing the reference form.  Please consult with the Membership and Engagement Manager.
Fill Out Applicant Questionnaire

All applicants must fill out a questionnaire depending on the type of business or organization.

Selection from one of the following:

If needed, you can view a pdf of the questions for your category here: Handmade Products, Food & Farm Products, Retailer, and Cafe Network. PLEASE NOTE: These versions are for reference ONLY; all applicants must submit through the online application form for their category linked in the bullet points above.

If you are unsure of which category your business falls into, reach out to us BEFORE you get started at screening@fairtradefederation.org.
Submit Required Materials

In addition to the reference forms and questions, applicants must also submit the following items.

  • Financial Statement: This should show your last completed fiscal year and should be a complete breakdown of sales and expenses. A profit & loss sheet is preferred; the financial statement does not need to be an audited report. This information is confidential. Upload it here.
  • Producers and/or Suppliers List: For all applicants working directly with producers, this should be a list of farmer/artisan groups that directly produce the products you sell, as well as any suppliers you source from. For retailers and cafes that do not purchase or import products directly from producers, this should be a list of all the wholesale vendors from which you purchase. If you do both, include both. List AT LEAST the name of the producer/group, what they make or supply for your enterprise, contact information for at least one representative (not you/your own staff), WFTO or FTF membership, and if possible how many workers employed there. This information is confidential. Upload it here.
  • Additional Materials: Submit your required non-discrimination policy here. If you utilize purchase orders, submit a copy here along with any brochures, hang tags, reports, sample products, and any other items you want to supplement your application. This information is confidential. Upload them here.
  • $85 Screening Fee: Payable by check or credit card. Click here to pay with a credit card. Checks can be made out to Fair Trade Federation and mailed to 11905 Straight A Way Lane Raleigh, NC 27613.
Dues Calculator

Dues are based on percentage of gross sales. You can estimate your dues using our calculator here.
Need Help?

Need help? We are here!

The Membership and Engagement Manager is the applicant’s main point of contact and support. Reach out to membership@fairtradefederation.org with any questions or support anytime!

Important Notes on the Application

  • All applicant organizations and their materials are strictly confidential.
  • Once an application is submitted in full, it is then reviewed by the Screening Committee for a decision.
  • Meetings occur once every one-two months.
  • The Membership and Engagement Manager is the applicant’s main point of contact and support.
  • Need help? We are here! Reach out to membership@fairtradefederation.org with any questions or support anytime!
Need Help? Reach out!

Who is the Screening Committee

The Screening Committee is composed of anonymous individuals from the FTF community. 
  • Members are selected by FTF staff.
  • Represent the different business models within our membership.
  • Provide the greatest diversity of perspectives.
  • Identities are kept anonymous due to the confidentiality necessary for the process.

Photo credits: The Tote Project, Ten Thousand Villages, Gitzell Fair Trade