A banana with a conscience, a T-shirt without guilt, or a cup of coffee that truly tastes like fair trade. Labels help consumers make choices, but not every certification is equally strict or transparent. How trustworthy are they? Who oversees them? And what do they focus on?
We take a closer look at the most important and reliable labels.
Perhaps the best-known label. Fairtrade International guarantees fair wages for farmers and workers, prohibits child labor, and invests in local communities. The label can be found on coffee, chocolate, bananas, and even wine.
Reliability: High. Fairtrade International is one of the most comprehensive and strict fair trade labels.
Verification: Independent audits by FLO-CERT, an external certification body. Farmers and workers are checked on labor conditions, minimum prices, and premiums.
Transparency: Criteria and reports are publicly available. FLO-CERT monitors whether producers continue to meet the requirements.
Focus: Fair trade in food production, with attention to living wages, freedom of association, and sustainable agriculture.
Good to know: Fairtrade guarantees a minimum price and a premium for community investments. However, not all farmers can always sell their entire harvest to Fairtrade.
Found on: Coffee, tea, chocolate, bananas, sugar, wine, cotton, and more.
Not just a label, but a movement. Oxfam Fair Trade buys directly from cooperatives and reinvests in the producers. Their products range from rice to rum, all with a fair price for the makers.
Reliability: High. Oxfam Fair Trade goes beyond certification: it buys directly from cooperatives and actively invests in fair trade.
Verification: Internal audits and collaboration with Fairtrade International. Oxfam applies strict fair trade standards and maintains long-term partnerships with producers.
Transparency: Clear communication about origins and impact. Oxfam publishes details about suppliers and pricing.
Focus: Direct cooperation with farmers and workers, with strong emphasis on fair prices and long-term partnerships.
Good to know: Oxfam buys from the same cooperatives as Fairtrade but provides extra support and stability for farmers.
Found on: Rice, chocolate, coffee, wine, fruit juices, and more.
One step further: Fair For Life focuses not only on fair wages but also on organic production. The label considers both social and ecological sustainability and is found on tea, herbs, and personal care products.
Reliability: High. Fair For Life combines fair trade with ecological sustainability.
Verification: Annual inspections by independent bodies. Companies are evaluated on both social and environmental criteria.
Transparency: Certification reports are publicly available.
Focus: Fair trade, organic agriculture, and ecological sustainability. Fair For Life certifies not only food but also cosmetics and textiles.
Good to know: Broader than Fairtrade International because it allows multinationals and large plantations, provided they respect fair trade principles.
Found on: Tea, herbs, personal care products, textiles.
That little frog on your tea or chocolate? That’s Rainforest Alliance! This label works on environmental protection and social rights, but focuses less on fair prices. A sustainable choice, but not necessarily fair trade.
Reliability: Medium to high. The Rainforest Alliance focuses on the environment and labor rights, but does not guarantee minimum prices for farmers.
Verification: External audits, but less strict than Fairtrade. No fixed minimum prices, but guidelines for living wages exist.
Transparency: Certification requirements and criteria are available online.
Focus: Environment and labor conditions, with attention to biodiversity and climate action.
Good to know: The frog logo doesn’t always mean fair trade—products can partly come from non-certified sources (mass balance system).
Found on: Coffee, tea, cocoa, bananas.
WFTO is not a typical label but a global network of fair trade enterprises. Their focus? 100% fair trade, from production to sale. Think handmade chocolate or artisanal coffee, directly from cooperatives.
Reliability: High. WFTO is a network of companies fully committed to fair trade.
Verification: Membership requires proof that a company follows the ten fair trade principles. No standard audit, but continuous evaluation.
Transparency: Producers and companies must prove they apply fair trade practices, focusing on social impact.
Focus: Fair trade as a business model, emphasizing social justice and fair trade across the entire supply chain.
Good to know: Not a product label but a guarantee that an organization operates according to fair trade principles.
Found on: Food, textiles, artisanal products.
A label with a dual mission: organic farming and better working conditions. GOTS requires at least 70% organic fibers and monitors working conditions, but does not guarantee fair prices for farmers.
Reliability: High. GOTS is the strictest standard for organic textiles.
Verification: Independent certification every three years. Inspections cover the entire supply chain.
Transparency: Traceability via license number can be checked online.
Focus: At least 70% organic cotton plus social criteria such as safe working conditions and no child labor.
Good to know: Guarantees compliance with minimum wage, but does not guarantee living wages.
Found on: Clothing, towels, and bedding.
The textile label from Fairtrade International. It goes beyond just cotton farmers and looks at the entire chain, from spinning mills to factories. Fair wages and safe working conditions are central.
Reliability: High. Fairtrade Textile focuses on social sustainability.
Verification: Independent inspections by FLO-CERT.
Transparency: Fairtrade Belgium publishes information about certified companies.
Focus: Living wages, safe working conditions, and freedom of association.
Good to know: Covers the full textile chain, not just cotton.
Found on: Clothing, linens.
WFTO is all about fair trade, including in fashion. Members must prove they apply the ten fair trade principles, such as fair wages and environmentally conscious production. Ideal for those seeking 100% fair trade fashion.
Reliability: High.
Verification: Companies must demonstrate fair trade practices themselves.
Transparency: No standard audits, but continuous evaluation.
Focus: Social sustainability, fair wages, and transparency.
Good to know: WFTO certifies the company, not a specific product.
Found on: Handmade clothing and accessories.
Textiles and food are well-known, but fair trade goes beyond that. Think of jewelry, cosmetics, or even flowers. For example, Fair For Life also certifies personal care products, while WFTO oversees a wide range of handcrafted goods.
Want to be really sure about your purchase? Don’t just look for a label — also check who is behind it. Because fair shopping starts with a conscious choice. Get inspired by our Fair Trade Hotspots.
