Glossary

If you feel that the world of Fair Trade has its very own language – don’t fret! We’ll keep you in the know!

With this glossary we’ll guide you through the common technical terms used by FLOCERT, Fairtrade International and the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO).

Learn about the wor(l)ds of Fair Trade below!

Navigate the glossary by letter

Documentary Traceability
Ability to trace the source and specific characteristics of a product via information captured in documents.
Domestic Processing Installations
Micro-enterprises and part of the family economy, which may – due to their size and characteristics – not require formal public registration, …
Draft Standard
A proposed version of a Standard available for stakeholder comment. This term is used as “Draft Fairtrade Standard” related to Fairtrade, and …
EDGE Certification
FLOCERT is accredited by the EDGE Certified Foundation to certify companies against the EDGE (Equity, Diversity, and Gender Equality) Standard. An …
End-of-chain sale
A sale at the end of the Fairtrade supply chain of the final packaged and labelled Fairtrade product (e.g. sale from licensed company to retailer).
Evaluation Decision
An Evaluation Decision is taken by FLOCERT within the application or audit evaluation process. Evaluation Decisions are the basis for the …
Ex works (EXW)
The seller delivers their part of the contract when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer, either at the seller’s premises or another …
Exceptions Committee
The Exceptions Committee is responsible for providing guidelines for the granting of exceptions to the Food Composite Product Standard, and for …
Fair Trade Advocacy Office
The Fair Trade Advocacy Office in Brussels is a joint initiative of Fairtrade International and WFTO Europe. Its role is to coordinate advocacy …
Fair Trade label/Fairtrade label
A Fair Trade label means any recognised Fair Trade product or organisational certification label referring to the relevant Fair Trade standard. A …
Fair Trade movement
The combined efforts of Fair Trade organisations, campaigners and businesses to promote and activate the Fair Trade principles of empowering …
Fair Trade organisation (FTO)
A Fair Trade organisation, also called an alternative trade organisation (ATO), has Fair Trade as part of its mission and at the core of its …
Fair Trade principles
The Fair Trade principles (five principles) were developed by Fairtrade International and WFTO (2008) as a common understanding of the basic …
Fair Trade producer/Fairtrade producer
A Fair Trade producer is a producer organisation complying with WFTO Fair Trade standards, or a producer/producer organisation that is a member of …
Fair Trade support organisations
Legal entities whose primary mission is to promote Fair Trade through the provision of technical, financial and business advisory or other services …