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

Sourcing Plan
An outline of what is likely to be purchased during the year or season, and in what quantities.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Standard Operating Procedures describe the main processes and rules of our certification and management system. Normally, they explain a complex …
Standards and Pricing Unit (SU)
The Fairtrade International business unit that manages the development of Fairtrade Standards, Fairtrade Minimum Prices and Fairtrade Premiums.
Standards Committee (SC)
A committee created by the Fairtrade International Board and made up of stakeholder representatives of the Fairtrade Standards. It acts as a …
Subcontractor
An individual or company that provides product-related services on behalf of an organisation, but does not take legal ownership of the product. …
Supply chain
Business entities involved in the supply and purchase of materials, goods or services from raw materials to the final product. In contrast to a chain …
Suspension
If a customer does not adhere to certification requirements (e.g. Non-Conformity with Major Criteria) or contractual obligations, FLOCERT may suspend …
Sustainability
In ecology, sustainability means that a biological system is able to remain diverse and productive indefinitely. Sustainability can also be defined …