What is Fair for Life?
Fair for Life is a certification programme that aims to make fair trade a reality in agricultural and artisanal value chains around the world.
It is based on a set of standards designed to promote long-term trading partnerships founded on equity, dialogue and shared responsibility throughout supply chains.
Built around 8 core themes, the Standard combines social, environmental and fair trade requirements designed to support responsible practices among actors involved in certified supply chains.
In practice, the implementation of Fair for Life requirements is independently verified through regular audits conducted in accordance with internationally recognised certification principles, including ISO 17065.
Individual commitment for the benefit of all. Stakeholder consultations and public feedbacks are an integral part of shaping the future of Fair for Life, reflecting our commitment to inclusion and transparency.
Why choose Fair for Life?
Choosing the Fair for Life certification programme means committing to:
Supporting Fair prices
Fair for Life advocates for the establishment of a transparent minimum price and fair pricing mechanisms aimed at supporting fairer and more stable incomes for producers and agricultural workers. This mechanism is at the heart of the certification: it helps strengthen the economic and social conditions of producers, workers, and their communities.
Implementing respectful, safe and dignified working conditions
Fair for Life verifies the implementation of practices that promote safe, respectful, and dignified work environments, contributing to workers’ well-being and the improvement of their working conditions.
Strengthening the autonomy of vulnerable communities
The Fair for Life program encourages initiatives that enable groups facing structural inequalities—such as women and Indigenous communities—to strengthen their economic autonomy and actively participate in decisions that affect them.
Adopting Responsible Environmental Practices
Fair for Life promotes the adoption of agricultural and harvesting practices that take environmental issues into account. The certification raises awareness among stakeholders about the agroecological transition and supports the sustainable management of natural resources.
Its goal? To limit negative impacts on ecosystems while strengthening the resilience of supply chains.
Supporting Producer-Led Local Development
Fair for Life supports development initiatives led by producer organizations through dedicated development funds. By encouraging investments in education, health, and local infrastructure, the program supports projects that address the priorities of the communities involved.
Joining the Fair for Life programme gives you access to:
An additional tool for addressing changes
Amid growing expectations regarding working conditions, environmental practices, and supply chain transparency, Fair for Life helps organizations strengthen and demonstrate their commitments through independently verified practices.
Proactive risk management
Adopting a fair sourcing approach allows organizations to better address potential risks related to social, environmental, or ethical issues. It helps organizations anticipate challenges that could affect their supply chains or the trust of their stakeholders. Integrating responsible sourcing into their strategy is therefore a key lever for supporting the company’s long-term resilience and sustainability.
Enhancing brand reputation and customer loyalty
The Fair For Life certification, through independent verification, demonstrates your commitment to fair trade practices, decent working conditions, and consideration of environmental issues. It can help build greater trust, enhance your brand’s reputation, and foster stronger customer loyalty.
New markets
Offering fair trade products allows you to meet the demand from consumers seeking products associated with concrete commitments and verified practices. The Fair For Life certification helps promote these products to these consumers.
History and developement of the programme
2005 – 2010
Pioneering a new approach to fair trade
Fair for Life was born in 2005 with the ambition of transforming fair trade practices over the long term.
From the outset, our standards have adopted an approach tailored to the complex realities of global supply chains.
Thanks to our ongoing commitment to fairness, transparency and sustainability, we have earned the trust of companies, organizations and consumers worldwide.
2010 – 2015
Evolving to amplify our impact
Faced with an ever-changing global market, Fair for Life has regularly adapted to reinforce its effectiveness and impact.
In 2010, we carried out a major revision of our specifications, significantly strengthening our requirements.
Then, in 2013, an additional revision refined and clarified our approach, responding even better to the needs of players committed to a responsible approach.
2016 – to date
Acting together to go further
In 2016, Fair for Life entered a new phase of development driven by cooperation and collective innovation.
Between 2016 and 2017, IMO’s Fair for Life standard and that of Ecocert Fair Trade merged, resulting in a new, unified and clearer standard dedicated to fair trade and responsible supply chains. This collective revision has considerably improved the readability and relevance of our requirements.
In 2022, a new revision expanded our scope to include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutritional products, further affirming our role as a benchmark for fairer, more sustainable trade.