Created in 1989, the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is a global association of national and regional fair trade networks, local cooperatives, associations, export marketing companies, importers, and retailers.

Their overall mission is to contribute to the improvement of the lives, livelihoods, and the financial stability of artisans in disadvantaged countries. The core activities of the WFTO include: developing the market for fair trade, establishing relationships built-upon trust, advocating for free trade, providing networking opportunities, and empowering the regions that host fair trade activities.

As it is, to be a certified by the WTFO, there’s a list of 10 principles that all Fair Trade Organizations must adhere to in their daily operations:

1. Create opportunities for disadvantaged producers.
2. Full-transparency and accountability of operation.
3. Implement fair trade practices at every level.
4. Payment of a fair price for goods.
5. Ensure no child or forced labor is used in production.
6. Honor a commitment to non-discrimination.
7. Ensure a safe, clean working environment is used.
8. Provide capacity building.
9. Promote fair trade at every level.
10. Honor and respect the environment at all levels.

The organizations that follow these principles and are 100% fair trade, are then allowed to place the WFTO certification label upon their products and market them accordingly.