Fair Trade Certification Brochure

EVERY PURCHASE MATTERS As Fair Trade USA’s conformity assessment partner, SCS takes pride in joining the non-profit organization’s efforts to bring transparency to the Fair Trade supply chain. Through independent third-party certification, our goal is to support your high-quality products that are produced in a way that improves lives and protects the environment. CERTIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS YOUR UNIQUE ACCOMPLISMENTS The Fair Trade certification model is designed to ensure equitable trade practices at every level of the supply chain. To use the Fair Trade Certified™ label on your product(s), you must buy from Certified farms and organizations, pay Fair Trade prices and premiums and submit to rigorous supply chain audits performed by SCS. This process increases transparency in your global supply chains and introduces an enhanced level of traceability. PARTNERSHIP: SCS AND FAIR TRADE USA Fair Trade USA partnered with SCS because of our demonstrated expertise and history of innovation in the certification world. SCS is a globally recognized certification body and standards developer with nearly three decades of experience. SCS and Fair Trade USA share the common goal of helping businesses and consumers support workers and communities across the globe while protecting the environment. BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION§§ Uniquely differentiates your products within your category§§ Brands your products as ethical alternatives for values-based shoppers §§ Positions your company with top retailers as a strategic brand§§ Establishes best practices within your organization around commonly accepted metrics Fair Trade Certificationfor Brandswww.SCSglobalServices.comSetting the standard for sustainability™For information about becoming certified or locating certified products:SCSglobalServices.com/fair-tradetel +1.510.452.8000FairTrade@SCSglobalServices.comSCOPE OF SERVICETogether, Fair Trade and SCS are working to introduce Fair Trade certification to a wider range of producer groups, and offer cost-effective services to smallholders, estates and exporters. SCS is currently assessing the compliance of producers and manufacturers of fresh produce, tropical fruits, and high value commodity crops. ENHANCE YOUR BRAND WITH MULTIPLE CERTIFICATIONSSCS is a full service auditing, certification and testing services provider. Choose SCS for related services to save time in scheduling and avoid overlap and duplicate paperwork. Certification and Testing §§ USDA Organic §§ Pesticide Residue Free §§ Antioxidant SuperfoodFood Safety Audits and Certifications§§ Safe Quality Food (SQF) - ISO 65 Accredited§§ British Retail Consortium (BRC)§§ GlobalGAP§§ Tesco Nurture§§ HACCP§§ GAP/GMPCERTIFICATION PROCESSThe steps to becoming Fair Trade Certified™ are described below. Certification typically takes two to three months to complete, depending on the accessibility of records and the performance of the operation seeking certification.1. Apply for Auditing. Request, fill out and return the application form to SCS. Write to fairtrade@scsglobalservices.com, and copy Fair Trade USA (producers@fairtradeusa.org).2. Authorize Proposal. Upon application approval, SCS issues a work order, Assessment Services Agreement, and Fair Trade USA’s Label Use Guide.3. Schedule Audit. SCS provides an audit plan and requests documents in advance of scheduling the onsite audit.4. Undergo Audit. The on-site audit includes document review, worker interviews, and field observations. Findings are communicated in the closing meeting. Audit report is sent to client within 20 business days.5. Corrective Actions. Any issues cited in the Non-Conformity Report [NCR] are addressed by Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) within 30 days. CAPs provide clear evidence that implementation occurred.6. Decision. SCS issues a certification decision based on the CAPs prepared by the client. 7. Certification. SCS provides a Fair Trade certification registration number, certificate, and applicable on-product label. Certificates are valid for 3 years, with required annual surveillance audits.2000 Powell Street, Ste. 600, Emeryville, CA 94608 USA | +1.800.326.3228 main | +1.510.452.8001 faxwww.SCSglobalServices.com