Assuring consumer confidence in ethical trade
Published: 31 Oct 2010
Given the rapid increase in ethical labelling schemes around the world and the need to better understand the problems associated with inaccurate and unreliable claims, an "Ethical Trade Fact-finding Process" (ETFP) was set up in May 2007. The process was led by a Steering Group (SG) consisting of Consumers International, AFNOR – the French National Standards Body, ABNT – the Brazilian National Standards Body, the ISEAL Alliance, and the Fair Trade organisations FLO and WFTO (Fair Trade Advocacy Office), with the Secretary of ISO COPOLCO as an observer.
The aim of the ETFP is to build consumer confidence in purchasing ethically-traded products and services by recommending solutions to reduce the potential for consumer confusion caused by inaccurate and unreliable 'ethical' claims.
The ETFP has finalized the report and the Steering Group recommendations from this process are available in English, French and Spanish.