FTC in English

Fair Trade Center is mainly working with information and research with an aim to:
- further the debate about the consequences of international trade and thereby influence companies to take greater environmental and social responsibility,
- demonstrate the connection between the individual's consumption in Sweden and the effects on the environment and social conditions in developing countries, and thereby making people more aware on how to consume responsibly.

Reports and documentaries in English
Most of Fair Trade Center's material is in Swedish, but some of our reports and all of our documentaries have been translated to English. You can find them by following the links in the top right corner of this page.

makeITfair and Good Electronics
Fair Trade Center is a partner in the European procet makeITfair,  focusing on the electronics industry, especially on consumer electronics like mobile phones, laptops and MP3 players. All reports are in English and can be downloaded at makeitfair.org FTC is also a member of the network Good Electronics.

Fair Trade Center's demands
Fair Trade Center's starting point for demands on companies and their supply chain in developing countries is based on the following criteria:

1. Respect for Human Rights
All production and services should comply with the UN Declaration on Human Rights and the ILO (International Labour Organisation) conventions regarding working conditions. This includes, for example, the right to freedom of association, the right to a safe and healthy work environment, the prohibition of forced labour and the right to freedom of speech without threats of reprisals.

2. Environmental and social responsibility within the whole supply chain
Companies are responsible for the direct and indirect effect on people and the environment. Companies with facilities in different countries should apply the same standards on environmental and health and safety regulations at all facilities. The companies should carry the social and environmental costs of their production. This should also include costs associated with closures and relocations of their operations.

3. A fair exchange - larger payments to the producer
Trade should promote development possibilities for involved parties. The Swedish importer should pay a price which guarantees that the producers can live up to the demands mentioned above.

4. Transparency and democratic influence
Companies should inform consumers on how their goods are produced. They should also be open for reviews from non-governmental organisations and unions, for example through independent verification and monitoring.

For further information please contact us at:
Fair Trade Center
Magnus Ladulåsgatan 24
Stockholm
Sweden

tel +46 (0)8 - 643 43 64 or info@fairtradecenter.se