what does this symbol mean?
A figure with a raised arm holding a bowl, inside a circle

Fair Trade Certified

Fair Trade USA’s Fair Trade Certified seal: the product was made to its standards for workers, farmers, communities and the environment.

How to read it

Fair Trade USA’s standards cover safe and healthy working conditions, the elimination of forced and child labor, fair and consistent pay, environmental protection and product traceability. According to Ecolabel Index, the certification means farmers and workers earn community development premiums, and compliance is verified by an independent organization.

Also searched as: fair trade logo, fair trade symbol.

Two systems, two spellings

Fair Trade USA, the US labeling body, left the international Fairtrade system, Green America reported in January 2012. Fairtrade (one word) now names the separate Fairtrade International system, whose mark is blue and green.

The whole product or some ingredients

In 2012, Green America reported that Fair Trade USA would use its full label on products that are 95 percent or more fair trade certified, and an “ingredients” label on products with at least 20 percent fair trade ingredients by dry weight.

More certification marks

Sources

Last reviewed September 25, 2026 by Rory Hansen. How we research

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