Fair Trade Compliance Framework

Programs
Fair trade is more than a certification—it's a transformative approach to economic development.

SSA creates robust frameworks that empower artisan communities to develop sustainable, market-ready businesses that respect workers, preserve cultural heritage, and drive economic opportunity.

SSA works directly with over 70 producer groups to implement the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) Guarantee System through a structured Internal Monitoring System (IMS).

Enterprise Transformation Goals

Strengthen Enterprise Development

Build transparent, responsible, and competitive enterprises.

Uphold Ethical Practices

Foster continuous improvement across all dimensions of ethical and sustainable business.

Drive Continuous Improvement

Foster continuous improvement across all dimensions of ethical and sustainable business.

Who Benefits

Artisan communities, producer groups, producer collectives, and women-led groups. SSA plays a pivotal role for its sister organization, Sasha.
Transforming traditional production into self-sustaining, market-ready businesses that meet international ethical standards.

Fair Trade Implementation Methods

Internal Monitoring System (IMS) Framework

Beyond traditional compliance, SSA’s IMS builds a holistic ecosystem that supports producer groups in developing transparent, responsible, and competitive enterprises.

  • Periodic internal audits
  • Progress and gap assessments
  • Regular updates to the Improvement Plan

Core Operational Focus

Production capabilities and quality enhancement; fair wage and transparent costing mechanisms; product traceability and documentation; occupational health and safety standards.

Risk and Process Analysis

Carrying out Risk Assessments for partners and supply chain, along with Time & Motion Studies to analyze key production processes.

Capacity Building

Designing and conducting training and capacity-building programmes based on IMS assessments.

How We Build Fair Trade

Systemic

Implementing the WFTO Guarantee System through the structured Internal Monitoring System (IMS).

Holistic

Building a holistic ecosystem that supports producers in developing transparent, responsible, and competitive enterprises.

Beyond Compliance

SSA actively builds the capabilities of artisan enterprises, viewing Fair Trade not as a certification, but as a transformative approach to economic development.

Fair Trade Principles & ESG Standards

Our compliance framework is rooted in the 10 Principles of Fair Trade, with gender-inclusive governance driving our approach. We uphold rigorous ESG standards that protect workers’ rights and ensure Occupational Health & Safety. Every intervention embeds accountability, transparency, and social equity.

Our foundational pillars—responsible production, fair wages, and environmental stewardship—create sustainable transformation. We don’t just meet compliance standards; we build equitable futures where women artisans lead the way.

Enterprise Outcomes: Ethics & Market Access

Evolved into self-sustaining, ethical enterprises.
Improved production efficiency, quality standards, and fair wage mechanisms.
Enabled access to ethical and international markets.
Building more equitable, transparent, and sustainable futures for artisan and producer communities.

Improved Productivity & Quality

“After getting the rope-making machine, our work became much easier and faster… helped reduce physical strain, especially for women artisans…”

Hiralal Mahata
Sabai Craft Artisan, Jhargram, West Bengal

Gallery

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