Our Fair Trade Standards
Below are our Fair Trade standards, designed to rigorously assess eligibility for receiving our Fair Trade label. Each standard represents our commitment to ethical practices, sustainable production, and community development. Brands and applicants must demonstrate compliance with at least 3 out of the 7 core categories listed to qualify for certification. By meeting these standards, companies contribute to fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental sustainability, and cultural respect, supporting positive social impact and transparency. We are dedicated to fostering a Fair Trade ecosystem that elevates local communities and preserves the integrity of artisanal and sustainable practices.
1.0 Fair Wages and Income Standards
1.1 Living Wage Compliance
Certified brands are required to provide wages that align with Cambodia's living wage benchmark, currently set at a minimum of $220 USD per month (adjusted annually for inflation and local cost-of-living). Brands must maintain payroll records demonstrating that 100% of workers earn this minimum, verified through annual wage audits and worker surveys.
1.2 Transparent Payment Practices
Brands must ensure all employees receive clear, itemized wage slips each pay period, detailing regular wages, overtime, bonuses, and any allowable deductions. Payroll audits should confirm that at least 95% of employees are paid in full and on time. Documentation must include bi-weekly or monthly payment records, with wage slips available for audit and review.
1.3 Seasonal Worker Wage Standards
Seasonal and temporary workers must earn wages on par with full-time employees, meeting the living wage benchmark of $220 USD monthly or higher. In addition, brands must provide housing or a housing stipend. Compliance data should include payroll records and evidence of housing or stipends provided, confirmed by at least quarterly audits.
2.0 Worker Rights and Safety
2.1 Safe Workplace Standards
Brands must comply with Cambodia’s Labor Law, ensuring sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) availability for all workers in relevant roles, along with appropriate lighting (300 lux minimum) and ventilation (4 air changes per hour for enclosed spaces). Documentation should include quarterly safety inspections and PPE inventory records, with a compliance target of 98% or higher.
2.2 Anti-Harassment and Equal Opportunity
Certified brands must implement anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and log all grievances. Data on resolved grievances should show a 100% resolution rate within 90 days, backed by quarterly anonymous employee surveys. Additionally, annual anti-harassment training should reach 100% of employees, documented through training attendance records.
2.3 Age Verification for Child Labor Prevention
Brands must confirm that 100% of employees are above the minimum age (15 years for general work, 18 years for hazardous work) through government-issued ID verification. Compliance is confirmed via quarterly audits, with all records accessible for review.
3.0 Environmental Standards
3.1 Pesticides and Chemical Use
Brands should use only approved pesticides, with application logs and quantities monitored to align with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines. Data on pesticide use should show compliance in 100% of applications, verified through biannual environmental impact assessments.
3.2 Water Management Efficiency
Water usage records must show an average rate within 10% of local agricultural water usage benchmarks. Brands should implement water-saving methods like drip irrigation on at least 60% of fields and maintain logs of irrigation system efficiency, verified through quarterly audits.
3.3 Waste Management and Recycling
Brands must recycle or safely dispose of at least 80% of their waste, with documented waste handling and recycling processes. Quarterly environmental tests for soil and water quality must show no contamination from production practices.
4.0 Community Development Funds and Fair Trade Contributions
4.1 Community Investment Allocation
Certified brands should allocate at least 3% of annual profits to local community initiatives. Financial statements and project funding records should demonstrate this allocation, with evidence of at least two active projects annually.
4.2 Local Decision-Making for Community Project
Brands must involve local stakeholders in 80% of community project planning decisions, confirmed through meeting attendance records and documented meeting minutes.
4.3 Training and Capacity Building
At least 50% of workers should participate in annual training programs focused on skill development. Data on training attendance and feedback should be documented, with progress reports submitted quarterly.
5.0 Supply Chain Transparency
5.1 Product Traceability
Brands must ensure full traceability for 90% of production steps, supported by supply chain documentation and third-party audits verifying the authenticity and ethical origins of materials.
5.2 Local Sourcing Requirements
Brands should source at least 60% of materials from within Cambodia. Sourcing records and supplier agreements should confirm this local focus, with quarterly verification.
6.0 Gender Equality and Women Empowerment
6.1 Gender Pay Equity
Brands must document that pay discrepancies between male and female employees do not exceed 5% for equivalent roles. Annual payroll data audits should confirm compliance, alongside transparent promotion criteria to support fair career advancement.
6.2 Maternity and Childcare Support
Brands must provide at least 90 days of paid maternity leave and access to on-site childcare for workplaces with 50 or more female employees. Compliance is measured through HR records, with employee surveys used to confirm support satisfaction.
7.0 Promotion of Cambodian Culture and Heritage
7.1 Artisanal Craft Protection
Brands using traditional Cambodian craftsmanship must employ 100% local artisans and pay above-average wages for their skills. Compliance data should include payroll records and artisan contracts, ensuring compensation and fair treatment.
7.2 Culturally Respectful Design
Products must incorporate culturally authentic designs, approved by local artisans or cultural advisors. Design approval records should confirm that 80% of product lines meet this requirement, documented through design logs and artisan feedback.