BAFTS importers import goods from southern producers into the UK.   BAFTS retailers rely on our recognised importers for a significant percentage of their stock.  The retailer also relies on the importer to confirm the Fair Trade nature of the products.  It is vital that all our recognised importers can show sustainability by having a trading history of at least 12 months and work to the highest standards of integrity and uphold the ten principles of Fair Trade.   We will need to understand that:

• All aspects of your work are guided by principles of mutual respect, social justice and equal partnership.
• You are transparent about, and accountable for, your working practices.
• All the products you import originate from producers that are committed to Fair Trade principles.  This means that you monitor your producer partners to ensure that they abide by these principles (and provide evidence to BAFTS, if requested, on how you do this.)  The key principles are:
  • The purpose of the producer organisation is promotion of social justice.  The organisation aims to maximise benefits to economically disadvantaged producers, involve them in decision-making in the organisation and provide them with training and development opportunities.
  • The producer organisation provides decent working conditions to producer workers.  These cover a safe and healthy working environment, reasonable/agreed working hours and respectful treatment.
  • The producer organisation makes efforts to improve the situation of disadvantaged groups, men and women receiving equal pay and both encouraged to take leadership positions
  • Children do not work in factory conditions and any involvement of children in home based production does not to infringe children’s rights or interfere with their education.
  • The producer organisation seeks to source its raw materials from sustainable sources and manages waste disposal efficiently.
• You pay fair prices to your producer partners, to reflect the true costs of production and to ensure that all those working in the producer organisation receive a fair income, enabling them to meet their basic needs and lead a decent life. ( we recommend using http://www.fairtradecalculator.com/ )
• You work with your producer partners to promote high product quality and added value. 
• You show a preference for products which are of particular benefit or significance to countries in the South e.g. coffee, cocoa, sugar, textiles and finished products (as opposed to raw materials).
• You respect traditional crafts and encourage their development. 
• You develop long term relationships with your producer partners.
• You provide your BAFTS shop buyers with information about your producer partners (such as leaflets, posters, stories and photographs).

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