Fair Trade USA™ Revised Factory Production Standard (FPS)
Fair Trade USA is pleased to announce the publication of the Factory Production Standard 2.0.0 (FPS 2.0.0). We thank everyone who provided feedback to improve and strengthen the Standard during the public consultation period. The FPS 2.0.0 will go into effect January 1st, 2023, and existing producers will have a one-year transition period to begin complying with new requirements. Please see the Transition Policy below for more details.
Approval of the Fair Trade Factory Production Standard (FPS) 2.0.0
For almost two years, the Fair Trade USA team worked closely with a diverse range of stakeholders to develop the FPS 2.0.0. The revised FPS 2.0.0 is clear, impact-oriented, and meets the ever-evolving needs and expectations of the producers, companies, NGOs, and consumers we serve.
Fair Trade USA would like to thank all the thought partners and organizations who provided feedback and guidance throughout the revision process. The final FPS 2.0.0 represents the thoughtful input from a global group of stakeholders, including existing Certificate Holders, traders, NGOs, and academics.
To review the FPS 2.0.0 and associated policies and guidance documents, please visit Fair Trade USA’s Standards page. Background documents, including the Transition Policy, FAQs, and summaries of feedback and responses from Fair Trade USA, are available below.
You can also view our FPS video training page to watch a series of short videos that further explain the scope of the revised standard.
Fair Trade FPS Background
The ‘Factory Standard for Apparel and Home Goods’ was first published in 2014 and underwent subsequent minor revisions to improve Standard format and clarify language. In 2021, Fair Trade USA commenced the Standard’s first major revision to ensure that it is fit for purpose in the different geographies and industries we work in. The Standard has been re-named the ‘Factory Production Standard’ (FPS) to better represent this diversity.
The Draft FPS 2.0.0 was available for public comment between October and December 2021. The Draft was developed based off a review of learnings from the implementation of our Factory Standard for more than five years, impact surveys on the ground, and interviews with a selection of stakeholders including Certificate Holders, brands, academics, social and labor rights NGOs, and more. The new FPS 2.0.0 improves upon original requirements to increase value and impact on the ground and across diverse supply chains.
Transition Resources
Transition Policy
Outlines the policy for transition from the Factory Standard for Apparel and Home Goods 1.4.0 with details specific to existing Certificate Holders.
Background Resources
Summary of Feedback and Response to the Draft FPS 2.0.0
Includes a summary of the key themes from the feedback we received during to the Public Consultation on the Draft FPS as well as Fair Trade USA’s response to suggestions made.
Summary of Changes to the FPS 2.0.0
Provides a list of requirements in the FPS 2.0.0 with a description of the changes made from the previous standard.
FPS Major Revision Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for the major revision of the FPS.
Project Plan: Factory Standard Major Revision
Includes information about our process, project activities, timeline, and objectives.
Draft Factory Production Standard (FPS) 2.0.0
The Draft of the revised FPS. It includes all the initial changes made to the Standard, a summary of changes made on each Compliance Criterion, and consultation questions for your stakeholder consideration during the public comment period.