For Life programme
Ecocert Group
Ethical trade that supports workers and communities worldwide.
Renewal costs $0 USD every 24 months.
Key Strengths
- Third-party independent audits ensure credibility and transparency
- Covers both social responsibility and environmental impact in one label
- Applicable across diverse sectors: agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and artisanal goods
- Managed by Ecocert Group, a globally recognized certification body
- Supports continuous improvement rather than a one-time compliance check
- Recognized internationally, supporting global supply chain claims
Ideal For
The For Life programme is best suited for businesses, brands, and supply chain operators seeking to demonstrate credible corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments across their operations and sourcing. It is particularly relevant for companies in agriculture, food processing, natural products, and artisanal goods that want a recognized third-party label validating their social and environmental practices. Organizations already engaged in sustainability reporting or fair trade sourcing will find it a natural next step.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Recognized By
- For Life Standard
Scope
Overview
For Life is a certification program focused on social responsibility and fair working conditions. Established by the Fair for Life organization, it aims to ensure ethical treatment of workers, environmental sustainability, and community support. The program offers policies certification for businesses, ensuring compliance across supply chains. It emphasizes fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental care.
The history of For Life is rooted in the broader mission of Fair for Life, which was created to address imbalances in global trade. Statistics show a growing number of certified entities in various sectors from agriculture to manufacturing, underlining the demand for ethical practices.
Notable clients and partners include non-profits and various large corporations dedicated to sustainable practices. The program's impact is evidenced by improving regional living conditions and promoting fair trade. For Life's rigorous certification process, often involving site visits and audits, ensures high standards are maintained, making it a trusted label for consumers seeking ethically produced goods.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Applicant organizations must submit documentation demonstrating compliance with the For Life standard, covering social conditions of workers, environmental impact reduction measures, and supply chain practices. An independent third-party audit body evaluates the evidence, which may include policies, records, contracts, and on-site inspections to verify claims against the standard's requirements.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
Certification is awarded following an independent third-party audit conducted by an accredited auditing body. Auditors review documentation covering social conditions, environmental practices, and supply chain management, and conduct on-site inspections of facilities. The audit evaluates compliance against the For Life standard's criteria, with findings reviewed before certification is granted or renewed.
Renewal & Compliance
Certified organizations are subject to periodic re-evaluation by an independent auditing body to maintain their For Life label. Ongoing compliance with the standard's social and environmental criteria must be demonstrated at each renewal audit. The standard is currently under revision to strengthen its impact and relevance.
Accountability Model
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations seeking a certification focused solely on fair trade premiums for smallholder farmers may find Fair for Life or Fairtrade International a better fit. Companies looking for a purely environmental certification (e.g., organic or carbon) without a social responsibility component should consider alternatives.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English, French, Spanish, German
2006
Available
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