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Apply to Join

A complete application consists of:

  • Application form
  • Financial statement
  • Suppliers list
  • 3 Reference forms
  • $75 screening fee
  • Optional supplementary materials
Please send an electronic copy of these materials to screening@fairtradefederation.org. If you are not able to submit these documents electronically, please mail one complete copy of the materials to the Fair Trade Federation.

For forms and more details about application materials, continue reading:

1. Application

To download the application, please click on your primary form of business below and save the document to your computer.

Wholesaler - Handmade

Wholesaler - Agricultural Products

Retailer

Retailers working directly with Producers


Complete the application that best relates to the primary nature of your work, even if your organization fits into more than one category. Applications should not be submitted by organizations with no prior sales history. 

Note: The Federation works with organizations based in Canada and the US. If you are not based in Canada or the US, please visit our Supporting Producers page for information on our counterparts who focus on other regions of the world.  

Nota: No estamos aceptando aplicaciones de parte de productores. Rogamos nos disculpe por la inconveniencia. Por favor visite nuestra pagina de "Soporte al Productor" para mas recursos de su interes.

Note: La Federation travaille avec des organisations bases au Canada ou aux Etats-Unis. Veuillez consulter la page Aider les Producteurs pour toute information sur nos organisations partenaires dans d'autres regions du monde.

2. Financial Statement

Send a financial statement for the most recently completed accounting period. A profit/loss statement (preferred), tax return, or sales tax report is acceptable.

3. Suppliers List

Include a list of all of your suppliers. If working directly with producers, please list, where possible, the approximate number of producers/artisans/farmers that make up any groups with which you work.  Include contact names, email addresses, and fax or phone numbers.  This information will be kept confidential and will not be entered into the FTF database.

4. References

Three references must be submitted directly to FTF from individuals who can speak in depth about your trading practices. You may download the forms below and send them to your references or direct them to this page. 

References must be submitted electronically to screening@fairtradefederation.org. FTF will begin reviewing your application once at least two references have been received.

Reference Form – General

Reference Form – Producer Partner (English)
Reference Form – Producer Partner (Spanish)
Reference Form – Producer Partner (French) - forthcoming

Applicants are best served by recommendations from current members of the Federation or other fair trade organizations, producers/artisans/farmers, NGO partners, or contacts who are well versed in the principles of Fair Trade. Referencing at least one of your suppliers is required.

NOTE: If you are applying as a Wholesaler or Retailer Working Directly with Producers, we must receive at least one reference from a producer partner.

Please ensure that your references know that they may receive further inquiry from the Fair Trade Federation. 

5. $75 Screening Fee

Mail a check made payable to the Fair Trade Federation or pay with a credit card via Paypal (transaction fees apply).  This fee is non-refundable.

6. Other Materials (optional)

Feel free to include any promotional materials, articles written about your business, hangtags, product labels, your most recent annual report, or product samples that you feel would supplement your application. Items will not be returned.

Applicants will receive confirmation by phone or email when materials are received. 

Dues

In addition to the non-refundable $75 screening fee, if admitted, applicants will be responsible for annual payment of the appropriate level of dues. 

As of January 1, 2011, Federation dues are assessed at the following levels:

 Gross Sales
 Dues
 $74,999 and under
 $200 annual flat rate
 $75,000 - $1,999,999    
 $200 + $1.25 / $1,000 in sales
 $2 million and over
 $2,500 + $.10 / $1,000 in sales over $2 million
Members of the Cafe Network are assessed a flat fee of $250 / year.

Terms of Application

By submitting application materials, applicant presents its business practices for review by the Federation's screening committee and submits to the committee's decision regarding admittance into the Federation membership. At the same time, the applicant maintains its right to an appeal of the decision through established Federation channels. The Federation commits to keep applicants' financial information and supplier information confidential.