Fair Trade USA™ Certification Now Aligned with EU’s Empowering Consumers Directive; Felipe Arango Comments

OAKLAND, CA - Fair Trade USA™ announced that its Fair Trade Certified™ program is aligned with the European Union’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive that is to be implemented on Sept. 27, 2026.

The EmpCo Directive strengthens consumer protections by prohibiting misleading environmental and social claims and limiting the use of sustainability labels to those backed by recognized certification programs or public authorities. The regulation reflects growing global expectations for transparency, accountability and evidence-based sustainability claims.

"Businesses today face increasing expectations from regulators, retailers and consumers to demonstrate that their sustainability claims are credible and verifiable," said Felipe Arango, CEO of Fair Trade USA, in the recent release. "Fair Trade USA was built on independent certification, rigorous standards and transparency, giving companies confidence that their products and sourcing practices meet the highest expectations for responsible business."

Fair Trade Certified™ is designed to help companies source products that support workers, communities and the environment while providing a trusted, third-party verified certification that consumers and business partners can rely on.

Fair Trade USA's certification model aligns with key elements of the EmpCo Directive, including:

• Independent certification and third-party verification: Fair Trade USA relies on independent third-party auditors to assess compliance with its standards. Certifications are issued only after any identified non-conformities have been resolved. Fair Trade USA is also a code-compliant member of ISEAL and follows its internationally recognized credibility principles and Code of Good Practice.
• Expert governance and stakeholder engagement: Fair Trade Certified Standards are overseen by an independent Standards Committee and developed through consultation with producers, industry experts and other key stakeholders, so that standards remain credible, practical and relevant.
• Responsible use of certification claims: Fair Trade USA maintains strict requirements governing the use of the Fair Trade Certified label, helping prevent vague or misleading sustainability claims. The organization also operates a formal allegations and complaints process that allows workers and other program participants to report concerns, supporting transparency and accountability across certified supply chains.

As sustainability regulations continue to evolve in Europe and around the world, companies are increasingly seeking certification programs that help demonstrate compliance while strengthening consumer trust. Fair Trade USA's certification system provides brands and retailers with an established framework for responsible sourcing backed by measurable impact and independent verification.