Fair Trade Explained

What makes our products Fair-trade?

In order to comply with guidelines laid down by the various Fairtrade organisations there are criteria which have to be reached as a minimum. We have more than applied the criteria to our products and we are pleased to announce that we are an importer member of BAFTS (British Association for Fair Trade Shops) and a member IFAT (International Fair Trade Association) number 494.

Fair-trade is about ensuring that a fair and reasonable amount is paid to the producers and that pro-active action is being taken to improve the standards of living and work for those manufacturers and producers in what is known as “the south”.

We have been trading on this basis and developing the relationships and strategies since 1998.

The manufacturers of the handicrafts are:-

Nairobi Handicrafts & Industrial Co-operative Society,

Wamunyu Co-operative Society,

Kissi Tabaka Soapstone Carvers Co-operative,

Bahati Womens Group,

Mutyota Carvers group,

Malindi Cavers Co-operative,

Mimwamu recycled metal workers,

Pimbi arts,

Msanii bird carvers,

Mizizi Jewellers Co-operative,

Malindi Ghetto shoes,

Dormans coffee and

Individual art students.

These groups have over 25,000 members who jointly own the co-operatives.

NHICS is approved by Kenya Commercial Co-operative Union (KCCU).

Producer profiles are available on every group we work with.

We have taken the following action;

That they have been given copies of our wholesale and retail price lists and we have applied the Fair Price Guide. Thorough consultation and written agreement followed and all have confirmed that the purchase price paid to them is fair and reasonable and produces a reasonable profit for their endeavours.

That a signed policy statement exists between the co-operatives and ourselves that clearly stipulates all of the criteria to be adhered to and that we shall continue to work together to provide a continuous source of employment and to further the aims and aspirations of fair-trade accreditation.

That at no time will child labour be expected or forced and employment of children under the age of 14 is not permitted, children over 14 but under 16 can only work 2 hours per day for five days per week between the hours of 9am and 4pm and cannot use sharp objects or machines of any type or engage in any hazardous activity. We understand and accept that knowledge on artisan crafts are passed down the generations and so long as this is done in a congenial manner whilst unaffecting academic needs, it will be approved.

That we shall only purchase wooden handicrafts made from sustainable softwoods and we shall specifically not purchase ebony, teak, rosewood or mahogany.

That in all negotiations and dealings intermediary “middle-men” or “facilitators” are excluded and that corruption of any type will not be tolerated and if discovered will result in immediate and alternative action being taken to eradicate the problem.

That from the source of softwoods we have a verifiable and actionable policy of replanting three trees for every one cropped for handicraft manufacture.

To further the replanting policy we shall return sufficient funds to ensure that the replanting scheme is workable and we shall manage such schemes.

That to further the community of the members of the co-operative we shall make available the sum of 10% on top of the cost price into a reserve fund and join with them to improve conditions within communities and advance working conditions including supply of better and safer carving facilities, the safer and healthier burning of shavings for fuel for cooking, better workshop facilities and offer long term health and financial care for the members and their families. Each producer group nominates its own community project and we employ a Community Project Co-ordinator to ensure smooth operation of all projects.

That we shall take pro-active steps to improve the health and welfare of the artisans and their families including financial and practical assistance wherever and whenever we can.

That activities we undertake jointly or separately are fully verifiable and accountable as conforming to the UK Department of Trade and Industry guidelines on “ethical company operations” and application of the F.I.N.E. criteria

That we will continue to apply these same ethical principles in all future transactions