The British Association for Fair Trade Shops is the national membership organisation for fair trade retailers in the UK.
The British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS) is an association of retailers who, although independent, unite in a core purpose which is to bring about fundamental changes in the status of working producers through Fair Trade retailing and campaigning.
Through solidarity and through practical programmes of assistance, BAFTS seeks to strengthen a network of sales channels that are dedicated to its core purpose. It seeks to improve the quality and the quantity of such channels, so that they are better able to contribute towards the building of greater justice and equity in the world. The association and its members support campaigns that increase awareness and understanding of the needs of producer workers and of their rights.
As part of our network we recognise Fair trade Importers who work under the internationally agreed Fair Trade criteria. The BAFTS Extra website gives access to a portal of contact and product information about these importers.
We work closely with other leading Fair Trade organisations in the UK through the UK Fair Trade Leaders Forum and are part of the international Fair Trade network through our membership to the International Fair Trade Association..
We have prepared extensive background on how Fair Trade organisations are assessed, who the key organisations are in the UK and globally, how we fit with one another and how Fair Trade relates to Ethical Trade. This information is contained on our main website: www.bafts.org.uk where you will also be able to search for your nearest Fair Trade shop!