< Back Ethical Trading Initiative

The vision of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a world where all workers are free from exploitation and discrimination, and work in conditions of freedom, security and equity.

It is an alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers' rights around the globe. 

The ETI have a base code The ETI Base Code which is a set of labour standards based on ILO conventions. Download the ETI Base Code here.

What is ethical trade?

Ethical trade means that retailers, brands and their suppliers take responsibility for improving the working conditions of the people who make the products they sell. Most of these workers are employed by supplier companies around the world, many of them based in poor countries where laws designed to protect workers' rights are inadequate or not enforced.

Companies with a commitment to ethical trade adopt a code of labour practice that they expect all their suppliers to work towards. Such codes address issues like wages, hours of work, health and safety and the right to join free trade unions.

ETI brings corporate, trade union and voluntary sector members together in an alliance that enables them to collectively tackle many issues that cannot be addressed by individual companies working alone.

Find out more about the Ethical Trading Initiative here.