Control Union – ETI

ETI – Ethical Trading Initiative

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a global alliance of companies, unions, and NGOs dedicated to improving working conditions for people who produce consumer goods. It provides a framework for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to ethical trade. Control Union conducts audits against the ETI standard, providing credible assessments for organisations supplying European and North American markets.

Control Union ETI – Ethical Trading Initiative

    What is ETI?

    Ethical trade involves brands and suppliers taking responsibility for the labour conditions of workers in their supply chains. The ETI framework is built upon the ETI Base Code, which outlines fundamental labour practices, and the Principles of Implementation, which guide corporate members. For many businesses, successfully completing an ETI audit is a critical requirement for accessing markets in Europe and North America, as buyers increasingly mandate assessments of labour compliance.

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner?

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Features of ETI

    Control Union Fair Choice
    1.

    Enhance market access

    Meet the mandatory ethical trade requirements of major buyers in European and North American markets.

    2.

    Demonstrate commitment

    Showcase a clear and recognised commitment to providing decent and safe working conditions for all workers.

    3.

    Align with global standards

    The ETI Base Code is founded on key international labour standards, including the freedom of association and the prohibition of child labour.

    4.

    A credible global alliance

    ETI is a respected partnership of companies, trade unions, and voluntary organisations working together for ethical trade.

    5.

    Structured implementation

    Follow a clear two-part framework consisting of the Base Code and Principles of Implementation for robust ethical management.

    Commodities

    This certification applies to a wide range of organic products, including:

    • Potatoes, vegetables, fruit

    • Flowers, plants, flowerbulbs

    Control Union – agri
    In a constantly changing environment, we are working with supply chain partners to create a demonstrably more sustainable future.
    Vincent van Tol – Control Union Certifications

    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues
    Control Union – Agri, Horticulture & Organic

    ETI application or no-obligation consultation?

    We are ready to assist. Contact us using the form below or call us on +31 38 42 60 107

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    Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

    Independent tailor-made services

    What makes you unique, we make demonstrable

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.

    Control Union - supply chain