In March of 2024 the European Union issued a new set of rules regarding the labeling of products. This law must be adopted by member countries by March 27, 2026, and will be enforced starting September 27, 2026.

After thorough review of the law we have identified five major areas:

1. All participants in the supply chain must be inspected and certified by an ISO 17065-accredited certifier.

2. The program must be open to all companies and organizations that wish to participate, without discrimination.

3. The program must have been developed by experts in the field

4. There must be transparency regarding the program’s regulations

5. There must be clearly defined criteria for the suspension, revocation, or non-issuance of the certificate.

1. Until now, all producers of agricultural raw materials and their processors have been inspected and certified by ISO 17065-accredited certifiers. Since we have a very high degree of traceability in our program, some licensees and registered companies in importing countries were only audited internally. This will change as of July 1, 2026: from that date on, all members of the supply chain will be audited and certified by an independent ISO 17065-accredited certification body. We have made arrangements to guarantee this.

2. Our program has been open to all interested companies and organizations in the past and will remain so in the future.

3. The program has been developed by experts in the field of agriculture, organic production and Fair Trade. This has been recognized by highly reputable organizations such as the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) or KRAV of Sweden.

4. We regularly publish our standard and make it available on our website for download. New standard versions are regularly sent to competent organizations in the field of social responsibility and Fair Trade for comments. In July 2026 we will establish a seven-member “Advisory Board” comprising of competent stakeholders from agricultural producer representatives to certifiers to licensing partners and interested consumers.

5. Since our inception we have clearly defined rules for suspension, denial and revocation of certification. They are laid down in our “Inspection & Certification Guide” and updated regularly.

Therefore, we are confident to comply with the requirements of the “EmpCo” law and we’re looking forward to deepening the relationships with our partners in our joint mission of facilitating a better life for small farmers and workers wherever we are engaged.

Dr. Winfried Fuchshofen

Executive Director

Founded in 1970, Esco Kivu is a family run business based in Eastern Congo,

dedicated to supporting small farmers' empowerment and producing high-quality export crops. Originally, they specialized in coffee, but due to the decimation wilt disease caused in the 1990's, they changed directions. Since 2000, the company has focused on cocoa, cinchona, papain, and vanilla, helping make the region’s first cocoa exports in 2005. Esco Kivu works to help farmers thrive and build long-term stability in a region affected by conflict.

Alongside their agricultural work, Esco Kivu invests in local communities. They support education initiatives, such as building a primary school in Beni. They also provide farmers training on good agricultural practice, environmental responsibility, social issues, and financial management.

With more than 230 employees, Esco Kivu combines decades of regional experience

with a strong commitment to investing in their community. Through farmer training,

cooperative support, and access to financial services, the company continues to

improve livelihoods and promote resilient, thriving agricultural communities. They supply cocoa directly to our Licensee, Theo Chocolate! 

FairTSA is pleased to announce a significant expansion of our global certifier network. We are proud to welcome OneCert International as a new accredited certification body, now authorized to carry out inspections for future FairTSA certified producers. By partnering with OneCert International, we can help more producers access FairTSA certification and the benefits it brings.

Aditi

Agreco

Bioagrcert

Biocert International

Easy-Cert Group AG

Control Union

ICERT

Kiwa BCS

Mayacert, S.A.

OIA

OneCert International

Projects