Consumers are increasingly demanding that businesses demonstrate a genuine commitment to ethical sourcing. UEBT checks the commitments that companies have made and the steps they have taken to protect biodiversity and respect people’s rights.

The first step in this process is to become a UEBT member. UEBT membership requires companies to make five commitments and to meet six minimum requirements (from the UEBT standard) at the company level (not in suppliers or supply chains).

What commitments do companies make to become UEBT members?

1. Review sourcing policies and practices: UEBT members commit to sourcing with respect for people and biodiversity. They check their corporate policies and sourcing practices.

2. Set targets for continuous improvement: UEBT members set targets and take measures towards gradually improving their sourcing systems and practices in line with the UEBT standard.

3. Manage risks for people and biodiversity: UEBT members commit to due diligence on cultivation and wild collection practices in ingredients from biodiversity.     

4. Promote positive impact for people and biodiversity: UEBT members commit to improving cultivation and wild collection practices in the sourcing areas of strategic ingredients from biodiversity.

5. Monitoring, reporting and communication: UEBT members annually report on progress. In addition, UEBT checks progress and discusses further possible improvements, providing options for verification and certification.

What is reviewed in my company’s practices when I apply for membership?

• The five commitments (above) related to ethical sourcing, meaningful targets, due diligence, promoting positive impact and progress reporting.

• Six minimum requirements from the UEBT standard - checked at the level of the company - not with suppliers or in supply chains. Those six minimum requirements are:

  • no deforestation or conversion of intact ecosystems

  • compliance with CITES and other regulations related to rare, threatened or endangered species

  • no sourcing from protected areas where such activities are not allowed

  • no evidence of ongoing or unresolved human rights infringement

  • minimum age for employment is 15 years or higher if defined by national law

  • wages of workers are paid at least in line with official minimum wage regulations or collective bargaining agreements.

• Critical requirements relating to company operations and facilities, including traceability and environmental quality systems.

• UEBT membership is focused on gradual improvement. It is not the same as the verification or certification of Ethical Sourcing Systems or ingredients from biodiversity. Nevertheless, UEBT members are asked to verify their prioritised supply chains and may also work towards verification or certification, or may take action to regenerate natural systems through Biodiversity Action Plans for specific strategic ingredients.

 Contact us to get started at membership@uebt.org