Public authorities have enormous purchasing power. The European Commission estimates that the EU total public procurement amounted to €1,500 billion in 2002 accounting for 16.3 % of the EU’s Gross Domestic Product.

An increasing number of public authorities want to support sustainable development by promoting Fair Trade in their public procurement.  The Fair Procura project, co-ordinated by EFTA, brings together several Fair Trade organisations. The project explores how Fair Trade criteria can best be included in the procurement actions of European public authorities, and encourages the widespread uptake of such activities.

Buy Fair - A Guide to the public purchasing of Fair Trade products

produced by ICLEI in partnership with EFTA Fair Procura.

The Buy Fair Guide provides advice for public authorities wishing to purchase Fair Trade products. Including an introduction to Fair Trade; advice on minimizing legal uncertainties in procurement; actual text that can be used directly in public tenders; and suggestions for other complementary activities.