UEBT’s standard
The global UEBT standard sets practices on how companies source botanicals with respect for people and biodiversity. It is multi-stakeholder developed and internationally recognised. It can be used by companies to manage risks, develop improved policies and practices, assess supply chains, and enhance opportunities for positive impact on people and biodiversity in botanical sourcing areas.
Issues covered
The UEBT standard is comprehensive and holistic, covering both social and environmental issues. It has two main pillars:
Respect for Biodiversity
Respect for People
The standard covers these important issues:
Biodiversity conservation and restoration
Cultivation and wild collection practices for sustainable use of biodiversity
Community well being and local development
Go deeper into the issues covered here →
Uses of the standard
UEBT platform
The standard is the basis for companies to join UEBT’s platform. Companies make a set of commitments in line with the standard’s principles, and work on gradual improvement following their own priorities in selected botanical supply chains.
UEBT supply chain assessments
It is also used to independently check that practices are applied. This is done through supply chain assessments as part of the UEBT verification and certification programmes.
UEBT guidance, tools, and support
The standard sits at the core of UEBT. It is also used in these activities:
guidance and tools for advancing sourcing with respect on the ground, including on responsible sourcing due diligence
technical support projects in sourcing areas
support for regenerative practices and climate resilience in landscapes
activities on human rights due diligence in sourcing areas
activities to promote living wages and incomes
sector collaboration initiatives to improve sourcing
How the standard is developed
The UEBT standard builds on the BioTrade Principles and Criteria as developed by the UNCTAD BioTrade Initiative.
It was revised in 2020 after a comprehensive stakeholder consultation.
UEBT reviewed the standard in 2024 and in 2025 began a process of a limited revision.
Resources
UEBT standard - full version
UEBT standard - four page summary
UEBT is ISEAL Code Compliant. Our system has been independently evaluated against ISEAL’s Codes of Good Practice. More information at isealalliance.org.
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