概要

This research is based on a four part literature review series published by the International Trade Centre (ITC). It provides qualitative findings on impact of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) on global supply chains; impacts of VSS on producers and exporters interplay of regulation and VSS and circumstances where VSS works. Anecdotal evidence shows that VSS might facilitate or even demand upgrading by producers/ exporters. Research has shown that assistance programmes can provide farmers with the necessary capabilities to reduce transaction costs when using VSS. In labour intensive production with small economies of scale, small farmers might also have cost advantages.