
Introducing UEBT
UEBT is a non-profit association that promotes respectful sourcing. We support and verify companies committed to innovation and sourcing that contribute to a world where human and biodiversity thrive.
We set out good practices for how companies and their suppliers supply ingredients specifically for the food, cosmetic and natural pharmaceutical industries.
We are internationally recognized for our work promoting business contributions to sustainable development goals.
What is Sourcing with Respect?
Good practices we set out to serve as a guide for how companies and their suppliers should harvest, collect or plant natural ingredients in a way that respects the local environment and people call it home. We call this “sourcing with respect.” Companies, communities, civil society and other stakeholders involved in developing these practices are collectively referred to as the UEBT standards.
Partnering with UEBT is a powerful way for businesses to demonstrate impact on consumers, governments and other supply chain actors, and the UEBT certification allows us all to choose brands, products and ingredients that contribute to a world where people and biodiversity develop.
The history of UEBT

1992
States ratify the Convention on Biological Diversity to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity, and to ensure fair and equitable benefit sharing.

1996
To support CBD's goals, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) launches the BioTrade Initiative

2007
UEBT is born, following an initiative of UNCTAD to promote business engagement in ethical biodiversity sources.

1975
UEBT moved to independent offices and started formal cooperation with the CBD Secretariat

2015
UEBT initiation certification for natural ingredients and general UEBT / UTZ herbal tea certification program

2018
UEBT Ethical Sourcing System Certification Begins, With Weleda and Natura Cosmetics as Launch Partners