FLA Licensee Program FAQ's

1. What role do colleges and universities play in the FLA?
In recent years, many colleges and universities have begun to seek assurances that products bearing their marks are produced under just and humane working conditions both abroad and in the United States. In an effort to reach this goal, over 200 institutions have become affiliated with the FLA. As FLA affiliates, schools require all of their licensees to participate in the FLA. Additionally, every FLA-affiliated university requires the public disclosure of factory locations where its licensed products are manufactured. The FLA’s long partnership with colleges and universities extends to its formal incorporation in 1999. University representatives have six seats on the FLA’s policy-making Board of Directors, equal to that of companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The six university members on the FLA Board represent the University Advisory Council (UAC), a body that comprises a representative from each university affiliated with the FLA. The university Board members help guide the UAC in its participation in the FLA's work.

2. Why does my company have to join the FLA?
In an effort to improve the working conditions under which their licensed products are manufactured (overseas and in the United States), FLA-affiliated schools require their licensees to affiliate with the FLA. In line with this requirement, a licensee cannot manufacture or distribute products bearing the logo of FLA-affiliated universities unless the company first joins the FLA. With a view to be fair to licensees of all sizes, there are different categories of licensee affiliation that allow for differing levels of participation in the FLA and are based on a company's total annual revenues. Although FLA affiliation is mandatory, it is the hope of each FLA school that licensees will welcome this requirement to join the FLA and see membership as an opportunity to help better the lives of the workers who contribute to the growth and success of their companies.

3. Which licensee category is right for my company?
To evaluate which FLA licensee category is right for your company, click here.

4. What is required of FLA-affiliated licensees?

5. Will my company's factory information be made public?
All FLA-affiliated colleges and universities have policies that require the public disclosure of the factory locations where their licensed products are made.

6. How do I join the FLA?
You can join the FLA by visiting the Licensee Help Center click here.

7. How can I prove I’ve registered with the FLA?
Please keep the automatic email confirmation you receive upon completing online registration with the FLA. You can also print a copy of your registration certificate by accessing your member area online [link to MyFLA]. Your email confirmation and certificate can be forwarded to universities or licensing agents as proof of affiliation.

8. What are the next steps after I register?
Category C licensees should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the Enhanced Licensee Program. All affiliates should familiarize themselves with the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct and Company Obligations.

Please note that if you have registered as a Participating Company or Category B licensee, you will need to complete additional documentation and your application will require Board approval. For next steps, please contact the FLA.

You can contact the FLA for more information and resources available for affiliates to use to begin or improve upon their compliance activities.

9. Does the Workplace Code of Conduct also apply to US-based facilities?
Yes, as per the FLA’s first Company Obligation, the Code must be adopted and communicated in all applicable facilities (for licensees, this means facilities involved in the production of collegiate goods), whether they are located in the U.S. or abroad.

10. Where can I access translations of the Code of Conduct in other languages?
You will find several translations available on the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct webpage. If you require a translation that is not currently available, please contact the FLA. As an FLA affiliate, you are encouraged to adopt this code in its entirety.