Label STEP Nepal, which was founded in 1997, monitors and validates fair trade standards across the complete line of handmade carpets produced by STEP Fair Trade Partners (licensees/importers). Good working and living conditions, fair salaries, collective bargaining, environmentally responsible production, and the prohibition of child labor are among the 10 STEP Standards. Wherever non-compliance is detected, these compliance criteria are systematically audited, and corrective steps are taken. Label STEP Nepal also conduct the 'Weavers Community Empowerment Program,' which aims to build the capability of weavers via education and training, including financial literacy.