EU Certification Program

Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) offers a proactive service to review crop and handling operations for compliance with European Union (EU) organic standards established in European Regulation (EC) 834.2007 and 889/2008. OTCO provides EU Program Manuals describing procedures and providing the EU standards. To find out whether EU certification is right for you, read the frequently asked questions below.

For more information, please contact Oregon Tilth or download the standards to review.

Downloads:

• Council Regulations EC No. 834/2007
• Commission Regulation EC No. 889/2008
  
• OTCO Procedures Manual

Note; On 1 January the old EU Council regulation 2092/91 was replaced with the two regulations; 834/2007 which provides the rules and standards and 889/2008 which goes into more detailed practice standards and which contains the Permitted Substances List (Annex 1).  Although European Organic Standards are commonly referred to only as 834/2007 it is important to reference both of these regulations.

What is the biggest advantage of having my organic products evaluated for compliance with the European Organic Standards?

The biggest advantage is confident access to broader markets, domestic as well as international. As the organic community continues to grow, organic producers and manufacturers are accessing new markets in foreign countries. You will be prepared to confirm that your products meet European Organic Standards whenever the question comes up.

If I sell product only in the US, should my operation still be evaluated for EU compliance?

If your customers are preparing products or even ingredients eventually to be sold as organic in Europe, then yes, EU certification is required all the way from the farm forward.

What are the main differences between USDA NOP and EU organic standards?

OTCO has developed summaries of differences between the USDA NOP and EU standards to assist certified operators in determining how their practices and products comply with EU requirements. In crop production, additional restrictions apply to the use of manure including rates of application and source. There are other farm inputs allowed under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), but prohibited by the EU. In handling, all organic ingredients must be verified as EU Organic. Similarly, there are non-agricultural ingredients and processing aids allowed under the NOP but prohibited by the EU.

Will I need an additional inspection to establish EU compliance?

Normally, EU certification and renewal will coincide with your regular annual NOP inspection and update process. If you intend to sell a product as EU Organic before your next annual update, then an additional inspection can be scheduled.

Is EU compliance evaluation a one-time event?

No, EU evaluations take place annually, similar to the NOP. As required, your EU Declaration of Compliance will include an annual expiration date, coinciding with your traditional renewal date.

Does it cost anything to be evaluated by OTCO for compliance with EU organic standards?

Yes, the annual EU supplemental fee to provide this program is $50 for farm operations and $295 for handling operations. This does not cover special requests for any additional inspection.

Is IFOAM accreditation the same as compliance with EU organic standards?

No. IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements) is a worldwide non-profit organization offering accreditation of organic certifiers according to its own guidelines, which have not been officially recognized by the EU authorities. OTCO’s EU Program is based on EC 834/2007 and 889/2008, the legally-binding governmental regulation in effect in the EU. Accordingly, ingredients used in processed products must be verified as complying with EC 889/2008 Annex 1, not an IFOAM-accredited private standard.

What are the additional advantages of having OTCO issue a Declaration of Compliance with EU organic standards for my operation?

• While marketing, the Declaration can demonstrate your product is ready to satisfy EU markets.
• The Declaration can facilitate the import authorization process with European Customs officials.
• The Declaration will expedite OTCO’s ability to issue export certificates for shipments to the EU.