Canada and EU reach Bi-lateral Equivalency Agreement
The EU and Canada have reached agreement on an equivalency in organic products. Respective decisions on organic equivalency follow long and intensive discussions between the European Commission and Canadian authorities.
On 23 June the EU published an updated regulation which included provisions for COR certified product to import as equivalent to EU organic product. On 5 July the Canadian Organic Office announced a reciprocal arrangement with the EU
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Further guidance from both authorities is expected but it appears that;
- The standards are found to be Fully Equivalent. There are no exceptions to either standard like there are between COR and NOP.
- Equivalency applies only to product grown and processed In Country. Products and ingredients from outside Canada and the EU Member States do not benefit from this agreement.
- Logo's from each regulation will be allowed by the other.
- Labeling regulations of the country where product is sold will apply.
