Importing & Exporting Organic Products Between the U.S. and Great Britain
What To Know About Importing & Exporting Organic Products Between the U.S. and Great Britain
Summary: Great Britain is covered under the U.S.–EU organic equivalency arrangement. Imports must follow USDA labeling rules, and certain animal-based products are excluded. Exports to Great Britain require a hard copy Certificate of Inspection (COI) for every shipment. Ensure you submit documentation early to avoid customs delays.
Importing Organic Products from Great Britain to the U.S.
Is Great Britain included in the U.S.–EU equivalency arrangement?
Yes. The United States and European Union (EU) equivalency arrangement continues to apply to Great Britain after Brexit. This allows EU-certified organic products, including those certified in the U.K., to be imported into the U.S., with some exceptions.
Key import requirements:
- Products must be certified by an EU-recognized certification body.
- A NOP Import Certificate is required for all shipments.
- Products must meet USDA organic labeling requirements.
- Labels or stickers on retail products must:
- Include the name of the U.S. or EU certifying agent.
- May display the USDA Organic seal or the EU organic logo.
- Follow labeling rules for the destination country.
Restrictions:
- No products derived from animals treated with antibiotics.
- No aquatic animals (e.g., fish, shellfish) are allowed under this arrangement.
📄 Forms & Documents for Importing from Great Britain:
Submit to: export@tilth.org
Exporting Organic Products from the U.S. to Great Britain
What changed after Brexit?
As of January 1, 2021, all organic products exported to Great Britain must be accompanied by a hard copy Certificate of Inspection (COI).
TRACES (the EU’s online certification system) is no longer valid for shipments to Great Britain.
Export requirements:
- The product must be USDA NOP certified and fall within the scope of the U.S.–EU equivalency arrangement.
- Each shipment must include a hard copy COI.
- For products certified to the IACB EU standard, a COI is also required.
- Labeling must meet Great Britain’s organic labeling laws.
📄 Forms & Documents for Exporting to Great Britain:
Submit to: export@tilth.org
Tips for Smooth Import and Export
- Always verify that your product is within the scope of the equivalency arrangement.
- Unapproved categories (e.g., aquatic animals, antibiotic-treated livestock) must meet full U.S. or U.K. certification separately.
- Start documentation early to avoid shipment delays.
- Labeling must always comply with the destination country’s organic laws.
- Hard copy documents must accompany the shipment to clear customs.