Help Center

Oregon Tilth offers services to evaluate certified crop and handling operations to the European Union (EU) organic standard.

How can I comply with the EU organic regulations?

OTCO certified operators in the U.S. that are certified to the National Organic Program (NOP) standards, can export to the EU under the equivalency trade arrangement. U.S. operators do not need to apply separately for the EU Organic Certification Program.

For OTCO certified operators in Mexico, we offer EU certification since Mexico and Europe do not have an equivalency trade arrangement. Operators that fully comply with EU organic regulations can export to the EU.

How do I apply for EU organic certification?

For operators located in Mexico, review the current Regulation (EU) 2018/848 -rules on organic production and labelling of organic products to ensure your operation is compliant. You will then undergo a full inspection and audit to EU 2018/848 and the applicable regulations with a declaration of compliance issued upon successful review.

The US/EU Equivalency arrangement allows for the export of EU organic products to the U.S.

Are there restrictions for EU certified products imported to the U.S.?

Yes. There are some important restrictions for EU organic products imported into the U.S.:

• Products cannot come from animals that were treated with antibiotics.
• Aquatic animals like fish and shellfish are not allowed.
• For retail products, the label or sticker must show the name of the certifying agent (from the U.S. or EU).
• Labels can use the USDA Organic seal or the EU organic logo.
• Products must follow the labeling rules of the country they are being shipped to.

Is an import certificate required for EU certified products imported to the U.S.?

Yes. The certifier of the exporter  must complete a U.S. import certificate for all EU organic products entering the US  under the arrangement.

For OTCO-certified operators located in the U.S., the equivalency arrangement enables operators  to sell NOP organic products to a processor, handler or distributor exporting to the EU without further certification.

Are there restrictions for USDA NOP certified products exported to the EU?

Yes. Any product that is certified under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) and made or handled in the U.S. can be exported to EU countries. However, the following rules must be followed:

• The product must be shipped from a U.S. port, and all final handling and labeling must be done in the U.S.
• The product label must follow EU labeling rules.
• Each shipment must include a Certificate of Inspection (COI) made through the TRACES system.

If you have any questions or need an EU COI issued, please contact us at export@tilth.org.

What products are exempt from Equivalency Arrangement?

Personal care products (like lotions or shampoos) and pet food are not covered by the trade agreement. This means NOP certified personal care and pet food products can be labeled and sold as USDA Organic in the EU without needing export approval. However, they cannot use the EU organic logo on the label.

What do I need to know about exporting organic products to the EU from other countries?

If you are sending organic products to the EU and they are not made or shipped from the U.S., you may need to be certified to EU organic standards. This is true even if your company is based in the U.S. but your products come from another country. Additional restrictions may apply in these cases. Contact export@tilth.org for more information.

When should I get my product approved by OTCO for export?

It is important to start planning for exporting your product when you submit your product details  and label information to OTCO. Each country has specific requirements as part of their equivalency arrangements with the USDA National Organic Program that you will need to take into consideration. We’ll need to approve your product to ensure that it meets all export requirements. Letting us know that you plan to export your product when you add it to your certification will save you time and avoid costly delays later.

I am located in Mexico, how do I apply for EU organic certification?

For operators located in Mexico, it’s important to review the current Regulation (EU) 2018/848 which explains the rules for organic production and labeling in the EU.  This helps make sure your operation follows the correct standards. Your operation will receive an inspection based on these rules. If everything meets the requirements, you will receive an EU organic certificate. Forms are available in Spanish. 

The Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) is an online tool from the European Commission’s. It helps manage the health and safety rules for trade and imports of animals, food, feed, and plants within the EU.

Why and when did the online Certificate of Inspection (COI) system start?

Since October 19, 2017 the EU only accepts electronic export certificates, called Certificates of Inspection (COI) through their system called TRACES. This system is designed to make the import approval process faster and more reliable.

What are the supporting documents that are required for each COI?

Typical supporting documents include invoices, the packing list(s), and either a BOL (bill of lading) or AWB (airway bill) depending on how the product is being shipped.

Who can request a COI?

Importers and exporters can request a COI if they are registered as operators in the system.Importers and exporters can request a COI if they are registered as operators  in the TRACES system.

How do I get started in TRACES in order to request a COI?

To create a COI, OTCO clients need to be registered as organic producers and organic exporters in TRACES. First, create an account on EU Login. Then, request an access profile in TRACES NT. Learn more via the instructions on the TRACES NT website.

Is there anything I need to know to fill out the request form?

All products on the request form must match the wording on the organic certificate. For example, if you are shipping “strawberries” and your organic certificate says “frozen strawberries,” then “frozen strawberries” must be on the request form. In addition, TRACES has yet to create an electronic signature feature. A hard copy of the COI is required by customs until further notice.

How do I get a copy after the submission of my COI?

Please send an email with the COI number as the subject line to export@tilth.org and be sure to include:

• Destination address
• FedEx/UPS/DHL account number for billing purposes (if sending via UPS, please provide the zip code associated with the account to be billed)
• Supporting documents if not uploaded to the request form already. OTCO will provide the tracking number once the shipping label has been created