Exporting certified organic products to Europe has just gotten easier for Canadian producers

2011-07-19

Canada and the European Union have completed negotiations (view press release) that will allow both countries to accept the other’s organic certification on imported products. Consumers and producers from both countries will benefit from this mutually recognized certification as it will mean easier access to a greater number of organically certified products.

Two National Standards of Canada, approved by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and developed by the Canadian General Standards Board, were instrumental in ensuring EU recognition of Canadian organic products. The standards, which detail the certification criteria for allowing food products to be certified as organic, are Organic Production Systems – General Principles and Management Standards (CAN/CGSB 32.310), and Organic Production Systems — Permitted Substances List (CAN/CGSB 32.311). Both are available at the Standards Store.

Organizations that wish to certify products as organic under Canada’s Organic Regime must be accredited by a conformity verification body. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has selected the SCC to be such an organization.

• More information on SCC’s product and service certification program