Canadian Organic Control System recognized by European Commission

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 590/2011, published on June 20th, 2011, includes Canada in the list of third countries with Organic Production Rules and Control Systems equivalent to the European Union’s and approves new certification bodies for several Third Countries already listed. The Implementing Regulation amends Regulation (EU) 1235/2008 “laying down detailed rules for implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as regards the arrangements for imports of organic products from third countries”.

Canada submitted a request to the Commission to be included in the list for imports from Third Countries. The examination of the information submitted and the consequent discussion with the Canadian authorities, have led the European Commission to the conclusion that in Canada the rules governing production and controls of organic agricultural products are equivalent to those laid down in Regulation (EU) 834/2007. Canada has been listed for an unspecified period with 21 Control Bodies approved.

Costa Rican, Indian, Israeli, Japanese and Tunisian authorities have asked the Commission to include new control and certification bodies and have provided the Commission with all necessary guarantees that they meet the preconditions laid down in Regulation (EU) 834/2007. Furthermore the inclusion of Costa Rica and New Zealand has been prolonged for an unlimited period, as it expired on 30 June 2011. This amendment guarrantees that there will be no trade disruptions between European Union and these Countries.

The Regulation shall apply from 21 June 2011.

More information at http://www.dsorganic.com/organic-farming/eu-and-greek-regulations/eu-regulations/