Imports from Third Countries

The import of organic and in-conversion products from third countries into the European Union is governed strictly by Articles 45 to 49 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848, alongside detailed implementing rules. To be placed on the EU market and labelled as organic:

• The product must fully comply to the exact same production and processing rules as EU farmers and processors.
• Alternatively, the product may be imported if it originates from a third country officially recognised under a bilateral trade agreement as possessing a system of production that meets the same general objectives and principles by applying rules ensuring an equivalent level of conformity assurance.

Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2325 (as amended), the European Commission maintains the official list of recognised third countries whose production systems and control measures are accepted as equivalent. 

The listings within this regulation provide all necessary administrative details, specify the exact product categories covered by the rules, and detail the competent authorities or control bodies authorised to handle organic certification in each respective third country. 

For more info: Agreements on trade in organic products - Agriculture and rural development

Certificate of Inspection (COI) for Imports

Every single consignment of organic products imported into the EU from a third country must be accompanied by an official Certificate of Inspection (COI).

The COI must be issued by the relevant third-country control authority or body before the consignment leaves the country of export. Compliance, closure of packaging, and the validity of the certificate are strictly verified by competent border authorities at official EU border control posts.

Back to Organic foodstuffs.