How is Organic Product Certification done?

In the European Union, the basic legislative framework is set by Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products.

But how does the process work in practice?

1. Joining the control system

The first essential step for a professional wishing to engage in organic production is to join the control system provided for.

Depending on the activity, this may be agricultural or livestock production, processing, storage, marketing, import or any other activity falling within the scope of the legislation.

2. Recording the activity

In order to be able to carry out effective control, it must be clear what exactly the business does.

For a farmer, for example, information on the land parcels and crops may be required.

In a processing or trading company, respectively, the facilities, raw materials, products, suppliers and related processes are of interest.

Correct and up-to-date record-keeping is therefore particularly important.

3. Inspection

Auditing is a central part of the process.

During the inspection, the compliance of the activity with the requirements applicable in each case is examined.

Depending on the type of company, the audit may include facilities, plots of land, crops, storage areas, purchase and sales records, inputs, documents and other elements necessary to verify compliance.

4. Traceability

A particularly important part of the system is the ability to link products with the relevant production and distribution data.

The company must have appropriate records so that the origin and distribution of its products can be documented.

Traceability contributes substantially to protecting the integrity of the organic chain.

5. Evaluation of results

After the audit, the findings are evaluated and the relevant requirements are examined.

If deviations or non-compliances are identified, these are dealt with in accordance with the applicable procedures and requirements of the control system.

6. Certification

When the required conditions are met, certification provides documentation that the specific activity and/or the relevant products are covered by the organic control system in accordance with the applicable framework.

The European Commission points out that the European organic production logo can only be used on products that have been certified by an authorized control authority or body and that meet the relevant requirements.

Certification is a continuous process

Certification should not be treated as a one-off process.

The company must continue to apply the requirements of organic production, maintain the necessary records and be subject to the prescribed controls.

This is precisely what gives value to the “organic” label: behind it there is a system of rules and verification designed to maintain consumer confidence and the fair functioning of the market.