The European Commission announced on Wednesday 19 October that an implementing regulation had been adopted amending Regulation 1235/2008 with regard to electronic certification of inspection for imported organic products. The text was published in the Official Journal of the EU, dated 19 October.
Following recommendations from the Court of Auditors and a request from member state ministers in 2011 to address concerns about monitoring the movements of organic products and the consistency of import checks, the new rules, which will come into effect in six months’ time, are aimed at improving the traceability of organic products (thereby enhancing food safety provisions) and reducing potential fraud.
The changes are also expected to reduce the administrative burden for operators and authorities, and provide much more comprehensive statistical data on organic imports.
Practices on checking organics products prior to their release for free circulation vary from one member state to another. The text clarifies the types of checks that have to be carried out on consignments of products. The new rules, which seek to improve consumer confidence in these products, which are enjoying a surge in popularity, will require the addition of electronic inspection certificates in the Trade Control & Expert System (TRACES). The aim is to check that the inspection certificate is in line with the customs declaration. From October 2017, organic imports will be covered only by e-certification. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)