European Union

EEC Commission Regulation 2092/91 was first published in 1991, with several amendments adopted since then. The regulations currently cover food products of animal and plant origin, but not non-food products such as textiles and cosmetics.

Various mechanisms have been put in place under these regulations to control imports. Currently, to be designated as organic in the EC, products must either:

• Come from a third country in which the organic inspection system has been recognized as equivalent by the Commission. Currently, seven countries are so recognized under Regulation 94/92: Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, India, Israel, Switzerland and New Zealand.
  
• Obtain import authorization from the competent authority of a Member State. During customs clearance, products must be accompanied by the original Certificate of Inspection issued by the competent inspection authority or body, as specified under EC Regulation 1788/2001.

As announced in December 2006, the Council of Europe is about to adopt new regulations to replace Regulation 2092/91, which will result in modifications to existing mechanisms. However, new mechanisms will not be implemented until the publication of application rules for import requirements. Until then, the requirements stipulated in Regulation 2092/91 will continue to apply.

Links

Commission Regulation (EEC) No. 94/92:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic/imports/pdf/ecreg94-92.pdf

Commission Regulation (EEC) No. 1788/2001:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic/imports/pdf/ecreg1788.pdf

Commission Regulation (EEC) No. 1991/2006 (as amended December 2006):
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2007/l_027/l_02720070202en00110014.pdf