Understanding the U.S.-UK Organic Equivalence Arrangement: Its Impact on Organic Product Trade Gain insights into the U.S.-UK organic equivalence arrangement and explore its crucial role in facilitating trade for organic products between the United States and the United Kingdom. Discover the benefits, regulations, and implications for businesses engaged in the organic market.
Topics covered
The organic market has experienced substantial growth worldwide, leading various nations to forge trade agreements that enhance the exchange of organic products. A significant example is the U.S.-UK organic equivalence arrangement, which allows certified organic products from both the United States and the United Kingdom to be recognized in each other’s markets.
This arrangement benefits producers and consumers who prioritize organic standards.
This agreement covers Great Britain, including England, Scotland, and Wales, along with Northern Ireland. Organic products certified under the standards set by either the USDA or the UK organic program may be marketed as organic in both regions, provided they comply with specific terms outlined in the arrangement.
Scope of the equivalence arrangement
The equivalence arrangement is specifically designed for trade between the U.S. and the UK, applying strictly to products certified under the respective organic regulations. For example, organic products exported from the U.S. to the UK must be certified under the USDA organic regulations and originate from or undergo final processing within the United States.
Conversely, UK products sent to the U.S. must adhere to UK organic standards and be produced or processed in the UK.
Permissible product categories
The arrangement encompasses a variety of products, including crops, wild crops, livestock, and processed products. However, certain stipulations apply. For instance, wine must be produced and labeled according to the organic regulations of the destination country.
Requirements for trade documentation
For U.S. organic exports to the UK, a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI) is mandatory for all organic goods entering from non-EU countries. Documentation requirements vary depending on whether the products are shipped to Great Britain or Northern Ireland. For Great Britain, a USDA-accredited certifying agent must issue a Great Britain COI before the products leave the U.S., which is then sent electronically to the UK Port Health Authority.
In contrast, shipments to Northern Ireland must comply with EU standards due to the Northern Ireland/Ireland Protocol. Thus, exports to Northern Ireland require an EU COI generated through the European Union’s Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES).
Handling U.S. imports of UK organic products
Labeling requirements for organic products
USDA organic products to the UK, it is essential that these products meet specific labeling requirements. Each retail product must display the name of the U.S. certifying agent and may include the USDA Organic seal, as the UK does not have its own organic logo. Additionally, labels must adhere to the codes assigned by the EU to each USDA-accredited certifying agent.
In the U.S., products certified as 100% organic can only be labeled as organic, since the UK does not have a specific category for 100% organic products. However, products with 70% to less than 95% organic content can indicate their organic percentage on the label without using the USDA organic seal.
Ensuring compliance and oversight
Organic Working Group. This group consists of experts from both countries who address any concerns that may arise.
