A new system of electronic certification (e-certification) is being used to monitor organic products imported into the EU. Describing the e-certification system as pioneering, the European Commission said it will help enhance food safety provisions and reduce potential fraud.
In addition, the Commission said, it will reduce the administrative burden for operators and authorities while providing more comprehensive data on organic imports.
The electronic system entered into force in 19 April and will run in parallel with the existing paper-based system for six months. From 19 October 2017, organic imports will be covered only by e-certification.
Following recommendations from the European Court of Auditors and a request from Member States to address concerns about monitoring the movements of organic products and the consistency of import checks, the new rules are intended to improve the traceability of organic products and tackle fraud.
The e-certification system will be integrated into the existing electronic Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) which is used to track movements of food products across the EU.
Commenting on the new system, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, stressed the Union’s commitment to stringent certification and inspection measures as an important part of the EU’s food safety standards.
He added that the new rules will improve the traceability of organic products, which is an important growing market.
The legal basis of the new system is EU Regulation 2016/1842, which amends EC Regulation 1235/2008 as regards the electronic certificate of inspection for imported organic products and EC Regulation 889/2008 as regards the requirements for preserved or processed organic products and the transmission of information.
