Deadline for EU organic logo

From July 1, 2012, is mandatory in the packaging and labeling of such products.

After the European Commission (EC) introduced the new organic logo for the European Union in July 2010, its use became mandatory in all organic products produced in the EU and packaged and labeled for sale.

At the same time, the EC changed the format of the certification codes. The code, as applied to certified products in the UK, changed from "Organic Certification GB 5" to "GB-ORG-05 '. From July 2010 its use became mandatory on all products certified under the standard in the United Kingdom.

For existing products and packaging, the EC has allowed a transition period. The packaging and labeling, which was designed before July 1 2010 without the new logo or certification code, may be used until July 1, 2012.

On the other hand, Soil Association said that products packaged, labeled and placed on the market before July 2010 without the new logo or certification code may continue to be sold while supplies last.

In relation to the Argentine market, Eng. Agr. Gabriel Berardinelli, OIA’s Certification Programs Manager, said: "It is important that Argentine organic farmers know that the logo is mandatory for European Union countries. Argentina, as a third country recognized, can use it if it is wished to export products to Europe".

Also, Berardinelli added: "In our country there is not a common seal to identify organic products, but the current regulations for organic production from Senasa (Resolution No. 423/92 SAGyP, 9 º) are very clear on how to label products and the minimum content to include. These include traceability and certification data itself enabled by the National Control Agency said".


Source: Certification News 75, Winter 2011, Soil Association