This new regulation, according to the EU Commission, will ensure “fair competition for farmers while avoiding fraud and ensuring consumer assurance.” Due to the medical crisis, the EU Commission has issued a one-year delay in the implementation of the new rule EU 2018/848, which was originally set to begin on January 1, 2021, within the EU, i.e., January 1, 2022, but no later than December 31, 2024, outside the EU.

This is the core law, that will be expanded by secondary laws, some of it has already been issued by the European Commission, to specify and complete the regulation’s application.

Operators operating outside of the EU Union would have a period of transition from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024, to adjust their operations to the new rule. 

What modifications have occurred?

1. 1. Import regulations are strict

In the absence of an agreement assuring equivalence of the non-EU country’s organic specifications with the EU’s organic regulation, an organic product export will be regulated according to European criteria. In this instance, the laws will be the same for EU producers as they are for non-EU producers.

1. 2. The number of products qualified for organic certification is growing

2Salt, essential oils not meant for human utilization, natural gums and resins, cotton, raw skins and wool, silkworm cocoons and beeswax will all be able to be certified organic

1. 3. Some manufacturing and transformation rules have changed
   • For the cultivation of plants: The origins of the seeds and plants used were disclosed. Furthermore, farms will be required to plant legumes due to their function in soil fertility. It’s worth noting that soilless crops like hydroponics are still illegal.
   • For animal productions: the most notable changes are in the circumstances for producing poultry and pigs, with a greater focus on animal welfare in terms of building layout and outdoor spaces. Non-organic pullets are likewise prohibited from being fed or purchased.
   • Food processing: The most significant change is in the production and the use of flavorings. Only natural flavors with a 95% unique source (for example, “natural vanilla flavor”) will be permitted

1. 4. Labeling 

It is now possible to have more flexibility in terms of product origin. Products labeled “EU Agriculture” will be allowed to contain up to 5% of components outside the EU, rather than the current limit of 2%.

1. 5. Number of certifying bodies to be capped

A company that wants to certify a product category will only have to deal with one certification authority.

1. 6. Producer organizations in all nations are certified

All countries will now be able to certify producer groupings, which will be backed up by tighter controls. For example, the size of each farmland and the number of members of the group will be limited. The new regulation will almost certainly be amended again.

Reference: The future of organics | European Commission (europa.eu)