What the New EU Regulation 2024/2975 Means for Organic Imports: A Step Towards Greater Trust. ( Edition 476)
Anil Mathew Varghese
Organil Services (Registered Organic Food Regulatory Certification Consultancy/Training/Advisory/Assessment/ Accreditation Consultancy) Mobi # +91 8606551335
Imagine you’re an importer of organic products into the EU. You’ve done everything by the book, yet the market is buzzing with concerns about fraud and mislabeling. The latest Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2975, adopted on September 25, 2024, is here to tackle these challenges head-on. This regulation introduces new rules for importing high-risk organic and in-conversion products, aiming to safeguard the integrity of the organic label.
Let’s break it down so you can see how these changes might affect you and what they mean for the organic industry as a whole.
Why Was This Regulation Needed? Over the years, the demand for organic products in Europe has soared. But with that growth comes risk: cases of fraud, pesticide residues, and questionable supply chains have cropped up. Consumers are left wondering—can they really trust the “organic†label?
This new regulation aims to tighten the system. It puts a spotlight on high-risk products and demands greater accountability from everyone involved, from the farmers to the importers.
What’s Changing?
- Tougher Checks for High-Risk Products If your product falls into the “high-risk†category, be prepared for more thorough inspections. Certification bodies will be stepping up their game, checking your products with a fine-tooth comb.
- Clearer Supply Chains The EU wants to know exactly where your product comes from and how it gets here. You’ll need to provide detailed, transparent documentation that maps out every step of the journey.
- Extra Attention to In-Conversion Products For products transitioning to organic certification, there’s no cutting corners. You’ll need to prove that they meet every requirement, including stricter testing for banned substances.
- Stronger Rules for Exporting Countries If you’re sourcing from outside the EU, the exporting country must align closely with EU organic standards. Cooperation between the EU and these countries will also get tighter, with shared data on any non-compliance.
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How Does This Affect You?
- If you’re a certification professional: You’ll need to dig deeper into risk assessments and make sure your audits leave no room for error.
- If you’re an importer: Get ready to invest in better traceability systems and maintain impeccable records. Building strong relationships with your suppliers will also be key.
- If you’re a producer in a third country: Be prepared to meet higher standards and face stricter checks.
The Bigger Picture These changes aren’t just about adding red tape—they’re about restoring trust. When consumers see the EU organic label, they should feel confident that it represents high-quality, genuinely organic products.
Yes, the new rules might feel like extra work, but they also bring an opportunity. Businesses that adapt quickly and prove their commitment to transparency will stand out in the market.
What Should You Do Next? Start by reviewing your processes. Are your supply chains solid? Do you have the documentation to back up every claim? Invest in training your team to understand these new requirements, and don’t hesitate to lean on your certification body for guidance.
The EU’s new regulation is a bold step towards protecting the organic label we all rely on. For those of us in the industry, it’s a chance to step up and show that we’re serious about organic integrity. Yes, it’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to build a stronger, more trusted system—one that benefits everyone, from producers to consumers.