As the UK’s organic experts and the largest dedicated food and farming charity, we have compiled some key export information for organic businesses. We are here to support you in this period of change.
Exporting to the EU after December 31st, 2020
If equivalency between the UK and EU is not established by the end of 2020 UK certifiers must obtain European Commission (EC) approval under regulation EC1235/2008. This will be needed before their licensees can export from the UK, or a third country, to the EU.
All operators along the UK supply chain will need to be issued certification by a certifier who holds an approval under EC1235/2008 for the relevant product category.
Soil Association Certification has applied to extend existing EC1235/2008 approval to include the UK. All other UK organic certifiers are also understood to be progressing approval. We are working hard to secure this and are in regular contact with the EC to get confirmation as soon as possible. We expect to be informed of approval by the end of November 2020.
From 1st January 2021, the UK is expected to work to an organic regulation based on the current EU organic regulation (EC834/2007). Although the EU will move to a new EU Organic Regulation in 2022 (EC848/2018) it is anticipated that UK certifiers will continue to apply the existing EU regulation (EC834/2007) for a minimum of three years.