Electronic certification for more food security on imports of organic products from the EU
Since last Wednesday, April 19th, the implementation of a new electronic certification system has entered into force that will allow a more complete monitoring of imports of organic products, making the EU a world leader in traceability and data collection reliable information on trade in these products.
This pioneering system will contribute to strengthening food security provisions and reducing possible fraud
It will also reduce the administrative burden on operators and administrations and provide much more detailed statistical data on imports of organic products.
During a transition period of six months, certificates in both printed and electronic format will be used. As from 19th October 2017, imports of organic products may only be carried out under cover of electronic certificates.
In the words of EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan: “Our commitment to rigorous certification and inspection measures is an important component of EU food safety standards. These comprehensive rules have enabled us to take first place in world food, but we must continue to look for new and better ways to make further progress in this area. The new rules will increase the traceability of organic products, for which there is a significant growing market. “
In practice, the changes will require the incorporation of these import certificates into the integrated computerized veterinary system (TRACES), the current EU electronic system for tracking movements of food products across the EU. The TRACES system, which is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, has been shown to facilitate trade, enabling trading partners and competent administrations to easily obtain information on their shipments movements and speed up administrative procedures. It has also proved to be a valuable tool to be able to react quickly to health threats by tracking shipments movements and facilitating the risk management of rejected items.
On 14th October 2016, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1842, amending Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008, as regards the electronic control certificate for Imported organic products and other items and Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 as regards the requirements to be met by processed or preserved organic products and the transmission of information.
Source: European Commission
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