1. The EU-US organic equivalence arrangement
Herman Van Boxem European Commission DG AGRI.H3
BioFach, 17 February 2012

2. Equivalence? in describing different systems or measures
“Equivalent”
in describing different systems or measures
means that they are capable of meeting the same
objectives and principles by applying rules which
ensure the same level of assurance of conformity.

3. Common list of differences
Process
Analysis
Technical dialogue
Common list of differences
Review on the spot
Substantial issues
Resolved
Not resolved

4. Arrangement Synchronisation US EU Assessment of EU Assessment of US
Determines equivalency of EU EU
Assessment of US
Includes US on EU list of Third Countries

5. Substantial issues… EU about US US about EU Chilean nitrate GMO
Antibiotics fruit
Animal feed
Manure
US about EU
Oversight
List of veterinary drugs
Antibiotics in livestock
Animal feed

6. … US issues resolved (1) Chilean nitrate phasing out GMO testing
Antibiotics fruit additional certification
Animal feed methionine: less & phasing out
Manure soil and water protection

7. … EU issues resolved (2) Oversight OK + increase
Veterinary drugs evaluation by EU
Antibiotics livestock additional certification
Animal feed phase out of
non-organic 5%

8. Substantial common issues
Origin
Acceptance of each others imports
Scope
Aquaculture not yet in arrangement
Wine to be reviewed once EU has published its rules
Import certificates
Required for trade in both directions
Labelling
Rules of destination country apply

9. Technical cooperation agreement
Third country recognition
Animal health
Standard setting
Controls

10. Outcomes – from 1.6.2012 Export from EU to US
can be certified by all EU CBs
New US import certificate
Export from US to EU
can be certified by all US CBs
no import authorisations required anymore
Normal EU import certificate

11. Essentials 10 years Huge effort
Process needs confidentiality and trust
Major step forward
Recognition of each others achievements
Imports based on the respect of the exporting country’s rules
Technical cooperation = key for the future