What is EU Organic (2018/848)?
Regulation (EU) 2018/848 is the main legal act governing organic production and the marketing of organic products in the European Union. It sets production rules, control systems, and transparency requirements to protect the EU organic market and consumer confidence.
The rules cover the whole supply chain: organic plant, animal, and aquaculture production; processing; storage; transport; and import of organic products from non-EU countries, where additional conditions and recognition of control bodies may apply.
Why does EU Organic matter?
- Single market access: Products that meet Regulation (EU) 2018/848 can be placed on the EU market as organic in line with labeling rules, including use of the EU organic logo where applicable.
- Robust control system: Member States designate competent authorities and approved control bodies; operators are subject to regular inspections, traceability, and documented compliance across the supply chain.
- Third countries and trade: Imports of organic products follow specific EU rules, including control-body recognition and equivalence where agreed, to preserve the integrity of organic products sold in the EU.
Who is in scope?
The regulation applies to operators who produce, prepare, store, distribute, or import products labeled or marketed as organic in the EU, within the product categories covered by the act and its delegated acts.
- Primary producers and operators in crop, livestock, and aquaculture activities covered by the rules
- Processors and manufacturers handling food or feed marketed as organic
- Importers and other operators subject to official controls and certification obligations under EU organic law
Certification Process
Under EU law, control bodies and competent authorities verify compliance with organic production and processing requirements. At East West Inspect, we support operators by auditing against applicable standards and helping align documentation and operations with control expectations. A typical certification cycle includes the following steps:
- Application and Pre-evaluation: Receiving business application, planning transition period, and signing contract.
- On-site Inspection: On-site inspection of the facility by control officer and examination of production records.
- Reporting and Decision: Evaluation of control reports and certification decision.
- Annual Inspections: Conducting annual inspections and updating records for certification continuity.
Build trust in the EU organic market
Clear rules and competent controls underpin the EU organic label. We help operators understand requirements, prepare for inspections, and maintain compliance as regulations and business activities evolve.