Organic Export Certificates

For more information, e-mail us or call (360) 902-1805.

Organic Export Certificates

Several foreign governments require specific documentation from a USDA Certification Agency before the organic product can enter the country.  WSDA Organic Food Program can provide these services to certified operations in order to facilitate the shipping of an organic product.

EUROPE
Certificate of Inspection (EC 1788/2001) and European Union Compliance Affidavits

Products entering the European Union must be certified according to European Standards (EEC 2092/91).  In addition, all shipments of organic products exported to the European Union must be accompanied by a European Community Certificate of Inspection (ECC 1788/2001).  This document identifies the certified producers and handlers of the products as well as the details of the shipment.  If an organic crop is used as an ingredient in another operation's product, a European Union Compliance Affidavit may be required to verify compliance of the crop before the shipment is approved.

JAPAN
USDA Export Certificate (TM-11) and Japan (JAS) Compliance Affidavits

On March 27, 2002, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered an arrangement with the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (MAFF).  This official recognition means that plant-based agricultural products from United States? Certified operations may be labeled or represented in Japan as organic, provided the products have not been produced with alkali-extracted humic acid, lignin sulfonate and potassium bicarbonate.  Although these substances are allowed under the U.S. organic standards, confirmation that the materials have not been applied to the product must be obtained prior to the shipping of products to Japan.

KOREA
Korea Export or Transaction Certificate for Processed Organic Products

The labeling requirements for processed organic products imported by Korea were updated in 2003 to more closely parallel organic labeling requirements in the U.S.  However, in order to clear Korean customs, a USDA accredited certifying agent, must first certify the processed product according to the National Organic Program and then provide an export certificate specific to the shipment of organic products.

Contact Brenda Book at (360) 902-2090, FAX (360) 902-2087, email: bbook@agr.wa.gov for export document forms or applications, or with questions regarding the requirements of exporting products to the foreign countries.