How does the entry into force of Brexit affect organic products?

On January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom will cease to be a member state of the European Union. How will this decision affect organic products?

The production rules will remain the same, what changes is the export / import system. As of January 1, 2021, the commercialization of products to Great Britain will be considered an export (outside the EU) and the British who buy product will have to carry out the processing as product importers.

Will the regulations for importing organic products remain the same?

Yes, the rules for organic products imported from third countries will remain the same as now, but they will use a provisional paper-based import system. Imports from Great Britain will require GB Certificate of Inspection (COI).

The requirement to produce a COI will not apply to organic products from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland until July 1, 2021.

Northern Ireland will continue to use the EU TRACES NT system to import organic products.