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FAQ > Organic food and Products - Frequently Asked Questions - Organic Link - ITC

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the organic sector. This includes definitions about organic farming and products, questions on certification and labelling, standards and regulations, market access and market information.

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# Title
General Topics
1 What is certified organic products?
2 What is organic farming?
3 What is the difference between organic and other kinds of farming?
Inspection and Certification
4 How can a local certification body receive recognition in international markets, thus providing market access for local exporters?
5 How can a local or national certification body be established?
6 How can I obtain certification in a developing country?
7 How will I know if a certification body is accredited so that my products can be sold as organic in relevant markets?
8 Is a certification label a trademark?
9 What does an inspection of an organic unit entail?
10 What is accreditation?
11 What is certification of organic products?
12 What is required in order for me to obtain certification?
13 What is the price of certification?
14 Where can I get more information about inspection and certification of organic units?
15 Who carries out certification of organic products?
16 Why is accreditation needed?
17 Why is certification needed?
Labeling
18 Can a label indicating organic quality be trusted?
19 What are the rules for labeling of organic products in main international markets?
20 What does an organic label look like?
21 What does an organic label tell about the product?
Market Access
22 How can I become eligible for labeling my product “organic” in Japan?
23 How can I become eligible for labeling my product “organic” in the United States?
24 How can I become eligible to label my product “organic” in the European Union?
25 How do I obtain import clearance?
26 Once certified organic, are there then other requirements that I have to comply with in order to gain international market access?
27 What is EUREP-GAP?
28 Which are the specific grade and quality standards?
29 Which are the specific phytosanitary import requirements?
30 Which are the specific requirements regarding content of contaminants?
Market Information
31 Is there a price premium on organic products?
32 Where can I get information on markets for organic products?
33 Where can I meet potential buyers?
34 Where can I obtain information on prices?
Organic Production and Handling
35 Are genetically modified organisms allowed in organic farming?
36 Are non-organic seeds allowed in organic farming?
37 Is ionizing radiation allowed in organic farming?
38 What is a conversion period?
39 Which ingredients and processing aids are allowed in organic processing and processed products?
40 Which inputs are allowed in organic animal husbandry?
41 Which inputs for fertilization and crop protection are allowed in organic farming?
Standards and Regulations
42 Can beekeeping products be certified organic?
43 Can wild harvested products be certified organic?
44 What is the difference between organic farming standards and regulations?
45 Where can I get assistance in formulation of standards and regulations?
46 Where can I get information on organic farming regulations and/or standards applicable in various markets?