The production of ecological, organic, and bio foods may rely on the importation of fresh agricultural produce (fruits and vegetables) or processed goods where certifying their origin might be challenging. Detecting a non-organic ingredient in the manufacturing process will ruin everything. Authorities will prohibit labeling or selling, promotional campaigns will be canceled, and anticipated profits will turn into losses. Few import services can ensure the traceability of ecological foods that successfully pass all tests.
Knowing the main requirements of European legislation for the importation of fresh agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) and processed goods is the first step to comply with the regulations that importers of ecological, bio, and organic products are subject to. But first, given the confusion in the use of this terminology, it is advisable to clarify the similarities and differences between them.
Producing ecological, organic, and bio foods must guarantee traceability and pass relevant controls. Labeling a food as ecological without complying with European regulations can result in significant economic losses.
Ecological, Organic, and Bio Foods According to European Laws
Legally, European regulation does not distinguish between the three terms. The European Union (EU) ecological certification logo is applied to foods that meet the regulations. This seal is mandatory for pre-packaged products using terms related to ecological, biological, or organic production.
Ecological agricultural production and its control system are regulated by EU Regulations 834/2007 and 889/2008. Labels must indicate whether the origin of raw materials is EU Agriculture (European Union), non-EU Agriculture (third countries), or EU/non-EU Agriculture (from both sources).
Labeling ecological, organic, or bio foods is prohibited if they are not certified and subjected to relevant controls. In non-pre-packaged products, such as cereals, for example, the use of the ecological label is optional. According to European regulations, it is prohibited to use the logo on products that do not meet all the requirements of EU ecological agriculture. Producers wishing to certify their products with this seal must undergo annual controls to ensure that at least 95% of the raw materials used come from ecological agriculture.
Only when the producer and the manufacturer of by-products comply with European provisions and relevant controls can foods be marked with the EU organic seal. To verify compliance with regulations on ecological agricultural and livestock production, there are different independent entities that carry out periodic controls. This ensures that foods are free from chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, as well as guaranteeing the responsible use of natural resources.
Ecological, Organic, and Bio Foods in Practice
Although the official European seal certifying ecological production, EcoLabel, does not differentiate between ecological, organic, and bio foods, there are certain nuances in practice.
Organic Product
The term organic refers to the non-use of artificial chemicals or pesticides in its production, contributing to the preservation of natural resources. Producers working with the organic seal focus on maintaining soil fertility through crop rotation, caring for biodiversity, and the purity of groundwater.
Ecological Product
The ecological product has undergone an environmentally friendly production process, preserving natural resources, applying stringent standards on animal welfare, and using renewable resources.
Biological Product
The term biological is used to refer to products that have not undergone genetic manipulation in their production process. That is, producers with the biological seal undertake a natural selection process of species, respecting their reproductive cycles and preserving biodiversity.
The ecological, bio, and organic foods and spices we import from Asia comply with the requirements established by European regulations to ensure that no chemical pesticides have been used in their production, thus including ecological certification according to Regulation 834/2007 EU.
