Organic equivalency arrangements with other countries

Equivalency arrangements are trade agreements made with other countries. Canada only establishes an organic equivalency arrangement with another country after assessing and comparing the 2 regulatory systems, including the standards, to determine whether the principles and outcomes achieved are consistent.

Equivalency determination allows 2 differing standards, regulations or procedures to remain as is (in each country) but treats them as if they are the same as long as they achieve the same results and policy objectives even if through different means. An import-export arrangement that deems both the foreign country's conformity assessment system, as well as its standards, as being equivalent to requirements of the domestic regulations would be considered an equivalency arrangement. Under an equivalency arrangement an imported product would be certified through the foreign country's conformity assessment system to the foreign standards and to the terms of the equivalency arrangement (respecting the variances where applicable) and would be considered to meet the importing country's requirements.

Process used to determine organic equivalency

Equivalency is determined by assessing and comparing 2 regulatory systems, including the standards, to determine whether the principles and outcomes achieved are equivalent. Elements that are assessed include:

• regulations
• accreditation criteria
• certification criteria
• standards, and
• monitoring and enforcement activities

Variances are identified and advice and input are sought from industry on the significance of variations found in the respective standards. Each government takes this input into consideration while determining if the foreign organic regime can be deemed equivalent.

Should either government identify a critical variance that cannot be resolved, it will become an exception. An import-export arrangement that contains exceptions would partially deem the foreign country's conformity assessment and standards as equivalent to the domestic requirements. If the foreign country's conformity assessment system and its standards are deemed only partially equivalent, then the exceptions would be outlined in the arrangement and the certification would have to meet the requirements of the arrangement.

The process to reach an equivalency arrangement with another country is outlined in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) procedure for organic equivalency determination and on-going monitoring of the existing arrangements.

The CFIA verifies the effectiveness of the organic equivalency arrangements by conducting peer reviews. The approach followed by the CFIA is outlined in the CFIA peer review procedure related to the Canada Organic Regime (COR).

Imported organic products

Organic products imported from countries with whom Canada has established an equivalency arrangement must be certified by a body accredited by that foreign country and recognized by Canada. These products may bear the Canada Organic Logo.

All food sold in Canada, whether domestic or imported, must also comply with the Food and Drugs Act and regulations, and the Safe Food for Canadians Act and regulations.

Equivalency arrangements currently in place with Canada

Costa Rica

• Overview
• Letters exchanged
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency peer review of Costa Rica's organic system – 2018

European Union

• Overview
• Letters exchanged
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency peer review of EU Organic System – 2019

Japan

• Overview
• Letters exchanged
• Statement: Canada and Japan expand organic equivalency to include livestock products

Mexico

• Overview: Canada Mexico Organic Equivalency Arrangement (CMOEA)
• Letters exchanged: Memorandum of Understanding Between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Secretariat for Agriculture and Rural Development of the United Mexican States for the Recognition of Organic Products Equivalence
• Statement: Canada and the Mexico reach arrangement for trade of organic food
• Technical Working Group – Terms of Reference

South Korea

• Overview
• Letters exchanged

Switzerland

• Overview
• Letters exchanged
• Technical Working Group – Terms of reference
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency peer review report on Switzerland's organic system – 2017

Taiwan

• Overview
• Letters exchanged
• Statement: Canada and Taiwan Reach arrangement for trade of organic

United Kingdom

• Overview
• Letters exchanged
• Statement: Canada and the United Kingdom reach arrangement for trade of organic food
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency peer review report on UK's organic system - 2022

United States

• Overview
• Documentation requirements for imported organic products under the USCOEA
• Letters exchanged
• Steering Committee – Terms of reference
• Technical Working Group – Terms of reference
• Peer review reports