EU BIO Certification for Importers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Importing organic (BIO) food products into the European Union requires a structured certification process governed by Regulation (EU) 2018/848. This article outlines the key steps, documentation requirements, and control mechanisms that importers must follow.

Step 1: Register as an Organic Operator

Before importing organic products, you must register with the competent authority in your EU member state (in Germany: the Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung, BLE). Registration identifies your business as an operator in the organic supply chain.

Step 2: Select an Accredited Control Body

You must contract with an EU-recognised control body that will inspect your operations. In Germany, recognised bodies include Öko-Kontrollstellen such as DE-ÖKO-001 through DE-ÖKO-070. The control body will:

• Conduct an initial inspection of your premises and documentation systems
• Verify your ability to maintain organic integrity during storage and handling
• Issue your organic certificate upon successful inspection

Step 3: Ensure Third-Country Supplier Certification

Your supplier in the exporting country must also be certified by a control body recognised by the European Commission under Regulation 2018/848. The EU maintains a public list of recognised control bodies for third countries.

Step 4: Use TRACES NT for Import Certificates

TRACES NT (Trade Control and Expert System New Technology) is the EU’s mandatory digital platform for managing organic import certificates. For each shipment:

1. The exporting control body issues a Certificate of Inspection (COI) in TRACES NT
2. The COI is verified by the border control post upon arrival in the EU
3. The importing control body endorses the COI after verifying the consignment

Step 5: Maintain Traceability Records

As an importer, you must maintain complete traceability documentation including:

• Supplier organic certificates (valid and current)
• Certificates of Inspection for each consignment
• Purchase invoices, transport documents, and lot/batch numbers
• Records of any processing, re-packaging, or relabelling performed

Step 6: Annual Inspections

Your control body will conduct at least one annual inspection (announced or unannounced) and may perform additional risk-based inspections. Failure to comply can result in suspension or withdrawal of your organic certificate.

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