The EU has modified its control system for high-risk organic and in-conversion products imported from non-EU countries. The new regulation introduces a more flexible approach to product inspections while ensuring compliance with EU organic standards.
Key changes include:
- Sampling rates for high-risk products can now be set below 100%, with different rates possible for checks in origin countries versus EU border controls
- A new listing system pairs specific high-risk products with their source countries and mandates particular percentages for identity and physical inspections
- The previous systematic checking requirement has been replaced with variable control frequencies
- Control procedures are now harmonized between authorities in non-EU countries and EU member states
The regulation updates two existing EU laws: 2021/1698 (concerning high-risk products and countries listing) and 2021/2306 (regarding physical checks and sampling). The changes primarily affect Article 8 of Regulation 2021/1698, which deals with the classification of high-risk products and their source countries.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2975 of 25 September 2024 amending Delegated Regulations (EU) 2021/1698 and (EU) 2021/2306 as regards the import into the Union of high-risk organic and in-conversion products
This Regulation amends the EU rules regarding the control of high-risk organic and in-conversion products imported from third countries. It introduces more flexible control mechanisms for such products, allowing for reduced frequency of physical checks and sampling while maintaining effective oversight of product compliance with EU organic standards.The Regulation modifies two previous regulations: (EU) 2021/1698 and (EU) 2021/2306. The key structural changes include the revision of Article 8 of Regulation 2021/1698 regarding the listing of high-risk products and countries, and amendments to provisions about physical checks and sampling requirements in both regulations.The main provisions include:
- Introduction of variable sampling rates for high-risk products, which can be lower than 100% and may differ between controls in third countries and EU Member States
- Creation of a system where high-risk products will be listed together with their countries of origin and specific required percentages for identity and physical checks
- Modification of systematic checking requirements to allow for more flexible control frequencies while maintaining effective oversight
- Alignment of control requirements between control authorities in third countries and EU Member States’ competent authorities
