Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1398 serves as a formal update to the list of recognized control bodies authorized to certify organic products in third countries for import into the European Union. It ensures that only entities meeting the strict criteria of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 are permitted to issue organic certificates for products entering the EU market. This regulation effectively expands, modifies, or clarifies the operational scope of various international certification bodies across multiple jurisdictions.
### Structure and Main Provisions
The regulation is structured as an amendment to the Annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1378. Its primary function is to update the technical dossiers of recognized control bodies. The changes compared to previous versions include:
* **New Recognitions:** Six new control bodies (e.g., *Baltic Testing India Private Limited*, *ZENITH CERTIFICATIONS PRIVATE LIMITED*) have been granted recognition for specific product categories in designated third countries.
* **Scope Extensions:** Ten existing control bodies (e.g., *bio.inspecta AG*, *Control Union Certifications B.V.*) have had their operational scope expanded, allowing them to certify additional product categories or operate in new countries.
* **Scope Reductions:** Two control bodies (*Bio Latina Certificadora* and *Southern Cross Certified Australia Pty Ltd*) have requested and received a reduction in their scope of recognition, removing certain countries or product categories from their authorization.
### Key Provisions for Practical Application
For stakeholders involved in the import of organic goods, the following aspects are critical:
* **Operational Authorization:** The Annex provides a precise, country-by-country and category-by-category breakdown of what each control body is authorized to certify. Importers must verify that the specific product category (A through G) and the country of origin match the current authorization listed for the relevant control body.
* **Indefinite Duration:** The recognition granted to these bodies is for an indefinite duration, provided they continue to comply with the procedural requirements set out in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1698.
* **Exceptions:** The regulation includes specific “exceptions” marked with an “°” symbol. These refer to products already covered by existing bilateral trade agreements or equivalence arrangements, which are governed by separate provisions under Article 47 of Regulation (EU) 2018/848.
**:** This regulation directly impacts the certification landscape for organic imports from Ukraine. Specifically, the updated entries for *bio.inspecta AG* and *Organizacion Internacional Agropecuaria S.A.* confirm their continued and specific authorization to carry out controls and issue organic certificates for products originating from Ukraine. Importers of Ukrainian organic produce should ensure their documentation aligns with these updated authorizations to maintain compliance with EU import standards.
